There was only one correct way to approach under-desk ellipticalling: with a heavy dose of skepticism. I’m well-versed in under-desk treadmills, and their effectiveness is largely unquestionable. While under-desk cycling existed as an abstract concept, under-desk elliptical training seemed flat-out ridiculous.
Then, after all my scoffing, I realized that the under-desk elliptical might be the best option of the three. It is easier not to bump your knees when your feet are moving in an elliptical motion than an under-desk bike’s cyclical motion. They are generally quieter and easier to transport than under-desk treadmills. The benefits were adding up.
Yet, the question remained whether an under-desk elliptical is actually any good. I don’t think it’s the next best thing in health and fitness, but it is a solid way to add more movement to your day. Though under-desk ellipticals may have a limited impact on our cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength, they are great for keeping your muscles limber and your blood flowing strong!
Check out our experts’ choices for the best under-desk ellipticals below to kickstart your fitness journey—starting in the office.
Best Under-Desk Ellipticals of 2025 – Our Experts’ Top Picks
These are the best under-desk elliptical options for office workers and remote workers. If you are currently sedentary and want to add some exercise, these under-desk ellipticals could be a good option for introducing more physical activity into your daily routine with little interruption.
Cubii Move
Best Under-Desk Elliptical
- The features and price make this under-desk elliptical functional and of great value and quality.
- It can work under desks, in front of the television, and with most chairs.
- The pedals are large enough for users of various sizes.
- It is lightweight to move around when needed and offers six resistance levels.
- It doesn’t come with wheels or a handle to move it around more easily.
- The console isn’t backlit, so it’s harder to see in lower lighting.
The Cubii Move is the most lightweight from the brand in terms of size and weight. It is compact enough to easily fit under your desk in front of your chair. Its glass-filled nylon construction makes it weigh just 17.5 lbs. Thus, you can take the Move with you wherever you want to use it.
The basic LCD screen in the middle of the pedals clearly shows your stride count, distance, time, and estimated calories. The dial below the screen is also clearly numbered with the six different resistance levels for when you want to vary your pedal stroke intensity.
The pedals are large enough to fit most people, and the traditional elliptical motion makes it appropriate and comfortable to use under most desks. You can also fit the Cubii Move in front of your couch or chair while watching TV.
Interested in the Cubii Move?
Cubii Total Body+
Best High-End Under-Desk Elliptical
- This machine has pedals to work your lower body and handles to work your upper body.
- It is extremely quiet and non-disruptive to use in shared spaces like offices.
- Bluetooth-enabled to connect to the Cubii App for extra tracking and access to workout content.
- You can use it with any seat, including a couch, kitchen chair, and wheeled office chair.
- Its cost might not be practical for some.
- The placement of handles can get in the way of the position of your legs.
For one, the Cubii Total Body+ takes your seated elliptical exercise to the next level with the retractable resistance handles. They’re not the easiest to use while you’re seated at your desk- but doing some bicep curls while pedaling in front of the TV is possible and encouraged.
The motion is like a standard elliptical. The pedals move forward, back, up, and down during each rotation or stride. The handles are on top and retract when you lean forward and pull them up. There is a resistance cable attached to each handle.
I have to say, the resistance feels stronger than what you’d expect from such a small machine. Also, with 12 different tension levels to pedal against, this under-desk elliptical is pretty sweet.
It’s pretty high-tech, too. The Total Body+ connects through Bluetooth to the Cubii App. In the app, you can track your metrics like distance, time, strides, and estimated calories, as well as view and change your resistance (you can also bend down and change it under the LCD screen on the seated elliptical).
There is a leaderboard to compare your strides, calories, miles, and total time with other members. Plus, the 300+ trainer-led classes are available in the app to provide extra motivation and guidance. I will say they’re better than expected, considering the Cubii App is free!
Click here to read our detailed review of the Cubii Total Body+.
Interested in the Cubii Total Body+?
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical Peddler Exerciser
Best Under Desk Elliptical for Seniors
- This machine comes fully assembled and ready to use once it’s delivered.
- The pedals are oversized and move in an elliptical motion to get your lower body activated while sitting.
- The rear stabilizer helps keep it planted on the floor, so you shouldn’t experience any rocking.
- It weighs about 24 lbs and has a 3.52 lb flywheel to add to its stability.
- You have to bend down to adjust the resistance using the knob.
- There aren’t any wheels to move it around without lifting.
This under-desk elliptical from Sunny doesn’t need to be plugged in, so you don’t have to worry about being near a plug to use it. The pedals are textured to use with any shoes. They support up to 220 lbs. We like that the pedals have inner and lower lips to prevent your feet from slipping off. The 7″ pedal stride is an elliptical motion that uses whiles to create a smooth pedal stroke.
