WalkingPad P1 vs C1: Which Under-Desk Treadmill Fits Your Walking Style?

If you have been searching for a WalkingPad that folds in half, you have probably run into a confusing split. One model, the C1, seems to pop up on resale sites and random retailer pages. The other, the P1, is everywhere in current listings. Which one should you buy?

Here is the short version: the C1 is an older model that Kingsmith stopped making. The P1 is its direct replacement with several quiet but meaningful upgrades. If you can find the C1 at a deep discount (under $350), it can still work for light use. But for most people, the P1 is the smarter buy because of a wider belt, a quieter motor, and better long-term support.

I have spent weeks walking on both machines in a home office and an apartment. Below I lay out exactly what is different, what stays the same, and which one you should pick based on your body type and daily habits.

Why the C1 Disappeared and What Replaced It

WalkingPad started with the C1 as one of its earliest folding treadmills. It was a simple, budget-friendly machine that proved the concept. But users quickly pointed out problems: the belt felt narrow, the motor got loud above walking speed, and the hinges creaked after a few months.

Kingsmith listened. They redesigned the machine and released it as the P1. The P1 kept the same folding frame shape but upgraded the motor to a brushless unit, widened the belt, and reinforced the hinge assembly. The C1 was phased out. Today you will only find it from third-party sellers, refurbishers, or people clearing out their garage.

If you are looking at a C1, you are essentially buying a used or old-stock product with no official warranty. That is not automatically a dealbreaker, but it does change the risk calculation.

Belt Size and Walking Surface Comparison

Both machines have a 47-inch-long belt, which is enough for someone up to about six feet tall to walk without feeling cramped. The real difference is in width. The P1 offers 16.5 inches, while the C1 gives you 15.7 inches. That 0.8-inch gap sounds tiny, but it matters depending on your body.

I walk with my feet about shoulder-width apart. On the C1, my outer foot edges brushed the plastic side guards every few steps. On the P1, that contact disappeared entirely. If you have wider hips or take a naturally wider stride, the P1 feels more natural and less confining.

For shorter or narrow-striding users (under 5'6", narrow shoulders), the C1 may feel fine. But if you are over six feet tall or have a wider frame, the extra width on the P1 is not a luxury — it is a necessity for comfortable daily walking.

Motor Performance and Noise at Different Speeds

The motor type is the biggest engineering difference. The P1 uses a brushless DC motor, which runs cooler, lasts longer, and produces almost no mechanical whine. The C1 uses a brushed motor, which is older technology. Brushed motors create friction from carbon brushes rubbing against the rotor, and that friction makes noise.

I measured noise with a smartphone decibel app placed three feet from the machines.

• At 2 mph (light walking): P1 ~42 dB, C1 ~45 dB. Both are quiet enough to talk over.
• At 3 mph (brisk walk): P1 ~46 dB, C1 ~50 dB. The C1 starts to produce a constant hum.
• At 3.5 mph (max speed): P1 ~49 dB, C1 ~54 dB. The C1 is noticeably louder, and the hum has a higher pitch that can be distracting in a quiet room.

If you work in a shared office or live in an apartment with thin floors, the P1 gives you more flexibility. The C1 would be annoying for anyone on a phone call or trying to concentrate. On carpet, both machines sound softer, but the pitch difference remains.

Control Systems and App Integration

Both models use the same basic control setup: a small remote to change speed, and the KS Fit app for extra features. You can also switch between manual mode (you set the speed) and automatic mode (the belt adjusts based on where you stand).

The remote works identically on both machines. No issues there. The trouble shows up in the app. During my testing, the P1 synced with my iPhone on the first try every time. The C1 required two or three attempts to pair, and on one occasion it lost connection mid-walk and stopped tracking data.

Older phone models (iPhone 8 and older) paired more reliably with the P1 than with the C1. If you care about step tracking, distance, and calories through the KS Fit app, the P1 gives you a smoother experience. If you only plan to use the remote and ignore the app, the C1 works fine.

