Top 10 Best Under Desk Elliptical (Reviews)

Are you one of the millions of people who use the age-old excuse:<  “I don’t have time to exercise”?

When you work full-time, it is hard enough to find a work-life balance, let alone find the time to fit in the gym.

Not only that, but it has recently been said that sitting for long periods of time can be more harmful thank smoking.

To help you find the one the is best for you, here’s our reviews guide to the best under desk elliptical bikes.

Top 10 Under-desk Elliptical Trainers

PRODUCT	TITLE	DETAILS
Editor's choice	Cubii Pro	Very quiet operation Excellent build quality Cool smartphone app features	View on Amazon
	Stamina Compact Strider	Compact design with carrying handle Sturdy construction Quiet enough for office use	View on Amazon
	Cubii Jr.	Designed with ergonomic angles Silent desk workout	View on Amazon
	FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical	Built-in rolling foot massager Adjust the resistance with your feet Easy to carry	View on Amazon
	DeskCycle Exerciser	Stronger resistance levels than other mini ellipticals Lighter weight	View on Amazon
Our Budget Pick	Stamina InMotion	Can also be used while standing up Easy on the joints and comfortable Affordable	View on Amazon
	Sunny Health and Fitness Peddler	No assembly required sturdy construction	View on Amazon
	Jfit mini stepper	Versatile with stand up and sitting modes	View on Amazon
	Pedal Exerciser by Vive	Recommended by physical therapists Low price tag	View on Amazon
	Marcy Cardio Mini Cycle	Easy to transport or stow away Most affordable on the market	View on Amazon

Cubii Pro – The Intelligent Elliptical

In fact, thecubii under desk elliptical is the only Bluetooth-enabled under-desk elliptical on the market.

You can even share your progress and compete with friends (perhaps a friendly competition in the office is in order) or even with strangers around the world to give you that motivation to keep active.

You’ll also know how many calories you have burned and miles completed that day. This data can be transferred over to your Fitbit too, making sure you get an accurate picture of your progress on there.

This technology is something you may expect from a larger machine, not a small under-desk elliptical, but this little piece of equipment packs a punch.

The Cubii Pro won last year’s Good Design Award due to it being ergonomic, allowing you to keep a great posture with no slouching ensuring your knees don’t hit the top of your desk.

There’s less impact on the knees as well compared to most bike desks. You’ll still get the same great workout at your desk, burning 120% more calories than you would by just sitting.

It is a bit on the larger side when compared to other under desk ellipticals and steppers, and weighs about 27 lbs. but thanks to the sleek design, it will still fit and make sure you have no bruised knees whilst using it.

Stamina Compact Strider – Adjustable Cardio Solution That’s Great for Gamers and Office Workers

There are some definite advantages to using this machine.

It’s not only designed well but is also extremely compact and fully adjustable. Not everyone has time to hit the gym every single day.

Whether you can’t find any wiggle room in your schedule or you simply wish to start multi-tasking more effectively, the Stamina InMotion compact strider elliptical is an awesome way to accomplish your fitness goals.

It does a great job of saving users space, time, and money.

Since it’s a cardio machine, you’ll be able to get your heart rate up and burn calories continuously as you work or game. It’s ideal for homes or offices.

The virtually silent operation allows you to use this elliptical discreetly so you won’t draw any stares from your co-workers. It is also very simple to use.

You may not even notice you’re working out after you get into a good rhythm. Since it’s a low impact machine, you don’t run the risk of damaging your knees, hips or joints. That’s fantastic news for anyone who hates treadmills.

Finally, this strider has a convenient carrying handle making it totally portable and easy to put away when you’re done. Do keep in mind that while this elliptical is compact and easy to use, it lacks range.

You will need to find an alternative solution for large muscle groups like hamstrings and glutes. It is however fantastic for increasing stamina and balance.

Additionally, this well-built and durable machine is heavy. You won’t want to carry it to and from the office every day so if you don’t have somewhere to store it, this may not be the best option for you.

Other than that, this is a great choice for gamers and desk workers to consider.

Cubii Jr. Desk Elliptical – Silent and Compact

For users who plan to use their compact elliptical trainer on a very consistent basis, this product may be well worth considering. While it is more expensive than many similar options, it’s also of higher quality and has more features.

This durable elliptical has been designed to stand up to constant wear and tear.

It also has a very helpful display monitor that can give you readings during your workout and help you track stamina and progress changes.

The intensely smooth gliding motion of this elliptical makes it virtually silent. Your joints and knees will thank you. All around, a great product, though a bit pricey.

Please note that some assembly is also required with this option. That being said, the assembly is pretty easy and doesn’t take long.

FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical – For Even the Shortest of Office Desks

This is the lowest pedal rotation height available on the market. No bruised knees here.

