The 8 Best Under-Desk Ellipticals of 2024
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Our top pick is the Cubii JR1 for its portability, sleek design, and quiet function
People / David Hattan
Remote work and home workouts have become the norm since the world stood still in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of our altered ways of life, it can be hard to get the right amount of movement in throughout the day. While it may not be a piece of fitness equipment that’s guaranteed to work up a sweat, an under-desk elliptical is a great choice for someone who works at a desk for most of the day but still wants to move their body.
“Under-desk ellipticals offer a wide variety of users great opportunities to improve their overall health, wellness, and lifestyles, in a way that fits into their daily schedules,” says Amber Kivett, founder of Kivett Kinetic Solutions Inc. “For those who work long hours behind a desk or in a seated position, the under-desk elliptical provides better circulation in the lower body, decreases stiffness in the joints, improves overall metabolism, and boosts energy and productivity while at the workplace.”
It’s hard enough to make time for a workout in your already packed schedule, so being able to multitask with light movement as you get your work done is a monumental benefit for those who are constantly on the go. To simplify the search for the best machines, we spoke with fitness professionals and conducted our own research to compile a comprehensive list of the top under-desk ellipticals for your workspace or home.
Keep reading for PEOPLE's picks of the best under-desk ellipticals.
Best Overall: Cubii JR1 Under-Desk Elliptical
Who It’s Good For
This model is great for someone who wants a sleek, quiet, and easily portable piece of equipment to fit perfectly under a desk.
Who It’s Not Good For
Anyone who wants to work up a serious sweat won't achieve that with this elliptical, as it's designed to for low-intensity movement.
There's no question that when it comes to under-desk elliptical equipment, Cubii tops the charts with the best-quality gear. “The main benefits of using an under-desk elliptical are better all-over body circulation, which allows your brain to work better if gently exercising whilst working,” says Idai Makaya, health and fitness coach with ElliptiGo. Though most under-desk ellipticals can execute this task, the Cubii JR1 does it phenomenally. This small piece of ergonomic equipment sits perfectly under a desk to allow you to pedal day in and out while you work, relax, read a book, or game on. The modern design comes with an LCD light display that monitors your distance pedaled, calories burned, and more, as you ride.
This model is not only great for those who are looking to get some movement in while sitting at the desk, but also for rehabilitation efforts or people in physical therapy. Its gentle movements allow for enough mobility and circulation due to the constant motion in the legs, while still being a calorie-burner that makes a difference in one’s overall health. The grooved pedals keep the feet grounded firmly onto the plates with their non-slip surface, allowing for a better grip and different angles of foot placement, which can give you a different workout, depending on where you add the most pressure.
However, keep in mind that this under-desk elliptical will not be the type of gym equipment that works up a cardio-induced sweat. In fact, the machine is designed to be non-weight-bearing and low-intensity so that the hips, knees, and joints can be protected, while still getting a bit of movement in. Chic in design, small enough to be stored away, and portable, this selection from Cubii was a customer-loved and research-approved pick that ticked all of the boxes when it came to the optimal under-desk elliptical.
Dimensions: 23.15 x 17.56 x 10 inches | Weight: 29.7 lbs. | Resistance levels: 8
Best Budget: Wakeman Under Desk Pedal Exerciser
Who It’s Good For
Anyone who is looking for a lightweight machine that's also cost effective will like gravitate towards this model.
Who It’s Not Good For
Someone who wants a more refined machine or wider pedals with more solid footing may want to keep looking.
This affordable grab from Wakeman is a no-frills under-desk elliptical that can fit comfortably under any desk or next to a couch, or can be stored away, thanks to its small frame. The price is easily the most attractive thing about this elliptical, making it an easy choice for those who are just starting to get into the home gym life or anyone who is looking to save money while getting in a passive workout. There’s the possibility of getting this elliptical with an electronic calorie tracker or the standard model without the electric components, in turn subtracting a few dollars from the original price.
Though simple in design, this machine still consists of the essential functions that you’d want in an under-desk elliptical. The easy-to-use pedals have a non-slip texture and foot straps to keep your feet in place while you cycle, making this an easy and inexpensive way to get your multitasking movement in. (Note that the pedal size may be too small if you plan to use it while wearing chunky shoes or if you have wider feet.) The electronic display is a feature that spruces up this skeletal design, including a five-function view of revolutions per minute, revolution count, time, and calories burned.
This pick is the lightest of them all in terms of weight, at less than 6 pounds. If you’re looking to plant a small elliptical in one place alone, you may want to go for a heavier design. Lightweight ellipticals risk tipping over if the wrong amount of pressure is applied in a delicate area. Though this is uncommon, it is a possibility; a heavier design could provide more solid footing if that's something you need.
