The 7 Best Under-Desk Ellipticals of 2022

When deciding which under-desk elliptical is the right choice for you, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Be sure to consider how much you’d like to spend on your machine and factor in any accessories needed, such as a mat to place under the elliptical.

Another important consideration is the height of your desk. We’ve listed the dimensions of each elliptical so you can measure the height and assess how comfortably you’ll be able to pedal under your desk. You don’t want to get stuck with something that doesn’t fit your space.

You should also assess your comfort and experience level with exercise. Some under-desk ellipticals offer greater support and may be more useful for beginners or folks with limited mobility.

Additionally, some ellipticals can support higher weights than others. Be sure to check the under-desk elliptical machines’ weight capacity while deciding which one you’d like to buy.

You may also want to check which under-desk elliptical machines offer the best warranties and customer service options for you.

Other considerations may include noise level, pedal height, the availability of classes, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Lastly, if you plan to use your elliptical in different locations in your home, you’ll want to choose one that is not too heavy and ideally has a handle so you can lift and transport it easily.

How we chose

We researched the best under-desk ellipticals using the following criteria:

• Noise level. We chose under-desk ellipticals that appear to be quiet, so you don’t have to worry about distracting noise or squeaking while you work out during your workday.
• User reviews. We chose products that are highly rated by consumers.
• Vetting. All the products included have been vetted to ensure that they meet Healthline’s medical and business standards.

Best-rated

Cubii JR1

• Price: $$ (plus free shipping)
• Pedal height: 10 inches (25.4 cm)
• Dimensions: 23 × 17.5 × 10 inches (58.4 × 44.5 × 25.4 cm)
• Weight: 27 pounds (12.2 kg)
• Weight capacity: 250 pounds (113.4 kg)
• Warranty: 1 year

The Cubii JR1 has more than 12,000 mostly positive reviews on Amazon. Overall, reviewers agree the machine is quiet and is a great way to get a little extra movement in while sitting at a desk or to help rehab an injury.

Plus, people report satisfaction with the customer service.

Reviewers also mention that while the machine doesn’t come fully assembled, it’s pretty easy to put it together yourself.

Some of the negative reviews mention that the machine starts to squeak after some time. However, other reviewers say that when they contacted customer service, the company immediately sent them new parts to solve the problem.

The machine’s LCD monitor displays time, rotations per minute, distance, and estimated calories burned. The knob on the front of the machine allows you to adjust it to eight levels of resistance.

Unlike most other under-desk ellipticals, the Cubii JR1 comes with access to the Cubii Studio+ mobile app, which allows you to track your progress, set goals, and stream live and on-demand workout classes.

However, you’ll have to enter your data yourself, as this model does not support Bluetooth connectivity.

Additionally, Cubii offers a large Facebook group with nearly 10,000 members, where users share progress, complete challenges, and motivate each other.

You can read a certified personal trainer’s full review of the Cubii line here.

Most versatile

Stamina 55-1602 Inmotion Compact Strider

• Price: $ (plus free shipping)
• Pedal height: 11.4 inches (29 cm)
• Dimensions: 24.5 × 17 × 11.4 inches (62.2 × 43.2 × 29 cm)
• Weight: 27 pounds (12.2 kg)
• Weight capacity: 250 pounds (113.4 kg)
• Warranty: 1 year (frame), 90 days (parts)

The standout feature of this elliptical is that you can use it either standing or seated, so it’s more versatile than most other under-desk ellipticals — although, of course, you’ll need to take it out from under your desk to use it standing.

It has a small LCD monitor to show your exercise stats, including strides per minute, total strides, time, and estimated calories burned. Additionally, you can adjust the resistance using the knob beneath the display.

The textured foot pedals are designed to keep your feet in place without slipping, which may feel extra important if you want to use the machine while standing. Some reviews mention that using this machine while standing takes a little getting used to, as it requires some balance.

This under-desk elliptical has more than 11,000 mostly positive reviews on Amazon, but some mention a few downsides, including a short stride and a squeaking noise that develops after some time.

However, other reviewers have written that using a lubricant regularly fixes the squeaking.

You’ll have to do some assembly, but reviewers seem to agree that it’s simple and straightforward.

Best for Bluetooth connectivity

Cubii Pro

• Price: $$$ (plus free shipping)
• Pedal height: 10 inches (25.4 cm)
• Dimensions: 23.2 × 17.6 × 10 inches (58.9 × 44.7 × 25.4 cm)
• Weight: 32 pounds (14.5 kg)
• Weight capacity: 250 pounds (113.4 kg)
• Warranty: 1 year

The Cubii Pro is the most expensive under-desk elliptical from Cubii, but unlike other models, it comes with Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to sync with the Cubii Studio+ app or other fitness apps like Fitbit or Apple Health to set goals and track progress.

However, the only way to view stats during and after your workout with the Cubii Pro is by using the app, as there is no display on the machine itself. This may be a downside, depending on your preferences.

As with the Cubii JR1, you can stream live and on-demand classes with the Cubii Studio+ app. Additionally, Cubii encourages users to join the free Facebook group for extra motivation and community.