The attached handle makes it convenient to pick up. However, it does weigh around 24 lbs, so moving it might not be practical for everyone. The 3.52 lb flywheel also adds to the machine’s overall stability. The belt drive system that attaches the pedals to the flywheel makes for a quieter and smoother stroke.
The digital monitor displays your speed, time, calories, and distance. Below the screen is a knob to change the resistance with eight different levels. While you have to bend down to adjust the resistance, we anticipate that once you find a good level for you, you shouldn’t have to change it very often.
Interested in the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical?
Stamina Inmotion Elliptical
Best Budget Under Desk Elliptical
- This is a functional elliptical that is budget-friendly.
- This elliptical can be used seated or standing.
- The pedals are oversized and textured to work for most users.
- You can connect to the free Muuv app for additional metrics tracking and guided workouts
- There isn’t a handle for easier transporting.
- You have to bend down to change the resistance using the knob.
Although we recommend under-desk ellipticals in this article, the Stamina Inmotion Elliptical can be used while seated and standing. Of course, only use it standing if it is safe for you to do so. Consider using it seated if you have balance issues. The pedals move up, down, forward, and back, so it will feel similar to a standard elliptical, no matter how you use it.
The Stamina Inmotion Elliptical comes with free access to the Muuv App. This app can aid you in assembly and offers customized workouts to follow along with. Plus, it has iHeartRadio built-in, so you can listen to music on the app.
You’ll be able to track your workout metrics in the app and on the LCD screen built into the under-desk elliptical. This screen displays your strides per minute, total strides, time, and estimated calories. There is also a knob to change the resistance.
Interested in the Stamina Inmotion?
LifePro FlexStride Plus Under Desk Elliptical
Best Portable Under Desk Elliptical
- The built-in handle at the top makes this seated elliptical easy to move around.
- It comes with a mat, tether strap, resistance band, and stoppers for wheeled chairs, so you can use this anywhere and work your upper body.
- The LCD monitor displays metrics like your time, strides, and estimated calories. It’s also Bluetooth-enabled.
- The design is backed with an impressive lifetime warranty.
- It weighs about 30 lbs, so some users might be unable to pick it up to move it.
- To change the resistance, you have to bend down to reach the knob.
You may work from home and need to move your seated elliptical to and from your workspace often. You may lug it back and forth between the office and home sometimes. Maybe you want to move it in front of and away from the couch. The LifePro FlexStride Plus Under Desk Elliptical has a built-in handle over the top to pick it up when you need to move it.
The LifePro FlexStride Plus is pretty sturdy at around 30 lbs. It sits firmly on the floor whether you place it under your desk or in front of the TV. This seated elliptical has large pedals textured with rubber so your feet won’t slide.
The LifePro FlexStride Plus requires a minor assembly but is relatively easy to assemble. It comes with a mat to place under the elliptical and caster stoppers, so you can use it with chairs that have wheels. This way, you can use this seated elliptical on any type of floor surface. There is also a tether strap to secure your chair to the elliptical.
LifePro includes a resistance band to work your upper body to make this under-desk elliptical a little more versatile. It can be slipped under the handle on the elliptical for when you want to do curls, rows, and pulls.
We like that the LCD sits at the top of the machine for a pretty easy view so you can track your metrics. It is also Bluetooth-compatible and can be paired with your phone for tracking there. The LifePro FlexStride Plus has eight resistance levels, so you can select how much tension you want to pedal against.
Interested in the LifePro FlexStride Plus?
DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical
Best Quiet Under Desk Elliptical
- Thanks to the adjustable magnetic resistance, the pedal motion is smooth and quiet.
- The LCD screen is removable and can be placed on the elliptical or your desk for easier tracking.
- The pedals are large and textured to work for users of most sizes.
- The handle at the back of the pedals helps when you need to move it.
- You have to bend forward to adjust the resistance knob.
- It weighs close to 30 lbs, so it’s solid but might be hard for some to move.
The DeskCycle Ellipse is practically silent. Some noise may be generated from the pedals due to the wheels underneath, but we anticipate the noise to be minimal and not disruptive. This elliptical uses adjustable magnetic resistance, which is a large reason why it is quiet.
The magnetic resistance also helps make it feel smooth with every stroke. The resistance is said to offer up to 40 lbs of tension to pedal against, which is sure to get you working while you’re sitting.
The pedals are nice and long, so most users should be able to use this elliptical machine. The pedals move in an elliptical motion that is vertical and horizontal with every stroke. We like the fact that the LCD is removable, so you can place it on your desk to track your movement. This way, you don’t have to look under your desk to see your total time and number of strides.
Interested in the DeskCycle Ellipse?
FitDesk Under Desk Bike Pedal Machine
Best Amazon Under Desk Elliptical
- This under-desk elliptical is available to buy on Amazon.
- It has textured pedals and a foot-shifter for hands-free adjusting of the resistance.
- The console tracks your metrics and can be set to the side or placed on the elliptical.
