The Best Under-desk Ellipticals in 2024

Long periods of time spent sitting can be harmful to your health. Under-desk ellipticals are extremely useful in this situation. To relieve tension, burn calories, and tone your leg muscles, you may install these little exercise equipment under your desk or chair and pedal while seated. However, if you're unfamiliar with this type of exercise gear, purchasing an under-desk elliptical can be a little challenging. 

There are so many brands, and they all appear to provide different characteristics. We've thus supplied some in-depth assessments of the best under-desk ellipticals for 2024 to aid with the buying process.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Cubii JR1, Under Desk Elliptical

• Runner-up: Stamina Inmotion Elliptical

• Best with Bluetooth Connectivity: Cubii Pro Under Desk Elliptical Machine 

• Best for Foot Position: DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical Machine

1. Cubii JR1, Under Desk Elliptical

Specifications:

• Product Dimensions: 23.15 x 17.56 x 10

• Material: Plastic

• Resistance levels: 8

• Maximum Weight: 250 Pounds

• Resistance Mechanism: Not listed

Reasons to buy:

• Portable

• Sleek and ergonomic design

Reasons to avoid:

• Not for high-intensity use

Product Summary 

Cubii JR1's small size and ergonomic design makes it fit in front of seats and beneath most tables.

This elliptical for home features an LCD monitor that shows RPM, distance, calories burnt, and active time. Its frame has a handle integrated into it for simple transportation.

2. Stamina Inmotion Elliptical

Specifications

• Dimensions:  ‎24.5 x 17 x 12 inches

• Weight: ‎24 Pounds

• Maximum Weight: 250 Pounds

• Resistance Mechanism: Not listed

• Number of Resistance Levels: ‎Not listed

Reasons to buy:

• Used for both sitting or standing usage 

• Resistance can be adjusted

Reasons to avoid:

• Hard for beginner using while standing

• Short stride

• Need more assembly 

Product Summary 

This elliptical stands out since it can be used standing or seated, making it more adaptable than the majority of under-desk ellipticals. Of course, you'll need to remove it from your desk to use it upright.

It includes a little LCD screen that displays your workout statistics. Additionally, the knob next to the display may be used to change the resistance and the food paddles are made to protect your feet from sliding.

See more: Best Elliptical for Small Spaces

3. Cubii Pro Under Desk Elliptical Machine 

Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 17.22 x 22.83 x 9.84 inches

• Weight: 12.25 Kilograms

• Material: Vinyl

• Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic

• Maximum Weight: 250 Pounds

• Number of Resistance Levels: ‎8

Reasons to buy:

• Bluetooth connectivity

• Quiet while using

• App subscription for classes

• Resistance can be adjusted

Reasons to avoid:

• Quite costly

• Short stride

• Need some assembly 

Product Summary

The most costly under-desk elliptical from Cubii is this version, but unlike others, it can connect via Bluetooth to sync  your phone with the Cubii Studio+ app to set objectives and monitor progress.

However, because it has no display,  you must use the app to check metrics both during and after a workout. That can be considered as a drawback. 

Although the machine is smooth, silent, and simple to put together and use, its short stride and weight make it challenging to maneuver around.

4. DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical Machine

Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 23 x 18 x 10 inches

• Weight: 30.2 pounds (13.7 kg)

• Material: Steel and High-Impact Plastic

• Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic

• Number of Resistance Levels: ‎8

Reasons to buy:

• Quiet

• Detachable display

• Big pedals to accommodate various foot placements

• Resistance is adjustable

Reasons to avoid:

• Heavy

• Need some assembly

Product Summary

The pedals on the DeskCycle Ellipse are bigger than other models, so you can change your foot to any position you feel comfortable. 

It comes with an LCD screen showing Rotations per minute, time, and calories.  A knob behind the display lets you change the resistance to eight different levels.

Although the equipment doesn't arrive fully assembled, it just takes a few steps to install it.

However, moving this machine around can be a bit more challenging due to its weight of 30.2 pounds.

1. Are under-desk ellipticals worth investment?

Under-desk ellipticals can enhance your daily activity levels, particularly if you spend most of the day sitting down. You may use these tools to burn calories, build muscle, and relieve tension.

2. Which is better, an under-desk elliptical or a treadmill?

The under-the-desk elliptical can be a wonderful solution if you dislike working out. Whereas, the treadmill can be a greater option for those who enjoy cardio.

3. How to use an under desk elliptical for beginners?

If you’ve never used an under desk elliptical before, we suggest you use it at a low tension and pedaling for little more than 10 to 15 minutes. You can progressively boost the pressure and duration. 

While an elliptical machine is a gym equipment, it can be a hassle to maintain at home, particularly if your space is small. That's while compact ellipticals can help with that. You can opt for an under-desk elliptical if you want to do a bit of workout at home or even at work. 

We hope that if you are newer to this kind of machine, this article somehow help you pick the right one for your needs.