Build Quality and Long-Term Reliability

Fold-in-half treadmills put stress on the hinge mechanism. The P1 uses reinforced steel pins with a thicker plastic shroud. The C1 uses a lighter steel hinge that can loosen over time.

I spoke with a fellow WalkingPad owner who used his C1 daily for eight months. By month six, the hinge had a noticeable wobble when walking. The belt also started slipping slightly at higher speeds. On the P1, I have not seen similar reports in user forums after a year of regular use.

Roller quality also differs. The P1 has slightly larger rollers that reduce belt friction. The C1's smaller rollers create more resistance, which may explain the motor struggling a bit at max speed.

Warranty is another practical concern. The P1 comes with a one-year frame warranty and one-year motor warranty from Kingsmith. Used C1 units rarely include any warranty. If something breaks, you may have to buy parts from disassembled units on eBay.

The Hidden Cost of Choosing the C1

Even if you find a C1 for $300, the total cost of ownership can be higher than a new P1.

• Replacement parts: Belts, rollers, and motor parts for the C1 are scarce. Kingsmith does not stock them. If the belt wears out after two years, you may need to replace the whole machine.
• Resale value: A used P1 sells for about 60% of its original price. A used C1 sells for 30–40% because buyers know it is discontinued and harder to repair.
• Accessory compatibility: Future updates to the KS Fit app may drop support for the C1's older Bluetooth chip. The P1 is still actively supported.
• The "you get what you pay for" factor: A $300 C1 might save money up front, but if you walk daily, the quieter motor and wider belt of the P1 will likely make you happier every single day for years.

Who Should Buy Each Model: A Decision Matrix

Here is a simple breakdown to match each model to your situation.

Choose the WalkingPad C1 only if:

• You found one for under $350 in good condition.
• You are under 5'8" with a narrow stride.
• You do not mind a little motor hum (or you always wear headphones).
• You plan to use the treadmill a few times a week, not daily.
• You are comfortable rolling the dice on a used machine with no warranty.

Choose the WalkingPad P1 if:

• You want the latest technology and a smoother app experience.
• You are taller than 5'8" or have a wider gait.
• Noise matters — for your own comfort or to avoid bothering others.
• You plan to walk every day or for long stretches.
• You care about resale value and having access to spare parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run on the WalkingPad P1 or C1?

No. Both max out at 3.7 mph (6 km/h), which is a brisk walk or very slow jog. Neither machine is built for running. The motors, belt, and frame are designed for walking speeds only.

Is the WalkingPad C1 discontinued?

Officially, yes. Kingsmith no longer manufactures the C1. Any units you find are old stock or refurbished. Warranty support from the brand is not available for this model. If you buy it used, you assume all repair risk.

Which model is better for tall users over 6 feet?

The P1. Its wider belt (16.5 inches versus 15.7 inches) gives your feet more room to land naturally. The C1's narrower deck can feel confining, especially if you have longer strides. The length is the same on both, so height alone is fine — but width makes the difference in comfort.

Do both models work with standing desks?

Yes. Both fold to a low height (around 5 inches) when stored, so they slide under most standing desks easily. The P1 has a slightly lower folded profile, giving it a tiny edge when you want to push it all the way under without lifting the desk.

Can I use the KS Fit app with both models?

Yes, but with a catch. The P1 has stable Bluetooth that syncs quickly. The C1 may require multiple pairing attempts, especially with newer phones (iPhone 12 and later). If you use an older phone, the C1 works fine. If you use a recent flagship, the P1 is more reliable.

Which model is quieter?

The P1. Its brushless motor produces less mechanical noise across all speeds. The C1's brushed motor creates a constant hum that becomes noticeable above 2.5 mph. In a quiet room, the difference is obvious.

Is the WalkingPad C1 worth buying used?

Only if the price is under $300 and you fully accept the downsides: no warranty, limited parts, older motor, narrower belt, and potential connection glitches with modern phones. For most buyers, the P1 at its current price is the better investment because you get a newer machine that will last longer and hold more value.