Updated Nov 2, 2026· 12 min read

Key takeaways

  • Choose the R2 for its faster maximum speed, added convenience features, and greater flexibility between walking and running.

  • Consider the R1 Pro when you prefer a lighter treadmill, find a suitable older unit, or already own one that meets your workout needs.

  • Look beyond both models if you need a longer running deck, incline adjustment, or a more substantial treadmill for frequent running sessions.

The walking pad r1 vs r2 comparison comes down to a fairly simple trade-off: the R1 Pro is lighter, while the R2 offers a higher top speed and more convenient design features. Both are foldable 2-in-1 treadmills intended for home walking and running, with similar running surfaces, weight capacities, and control options. For most new buyers in the United States, the R2 is the more versatile choice. However, the R1 Pro can still make sense for someone who prioritizes easier repositioning or already owns one.

One naming detail matters before comparing specifications: WalkingPad’s official product comparison identifies the older model as the R1 Pro. This article uses the R1 Pro as the R1 reference because it is the version directly compared with the R2 in the manufacturer’s current product information. Buyers looking at an older machine labeled only R1 should verify its exact model and specifications.

Walking pad R1 vs R2: Quick answer

The WalkingPad R2 is the better option for most people who want one compact treadmill for both walking and faster workouts. It reaches a listed maximum speed of 7.5 mph, compared with approximately 6.2–6.5 mph for the R1 Pro. It also adds a more developed handrail design, a phone holder, and convenient storage for smaller accessories.

The R1 Pro has one practical advantage: its lower machine weight. The official R1 Pro product page lists it at 73 pounds, compared with 81 pounds on the current U.S. R2 product page. That difference can matter when you regularly move the treadmill between rooms or reposition it for storage.

Neither model is a major step above the other in basic walking functionality. Their running areas are approximately 47 inches long and 17 inches wide, their folding dimensions are close, and both support app, remote, and FootSense controls.

The simplest recommendation is:

  • Choose the R2 for its faster maximum speed, added convenience features, and greater flexibility between walking and running.

  • Consider the R1 Pro when you prefer a lighter treadmill, find a suitable older unit, or already own one that meets your workout needs.

  • Look beyond both models if you need a longer running deck, incline adjustment, or a more substantial treadmill for frequent running sessions.

WalkingPad R1 Pro vs R2 comparison table

Feature WalkingPad R1 Pro WalkingPad R2
Maximum speed 6.2–6.5 mph, depending on official listing 7.5 mph
Running area 47.2 × 17.3 inches Approximately 47 × 17 inches
Weight capacity 243 lbs Approximately 240 lbs
Net machine weight 73 lbs 81 lbs
Folded dimensions 39 × 28 × 6 inches 39 × 28 × 6 inches
Motor 1.25 HP brushless, according to product page Brushless; published horsepower figures conflict
Speed adjustment App, FootSense, remote App, FootSense, remote
Handrail Adjustable and foldable Adjustable and foldable
Phone holder Not listed as a standard feature Included
Folding design 180-degree folding 180-degree folding
Assembly Fully assembled Fully assembled

Specifications are based primarily on the manufacturer’s individual product pages and current U.S. comparison information. Some published figures vary between official listings, particularly the R1 Pro’s maximum speed and the R2’s motor rating. The values should be checked against the exact regional model before purchase.

Speed and workout flexibility

Speed is the most important functional difference between these two walking pads.

R1 Pro: Enough speed for walking and moderate jogging

The R1 Pro has a listed maximum speed of 6.5 mph in its technical specifications. However, the descriptive section of its official product page gives a running speed of 6.2 mph.

That inconsistency is worth acknowledging rather than treating one number as unquestionably correct.

Either figure indicates that the R1 Pro is primarily suited to walking, brisk walking, and moderate jogging. It can accommodate users who want to move beyond slow under-desk walking without needing a conventional full-size treadmill.

The adjustable handrail is important here. Lowering it allows the machine to function as a walking pad, while raising it provides a more traditional treadmill configuration for faster exercise.

For someone who mainly wants to accumulate daily steps, the R1 Pro’s maximum speed should be sufficient. Its limitations become more relevant when workouts regularly involve faster running or changes in pace.

R2: More room for faster running

The R2 offers a maximum listed speed of 7.5 mph. That gives it a noticeable advantage over the R1 Pro when users want to incorporate jogging and faster running into their home workouts.

The higher speed ceiling also provides more room to progress. Someone starting with regular walking can gradually increase workout intensity without immediately reaching the machine’s maximum setting.

However, a higher maximum speed does not automatically make the R2 suitable for every runner.

Its running surface remains approximately 47 × 17 inches. That is a relatively compact deck compared with the running area of a conventional treadmill. Users with longer strides or those who prefer substantial room for faster running should pay attention to the available belt length and width.