There are eight different levels of resistance, and it allows for handsfree tension adjustment (you can adjust the tension levels with a foot shifter).

The desk mounted meter will give you all of your stats from your desk workout, including calories, burned, time, speed, and distance all right on your desk for easy access.

You won’t have to stop and look at the elliptical for your progress. There is also a built-in lock wheel for those swivel chairs.

Transporting is easy with the grip handle and chair wheel. It weighs 35 lbs. with its steel frame, which can be heavy for some. A Grand handle and builtin wheel makes it easy to transport.

It measures 34W x 20D x 12H inches which seem quite big considering the pedal only goes a maximum of eight inches.

DeskCycle Desk Exercise Bike Pedal Exerciser – Low in Profile but High in Power

There is a 39 lb. flywheel weight and touchless magnetic resistance that provides a smooth and quiet motion.

The pedals stand at 10 inches at its highest point, making this suitable for even small desks at 27 inches and above (prevents your knees from hitting, even if you have a keyboard tray).

You can strap your feet in, but you may need to keep pulling yourself towards it if you have a swivel chair.

You will need to find a good position for you and lock your chair in place yourself using wheel locks if your chair has them.

The display stand can sit on your desk to keep track of your progress.

While it will show you roughly how many calories were burned, elliptical machines like this are not always accurate since many factors determine how many calories have been burned like your weight/height and resistance.

DeskCycle has recognized this though and has an online calorie calculator where you can put in your weight/height and details of your workout to give you a better idea.

The team at DeskCycle say they have the option to going online to do this rather than giving the option to program it into the machine is due to attempts at keeping costs down.

Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer – Economical Elliptical

Sunny Health and Fitness Peddler – Simple Motorized Assist

Jfit Mini Stepper & Elliptical – Best of Both Worlds

If you wanted one that allows you to do both, then this is a good strong model, but if you are looking for something for just under the desk, there are other models that are more suitable and with lower price tags.[/su_note]

Pedal Exerciser by Vive – Desk Cycle Recommended by Physical Therapists

It is also quite big and easy to read, so although it is attached to the machine and not detachable like some others, it is easy to get to and read.

Marcy Cardio Mini Cycle – The Cheapest Mini Cycle for Both Arms and Legs

Buyer’s Guide & Frequently Asked Questions

Can you really get a workout with these, while sitting at your desk?

You may not be breaking a sweat, but it is possible to get more fit with an under-desk elliptical.

You are using muscles you would not normally use, keeping the blood flowing and your energy levels up, burning calories.

These are perfect for more muscle endurance rather than building though. The exercise also boosts your mood, making those Mondays at the office not seem as bad!

How many extra calories can I burn with a desk cycle?

This will vary from person to person, but you will generally burn 120% more calories than you would by just sitting.

This is on average 150 calories.

While this may not seem like a lot, it is definitely more than you would be without a desk cycle/elliptical.

It won’t give you the workout of a lifetime, but if used just in work every day, that’s still an extra 750 calories burned a week!

What is the minimum desk height?

Each machine will vary with their recommended desk height to make sure you have a comfortable range and don’t hit your knees, but the lowest on our list is 25-inches with the FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical Trainer.

Of course, your own height, as well as the height of the chair, will factor into this too.

If you are taller than 5’7”, then consider taller desks to have a comfortable workout.

Is an under-desk stepper better?

This depends on the individual. A mini stepper is like climbing stairs.

There is a moment where the leg is nearly fully extended before moving up again.

This has a slight impact to the knee joint. Over time, this can become damaging if proper recovery time is not taken.

An under desk elliptical works by a more gliding movement. There is continuous movement and no impact on the knee.

Both machines work the same muscles (glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves) but the biggest difference is in the impact in the knee.

• If you have joint issues but still want a workout, then the elliptical is a better choice as a stepper could cause some pain.
• If you do not have any issues in the joint, then a stepper should be just fine.

Just be sure to give your body tie to recover, so no joint issues form in the future.

Are they portable?

Yes! Many under desk ellipticals are easy to fold up and transport with handles.

Some of the best ones even have wheels on them if you find it too much to carry.

Take your workout with you back home to enjoy while sitting in your favorite chair back home.

Final Words

Sitting at your desk for long periods of time is not healthy physically and mentally.

Under the desk, even the best ellipticals won’t necessarily get you sweating.

But while they are not as efficient as a desk stand for weight loss, they still offer a good daily workout when otherwise you would just be sat at your desk.

They get the blood flowing and boosts your mood all while burning calories.

You can be productive with your fitness while being productive in the workplace, and who wouldn’t want that? There is something for everyone, and if these are too much for you, try a hand gripper 🙂