Dimensions: 19.5 x 14 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 5.82 lbs. | Resistance levels: Adjustable dial
Related: The 3 Best Inversion Tables of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Investment: Cubii Total Body
Who It’s Good For
Someone looking for an advanced model with more equipment than your typical elliptical machine includes will appreciate this pick.
Who It’s Not Good For
Shoppers who don't want to splurge on their under-desk machine may think this one is too pricey.
When it comes to the Cubii Total Body, an enhanced version of our best overall winner, the motto is to “Go big or go home.” This elevated design is a better (but not bigger, because it’s still just as compact) version of the first machine, and is improved with Bluetooth technology, upper body resistance bands, 12 levels of resistance, and an accompanying iPhone app that provides virtual classes. Not only can you sync your phone and smartwatch to the machine to track your progress, distance traveled, and calories burned, but you can also up the ante with an upper body workout an extra boost of endorphins. However, if you find the bands to be too light, you might want to invest in some space-saving adjustable dumbbells.
Kivett finds the resistance you add on to be paramount when using an under-desk elliptical. “I look for variable levels of resistance that are easy to adjust,” she states, describing the ideal machine. “Some models might not offer any resistance levels, while others can offer up to 16 different levels of resistance for a wider range of abilities and users,” she adds. The Total Body machine is in the sweet spot, featuring 12 resistance levels to challenge your stride.
However, this may not be the ideal purchase for someone who is just starting out with home gym equipment or anyone who is looking to save money. This Cubii selection is on the pricier side, but for the extra perks and pieces of equipment, this could be well worth your purchase.
Dimensions: 22.2 x 13 x 12.5 inches | Weight: 27.2 lbs. | Resistance levels: 12
Best Compact: LifePro FlexStride Pro
Who It’s Good For
This model is great for someone who needs a small yet structured machine that can fit into tight areas and be stowed away when necessary.
Who It’s Not Good For
The fitness buff who wants more features than your basic cycling function might not gravitate towards this device.
If you’re looking for a structured mini-elliptical that’s easy to fit in small spaces, then this selection from LifePro could be perfect for you. This is one of the smaller devices, in comparison to the other options on this list, making the Flexstride a good choice for those with less wiggle room. The body is a made from a sleek stainless steel that features wide, textured pedals to prevent the foot from sliding, and an optional strap that can be attached to the stem of your chair to keep the machine close. Another perk, as deemed by Kivett, is the range of resistance levels, as they allow you to increase or decrease the intensity of the workout. With 16 different levels of resistance, you can switch among them “with the ease of turning a knob clockwise or counterclockwise,” says Kivett.
While this elliptical is small, functional, and sleek, you may be someone who wants a little more in their under-desk elliptical than this model can provide. Where some styles offer Bluetooth connection, class programs, and more, this model has the bare function of cycling (as well as a range of resistance levels). For a quality machine that gets the job done, this elliptical is a great choice, but if you’re looking for a few more bells and whistles, we suggest opting for another machine.
Dimensions: 22.7 x 18.5 x 12.9 inches | Weight: 26.5 lbs. | Resistance levels: 16
Best Portable: Stamina 55-1602 Inmotion Elliptical
Who It’s Good For
The person who is often moving their elliptical from place to place, like the workspace or home office, will like how easy it is to transport this model.
Who It’s Not Good For
Honestly, we can't think of anyone that this product isn't good for.
People will often invest in these kinds of small ellipticals so that they can easily pick them up and carry them to the couch, to the office (thanks to hybrid work environments), and of course, their desk. If you’re someone who plans to do that, it’s incredibly important to go for a lightweight design that won’t be difficult to re-home. “It’s likely this device will be moved and relocated often, so it’s also essential to make sure it’s ergonomically friendly to move around,” Kivett explains.
The Stamina Inmotion Elliptical is a shining example of this type of machine, weighing only 24 pounds, but it's able to support the weight of 250 pounds. Its light frame is so weight-bearing that it can be fully stood on, meaning you can pedal upright if you want to take a break from the chair and get moving.
Dimensions: 24.5 x 17 x 11.4 inches | Weight: 26.5 lbs. | Resistance levels: Adjustable dial
Best for Resistance: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Portable Under Desk Elliptical Machine
Who It’s Good For
Someone who is looking for more of a challenge will like this elliptical, as it features 18 resistance levels and three different workout programs.
Who It’s Not Good For
The person who needs a gentler machine for rehabilitation or physical therapy might not go for this model.