The R2 is therefore better understood as a flexible home walking-and-jogging machine rather than a replacement for a dedicated running treadmill.

Which speed range matters for everyday use?

The difference matters most when you actually plan to use the additional speed.

For example, someone who walks while working at a standing desk is unlikely to benefit much from a 7.5 mph maximum. Their more important considerations are the walking-mode controls, machine footprint, and ability to store the treadmill.

Someone who alternates between walking and jogging has a stronger reason to choose the R2. It offers more speed flexibility without changing to a substantially larger machine.

The R2 wins this category, but its advantage is specific to exercise intensity rather than everyday walking convenience.

Running surface, weight capacity, and folding design

The two machines are surprisingly similar in their basic physical design.

Both use a folding deck that allows the treadmill to be stored when it is not being used. Instead of dedicating an entire room to a permanent treadmill setup, owners can fold the machine and reposition it using its transport wheels.

Running surface

The R1 Pro has an officially listed running area of 47.2 × 17.3 inches.

The current U.S. R2 listing rounds its running area to approximately 47 × 17 inches. Older official product information lists 47.2 × 17.3 inches for the R2 as well.

In practical terms, these are nearly identical dimensions.

Neither model offers a meaningful advantage in running space. If you are comfortable with a relatively compact deck, both can serve as walking and jogging machines. However, buyers with long strides should consider whether the available surface allows them to move naturally without constantly adjusting their position.

The R2’s additional speed should not be confused with a larger running platform.

Weight and repositioning

This is where the R1 Pro has a small but useful advantage.

The official R1 Pro product page lists a net weight of 73 pounds. The current U.S. R2 comparison information lists approximately 81 pounds, although another KingSmith product listing gives 79 pounds.

Using the current U.S. comparison figure, the R2 is approximately 8 pounds heavier.

That difference does not make the R1 Pro effortless to carry. Neither treadmill is particularly lightweight, and moving either one up stairs or across an awkward storage area can still require significant effort.

However, the R1 Pro is the more appealing option when repositioning weight is a priority.

For buyers who unfold the treadmill in one fixed room and only move it occasionally, the R2’s additional weight is unlikely to be a deciding disadvantage.

Folded storage

Both machines have very similar published folded dimensions:

  • R1 Pro: approximately 39 × 28 × 6 inches.

  • R2: approximately 39 × 28 × 6 inches.

This means neither provides a significant advantage when comparing the basic folded footprint.

Before purchasing either model, measure the space where you intend to store it. Pay attention to the available opening beneath furniture, the height of the folded machine, and the room required to move it into position.

Also consider where the treadmill will stand during use. A treadmill that fits underneath a bed when folded might still occupy substantial floor space when fully opened.

The R2’s more convenient features do not make it substantially smaller than the R1 Pro.

Handrail, controls, and convenience features

Although the two machines share the same basic layout, the R2 introduces several refinements that make daily use more convenient.

Adjustable handrail and two workout modes

Both models have an adjustable handrail that allows users to switch between walking-pad and treadmill configurations.

With the handrail lowered, each machine can be used for walking. Raising it changes the setup for faster exercise.

This is an important distinction for people shopping for an under-desk treadmill.

The R1 Pro and R2 are not simply flat walking pads. Their handrail design gives them more flexibility for home workouts, although you still need to consider the clearance around your desk and whether the lowered configuration fits your intended workspace.

Neither model should be purchased on the assumption that its handrail will make every workout suitable for a small desk area. Measure the available room with the machine in both configurations.

FootSense, remote, and app control

Both models support three speed-adjustment methods:

  • Remote control for manual speed adjustment.

  • KS Fit app control and workout information.

  • FootSense automatic speed adjustment based on the user’s position on the walking belt.

FootSense is intended to make walking more convenient by adjusting speed according to where the user stands. Moving toward the front increases speed, remaining near the middle maintains the pace, and moving toward the rear reduces speed.

This gives both machines a hands-free walking option.

However, automatic control may take some practice, particularly for people who are new to this style of treadmill. Beginners should become familiar with the controls at a low speed before relying on automatic adjustment.

WalkingPad’s official FAQ also states that the R Series requires the handrail to be lowered before using automatic mode.

Since both machines offer similar control methods, the R2 does not provide a decisive advantage here.

Phone holder and accessory storage

The R2’s more noticeable everyday upgrade is its phone holder.

It includes a dedicated place for a phone or tablet near the handrail. It also provides more convenient storage for the remote and safety key.

These changes sound minor, but they address a practical issue with compact home exercise equipment: accessories can easily become separated from the machine when everything is folded and moved.

The R1 Pro offers the essential controls and displays workout information through its display and KS Fit app. However, its official product information does not identify the same dedicated phone-holder arrangement found on the R2.