Reviews are mostly positive and mention that the machine is quiet, smooth, and easy to assemble and use. The main downsides mentioned in reviews are that the stride is somewhat short and the machine is heavy, which can make it difficult to move around.

Lastly, this under-desk elliptical is significantly more expensive than similar products on the market. If you don’t need Bluetooth connectivity, you may prefer a less expensive option.

Best portable

ANCHEER Under Desk Elliptical

• Price: $$ (plus free shipping)
• Pedal height: 10 inches (25.4 cm)
• Dimensions: 18 × 14 × 10 inches (45.7 × 35.6 × 25.4 cm)
• Weight: 20 pounds (9 kg)
• Weight capacity: 400 pounds (181.4 kg)
• Warranty: 1 year

Weighing just 20 pounds (9 kg) and equipped with a handle, the ANCHEER under-desk elliptical is the easiest to pick up and move. If you plan to use your under-desk elliptical in different spots in your home, this may be the best choice for you.

Additionally, this machine comes fully assembled, so you can put it in place and use it right away.

The display shows time, distance, speed, and estimated calories burned while the machine is in use. Additionally, you can put the machine in either automatic or manual mode, which allows for varying resistance and speed.

The automatic mode may require your legs to do less work, and this could be a downside if you’re looking for more of a workout. However, it may be beneficial if you’re a beginner or if you’re rehabbing an injury.

Most reviewers agree that this machine is perfect for coming back from an injury or just getting a little extra movement during the day.

One downside mentioned is that the monitor can be difficult to read from your seat because it doesn’t have a backlight and is a bit of a distance from your eyes while you’re using the machine.

Best for different foot positions

DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical

• Price: $$ (plus free shipping)
• Pedal height: 10 inches (25.4 cm)
• Dimensions: 23 × 18 × 10 inches (58.4 × 45.7 × 25.4 cm)
• Weight: 30.2 pounds (13.7 kg)
• Weight capacity: no maximum listed
• Warranty: 1 year

The DeskCycle Ellipse’s pedals are larger than those of most other under-desk ellipticals. The large pedal size allows you to change foot positions while using the machine, which can help target different muscle groups.

The LCD monitor shows rotations per minute, time, and calories burned. To make it easier to see, you can remove the display from the machine and place it on your desk with the display stand.

You can adjust the resistance to eight different levels with a knob under the display.

The machine doesn’t come fully assembled, but putting it together requires just a few steps and is pretty straightforward, according to user reviews.

On the other hand, this machine is on the heavier side, weighing 30.2 pounds (13.7 kg), so it may be a little more difficult to move around, depending on your strength and mobility. This is a downside for some reviewers.

Overall, reviewers write that the machine is quiet and easy to use, but a few disagree with these sentiments and mention that the machine sometimes squeaks and that working with customer service is frustrating.

Best full-body workout

LifePro Under Desk Elliptical Trainer

• Price: $ (plus free shipping)
• Pedal height: 12.9 inches (32.8 cm)
• Dimensions: 22.7 × 18.5 × 12.9 inches (57.7 × 47 × 32.8 cm)
• Weight: 26.5 pounds (12 kg)
• Weight capacity: 220 pounds (100 kg)
• Warranty: lifetime

Unlike most other under-desk ellipticals, which work only your lower body, the FlexStride Pro comes with resistance bands that attach to the machine and can be used for upper body exercises.

Also included with the purchase:

• a mat to protect floors
• a tether strap to help hold the machine in place
• wheel stoppers for your desk chair

The LCD monitor shows time, distance, estimated calories burned, and total strides throughout the workout. However, it won’t factor in any additional calories burned from using the resistance bands.

Like others, this elliptical has a knob under the display that allows you to adjust the resistance to eight different levels.

The pedal height on this under-desk elliptical is on the tall side, at 12.9 inches (32.8 cm), so it may not work with lower desk heights.

Additionally, the maximum user weight is only 220 pounds (100 kg), so this machine won’t be suitable for people with higher body weights.

Overall, the reviews are positive and mention that the machine is quiet and easy to use while working or taking meetings.

Additionally, users appreciate the backlight on the display, which makes it easier to read the stats during use.

Best for no assembly

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical Machine

• Price: $ (plus free shipping)
• Pedal height: 11 inches (27.9 cm)
• Dimensions: 24 × 19 × 11 inches (60.9 × 48.3 × 27.9 cm)
• Weight: 25 pounds (11.3 kg)
• Weight capacity: 220 pounds (100 kg)
• Warranty: 1 year (frame), 180 days (parts)

The Sunny Health & Fitness under-desk elliptical comes fully assembled, so it’s a great option if you don’t love the idea of building the machine yourself.

Like the other models, it has a digital monitor that displays time, speed, estimated calories burned, and distance while it’s in use. It also has a knob below the display so that you can easily adjust the resistance level throughout your workout.

Just like the LifePro, this under-desk elliptical has a pretty low weight capacity of just 220 pounds (100 kg), which may be a downside for some potential users.

Most reviewers agree that the machine is very quiet and easy to use. Additionally, many comment on the affordable price of this under-desk elliptical relative to similar machines on the market.

However, some note that the machine can slide a bit when it’s in use, so you may want to purchase a mat to place under it to keep it steady.