As mentioned before, one of the most important aspects for an elliptical is the inclusion of several resistance levels, so that the changing intensity can really work the muscles.
This model from Sunny, a motorized design constructed from steel and polyurethane, can switch effortlessly among 18 resistance settings and three different workout programs to supercharge the body. You can watch your resistance level and RPMs climb with the built-in digital monitor that allows you to track your performance while you ride, as well as control your speed with the included wireless controller.
While a sitting elliptical can only work up so much of a sweat, this model is definitely made for someone who seeks a bit of a challenge while they work at their desk. With so many programs and settings available, it can be hard to justify buying a machine like this for someone who wants the regular cyclical function of a manually operated elliptical. Looking more closely at what you need during your fitness journey will help you decide whether this is the right machine for you.
Dimensions: 22.8 x 18.4 x 10.6 inches | Weight: 21.4 lbs. | Resistance levels: 18
Related: The Best Lululemon Leggings of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Features: LifePro FlexStride Plus
Who It’s Good For
Someone who wants a few extra bells and whistles on their elliptical will like the many features that this model includes.
Who It’s Not Good For
Anyone who wants to save a little money by buying a no-frills machine would want to consider different options.
The LifePro FlexStride Plus is like the Russian doll of machines — equipped with a yoga mat and resistance band to truly trick out your home workout area, this machine truly has it all. Ideal for those who are looking to improve their fitness from a beginner’s level, keep their body moving during a sedentary work day, or recover from an injury, this set has everything you need to not only get your legs moving, but also be able to stretch and sprawl, thanks to the yoga mat and band.
Lifepro understands how necessary it is to move your body in several different ways, which is why these extra features have been added. You can double up the resistance with a resistance band and one of the eight different resistance levels, or lie down and stretch on the mat after you’ve gotten in a sweat.
Another perk of this compact elliptical is how whisper-quiet it is while it works, which ensures that the person next to your cubicle won’t hear any mechanical whirring or squeaking. But if you’re someone who’s not looking for anything too fancy, then this may not be the ideal design for you. The machine’s standout qualities include helpful equipment add-ons, which may not be the best for use in the office. However, if you want to get a deal on a machine with a few extras you can use both in your home and at the gym, then you’ll be all set with this pick from Lifepro.
Dimensions: 23 x 18 x 10 inches | Weight: 30.2 lbs. | Resistance levels: 8
Related: The Best Hoka Shoes for Just About Every Activity
Best Rehabilitative: DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical
Who It’s Good For
Someone who is recovering from an injury or surgery (or is of a mature age) will prefer this product for low-impact movement.
Who It’s Not Good For
The fitness guru who wants a more intense workout might find this model to be too simple.
Many things are inevitable in life, and one of those is getting hurt from time to time. “For those who are recovering from an injury or surgery, it’s beneficial to have access to portable equipment at home to maximize recovery as well,” says Kivett. “Many people suffer from sedentary movement whether they are injured or not. The under-desk elliptical is an opportunity to get started with something basic without the intimidation of buying a gym membership, scheduling extra physical therapy visits, or hiring a professional to independently monitor them through recovery.”
This particular model from Deskcycle is the perfect piece of workout equipment for someone who is looking to better their physical health or nurse their body back after a surgery or injury, as its magnetic resistance pedals allow for smooth cycles and gentle movement. The eight resistance levels provide the options to start working at the lowest level in the beginning of your recovery, and let you build up toward the highest setting as your strength builds.
“The under-desk variety is really more for just increasing circulation and getting some lower extremity movement for those getting very little exercise otherwise,” shares Patrick Netter, branding expert and inventor of the miniTread. This means that machines of this caliber are unfit for the fitness buff who is used to doing jumps on plyo boxes and looking to get a hard-hitting cardio session in, as this particular model is better suited for someone in physical recovery. There are other options in this list for a more intense workout, but this model from DeskCycle is the perfect choice for someone who requires gentle movement on their road to recovery.
Dimensions: 23 x 18 x 10 inches | Weight: 30.2 lbs. | Resistance levels: 8
Related: The 10 Best Anti-Fatigue Mats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
How to Pick the Right Under-Desk Elliptical
Size
Think about the space you’ll be storing it in, compared to the size of the machine itself. “If you are planning to use this device under a desk rather than sitting on a couch or on a taller chair, it’s important to check your desk height to make sure the elliptical will fit under it without hitting your knees,” Kivett says. Both the LifePro FlexStride Pro and the Wakeman Under Desk Pedal Exerciser are compact options if you're wanting to save space; either way, take some measurements before hitting “Purchase” on your new machine.