For people who regularly listen to podcasts, watch videos, or follow workout information on a phone, the R2’s arrangement is more convenient.

It is not a reason by itself to replace an otherwise functional R1 Pro, but it makes the newer model more polished as an everyday home treadmill.

Walking pad R1 vs R2: Which should you choose?

The right choice depends more on your workout habits and storage requirements than on the model number.

Choose the WalkingPad R1 Pro if you prioritize a lighter machine

The R1 Pro makes sense for someone who values a relatively lightweight folding treadmill and does not need the R2’s additional speed.

Its approximately 73-pound net weight is lower than the current U.S. R2 listing. That can be useful when moving the treadmill between a home office, bedroom, or living area.

It is also a reasonable choice for existing owners. Upgrading simply because the R2 has a phone holder and different styling is difficult to justify when the older treadmill already provides the walking and jogging functionality you need.

The main challenge for new buyers is availability. The official KingSmith R1 Pro product listing checked for this comparison was marked out of stock.

Buy If: You already own the R1 Pro, find an appropriately priced unit, or value a lighter machine more than faster running.

Skip If: You need a higher speed ceiling, want the R2’s phone holder, or expect substantial improvements in running space.

Choose the WalkingPad R2 if you want more workout flexibility

The R2 is the more versatile option for someone purchasing a new WalkingPad hybrid treadmill.

Its 7.5 mph maximum speed provides more room for jogging and faster running. Its phone holder and accessory storage also make it more convenient for regular home use.

The overall platform remains compact, so it does not solve every limitation of a small folding treadmill. Nevertheless, it combines the same general space-saving concept with a more flexible speed range.

The R2 is also listed in WalkingPad’s current U.S. product catalog, making it the more straightforward model to investigate when shopping for a new unit.

Buy If: You want walking and jogging in one machine, value a higher maximum speed, and appreciate the additional storage and phone-holder features.

Skip If: You need a lighter machine, a much larger running surface, incline adjustment, or a treadmill designed primarily for intensive running.

Consider another treadmill if neither meets your requirements

The R1 Pro and R2 are not ideal for every home workout.

Their compact decks are the main limitation. A user who expects to run regularly at faster speeds may prefer a conventional treadmill with a larger running surface and a more substantial frame.

Incline training is another important consideration. WalkingPad’s official FAQ states that its foldable machines do not provide incline or decline adjustment.

If hill workouts are part of your regular training plan, neither model offers that functionality.

Likewise, users who require a weight capacity substantially above approximately 240 pounds should look at alternative machines with a higher verified capacity.

The R2 is the better of these two for versatility, but that does not mean it is the right treadmill for every type of training.

Frequently asked questions

Is the WalkingPad R2 better than the R1 Pro?

The R2 is better for users who want a higher maximum speed and additional convenience features. The R1 Pro is lighter and remains suitable for people whose workouts consist mainly of walking and moderate jogging.

Neither has a meaningful advantage in running-deck dimensions.

Can the WalkingPad R1 Pro and R2 both be used for running?

Yes. Both are designed as 2-in-1 walking and running treadmills. Their handrails can be raised for the treadmill configuration.

Users should attach the safety key and follow the instructions for the relevant model before running. They should also ensure that the machine’s relatively compact running surface is appropriate for their stride.

Does the WalkingPad R2 have a wider belt than the R1 Pro?

No meaningful width advantage is established by the official specifications. Both have a running area of approximately 47 × 17 inches.

The published measurements differ slightly because of rounding and regional product information, not because the R2 is clearly a wider-deck upgrade.

Does either WalkingPad model have incline adjustment?

No. WalkingPad’s official FAQ states that its foldable treadmill designs do not offer incline or decline adjustment.

Buyers who specifically want hill walking or incline running should choose a different treadmill category.

Should existing R1 Pro owners upgrade to the R2?

Not necessarily.

The R2 offers more speed and convenient design improvements, but the underlying walking-and-running concept, folding arrangement, and approximate running surface remain similar.

An upgrade is more worthwhile when the owner regularly needs the extra speed or finds the R2’s phone holder and accessory storage genuinely useful.

Conclusion

The WalkingPad R2 is the better overall choice for most new buyers who want a compact treadmill that supports both walking and faster exercise. Its 7.5 mph maximum speed, phone holder, and updated accessory storage give it practical advantages over the R1 Pro.

The R1 Pro remains relevant for users who prefer a lighter machine or already own one that meets their needs. Its running surface, folding dimensions, and basic controls remain competitive with the newer model.

Ultimately, the R2 is an upgrade in speed and convenience rather than a dramatic improvement in running space. Buyers who need serious running performance, incline training, or a larger deck should consider a different treadmill instead.

U
US Sport Update Editorial Team
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