- The design is compact to work under most desks.
- It is around 31 lbs, so it might be too heavy for some people to move.
- It doesn’t include a handle or transportation wheels for easier moving.
The FitDesk is compact yet pretty solid at 31 lbs. It has an aluminum design that can be used under most desks. This best Amazon under-desk elliptical has a foot shifter to adjust the eight levels of magnetic resistance. You don’t have to bend forward to reach a resistance knob; instead, you can just push the shifter with your foot in between pedaling.
The display screen that tracks your metrics can be set to the side or attached to FitDesk for easy viewing. The FitDesk is quiet with a smooth pedal stroke. A wheel under each pedal glides along the flat floor stabilizer at the front of the machine.
If you’re looking for an under-desk elliptical that’s easy to buy on Amazon and compatible to use in most spaces, whether in your home or office, check out the FitDesk.
Interested in the FitDesk Under Desk Bike Pedal Machine?
What to Consider when Buying an Under-Desk Elliptical
So you are tired of sitting at your desk all day or ready to make your Netflix binge-watching time a little more productive. While they might seem simple, there are some things you should consider before you buy an under-desk elliptical.
Price
You would think something that fits under a desk wouldn’t cost that much, but their price points might surprise you. Most under-desk ellipticals are priced over $100, with some being closer to $500. They have more features than you’d expect, especially if they have adjustable resistance.
If you mean to train casually, just getting your legs moving some, a more affordable under-desk elliptical is probably the way to go. However, if you want to use an under-desk elliptical to start your fitness journey and grow stronger, a more expensive under-desk treadmill with better features might align better with your goals.
Other features like Bluetooth and resistance handles to work your upper body typically increase the price. Price usually indicates quality and durability. As with any fitness equipment, an under-desk elliptical is an investment and something that should align with your budget and goals.
Resistance
Under-desk ellipticals may offer magnetic resistance levels. Magnetic resistance is fairly quiet and low-maintenance. Having more intense resistance levels helps an under-desk elliptical become a more effective form of exercise. Casual users may prefer an under-desk elliptical with minimal resistance.
I find it easier to concentrate on my work at my desk when using light resistance. I like to crank up the resistance for short breaks throughout the day when I can push myself harder.
Features
Not all under-desk ellipticals are created equal. Most models have similar features and qualities; however, they’re all slightly different. For example, some come with handles to lift and move them more easily, while others don’t. Some are Bluetooth-enabled to connect with apps on your device. The apps might just offer more metrics tracking or even guided workouts as a bonus.
Some have removable displays to place on your desk rather than having to look down at the screen to see your total time, and some allow for standing and sitting. There are even under-desk ellipticals that have handles for upper-body training. It’s important to check out the features to ensure the seated elliptical you choose has everything you want.
Under-Desk Elliptical Vs. Under-Desk Bike
Although they look almost the same, under-desk ellipticals and bikes are different. A big difference is the pedals. Under-desk ellipticals have long, flat, textured pedals. They don’t feature a strap like under-desk bike pedals.
Under-desk bikes have smaller pedals with straps that fit over your feet. These machines also have a circular pedal stroke mimicking indoor and outdoor bikes. Seated ellipticals have a motion that is like a standard elliptical, in which the pedals move forward, back, up, and down in more of an oval pattern.
When pedaling an under-desk bike, your knees tend to lift higher than a seated elliptical. If your desk is too low, this can cause you to hit your knees. An under-desk elliptical doesn’t require your knees to lift as high, so it can be a better option if you have long legs or a low desk that isn’t adjustable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an under-desk elliptical worth it?
If you live a sedentary lifestyle and have difficulty getting in movement throughout the day, then an under-desk elliptical can certainly help. While it won’t replace other forms of exercise, it can be worth it if you work at a desk or have limited capabilities beyond sitting.
Some under-desk ellipticals even come with resistance handles to work your upper body, which helps to get more of your body moving.
What is the best-rated under-desk elliptical?
Though Cubii is a little more expensive than other under-desk ellipticals, their quality and features are better than other similar products. We really like what Cubii is doing to help exercisers of all ages train anywhere.
For budget shoppers, we recommend selecting one of the many under-desk ellipticals we have included on this list. Most are available through Amazon.
Can you stand on an under-desk elliptical?
Some under-desk ellipticals are designed to be used seated and standing. There are seated ellipticals that are only meant for use while sitting, though. It’s important to check out what features the under-desk elliptical comes with, especially if you want a two-in-one machine that you can use while seated and standing.
Can you lose weight with an under-desk peddler?
An under-desk elliptical could help you lose weight, but most likely not on its own. Diet and lifestyle are huge factors that affect weight loss. While an under-desk elliptical can help you move more when you’re sitting, thus burning some extra calories, other factors like diet, health conditions, lifestyle, and activity level need to be considered if you want to lose weight.
Reader Interactions
Leave a Reply