Function
There are many aspects to look out for in an under-desk elliptical, like resistance level, wheels, dimensions, and more. One area you may not think to check is the flywheel, or the large wheel that powers the machine. “It’s what gives the pedaling motion momentum, which translates into smoothness," Netter explains. "Therefore, all things considered, the heavier the flywheel, the better."
Professionals like Kivett have also asked us to consider the levels of resistance available, as the increase of resistance is what helps build the muscles and incite real changes in the overall health and appearance of the body. It’s also important to decide whether or not you want extra pieces, like LifePro FlexStride Plus’s yoga mat or the resistance bands that come with the Cubii Total Body.
Portability
The ease of moving each elliptical around is extremely important if you’re someone who wants to use a machine like this in several settings. If you plan on moving yours from one room of the house to another, or taking this elliptical into the office, it can be challenging to fully execute with a heavy piece of equipment.
“Some can be bulky in size or aren’t convenient to carry, while others have a built-in handle for moving,” Kivett explains. “They [can] also range from 20 to 30 pounds, so keep in mind what you personally can move easily.” The health-and-wellness professional also recommends checking the machine’s maximum-user capacity, especially if you want to use it while sitting or standing. Most machines support up to 250 to 300 pounds, but checking this information before buying is important for both your safety and the machine's longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using an under-desk elliptical?
The benefits of any under-desk elliptical machine are to rehabilitate, build up muscle, and get moving while you’re sitting at a desk working or lounging. “Most exercise experts recommend at least 20 minutes for a cardio workout,” Netter says. “It’s not easy to get into an aerobic zone with these devices, so I’d say [to bike] as long as you can.” You can bike throughout the day as you work or watch television — there is truly no limit to how long you can or should stay on the elliptical. Pedal for as long as you need, and for as much movement as you desire.
How many calories do you burn when you use an under-desk elliptical?
Kivett broke down the logistics of the caloric burn that a ride on the under-desk elliptical should accrue. “According to a study of 32 inactive adults ages 25 to 65, participants expended a median of 179.1 kilocalories per hour while using the elliptical device (range = 108.2–269.0), while watching TV or sitting at a desk,” she shares. “That doesn’t seem like much, but when you add it up for the entire week, it can be over 1,000 calories for seven days, which is a huge caloric expenditure with little effort. Consistency and patience are key to seeing results over time!”
However, Kivett explains how important it is to pedal at the speed that feels right for you. “Any duration of exercise is better than none, so start with whatever you can do reasonably.”
What’s the difference between using an under-desk elliptical and an under-desk treadmill?
An under-desk elliptical only requires the use of your legs, as opposed to the upper half of your body, as you are typically seated and pedaling while using this type of machinery instead of standing. An under-desk treadmill, however, target the entire body, from the swinging of your arms to the engagement of your glutes.
“It's usually not about working up a sweat — it's more about gentle movement and time on my feet,” Makaya shares, regarding his experience with under-desk treadmills and ellipticals. “Standing is also proven to be considerably healthier for the human body than sitting. Better posture, keeps your hips from tightening up, and helps with breathing,” he says.
Though both sitting and standing machines will provide you with movement of some sort, Makaya stands by the importance of vertical exercise. “Because you are standing, it’s a weight bearing activity, which helps maintain bone density.” Still, an under-desk elliptical shouldn't entirely replace vertical exercise (if it's already incorporated in your workout routine) but rather should act as a supplement. Both sitting and standing equipment will provide you with some movement — it just depends on what your workspace and fitness level can accommodate.
Related: The 9 Best Standing Desks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Take Our Word for It
Alyssa Brascia is a commerce staff writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as InStyle, Shape, and Real Simple. When researching the best under-desk ellipticals, she spoke with brand founders, health and fitness coaches, and machine inventors for their expert picks and insight. She also took a close look at size, function, features, and portability while compiling the list, to ensure that a diverse range of needs for every type of multitasker were met.
Meet Our Experts
Amber Kivett is the founder of Kivett Kinetic Solutions Inc., a private practice that offers services within sports medicine, fitness, corrective exercise, sports performance, and more.
Idai Makaya is a health and fitness coach with ElliptiGo, the brand that created the first-ever elliptical bike. Makaya also broke a Guinness World Record in 2018 for the fastest journey on elliptical bike between John o’Groats and Land’s End in Britain.
Patrick Netter, also known as the Gear Guru, debuted the first-ever elliptical fitness trainer in the mid-'90s — the miniTread. He later went on to work with brands like LifeWave and Precor to produce marketing content.
Up Next: The 11 Best Folding Treadmills of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on People.
