In the 21st century, more people earn their livelihood sitting in front of a computer than ever before. This obviously results in a greatly reduced amount of physical activity throughout the day. Under the desk, ellipticals may be one of the best solutions to this problem. They are also great for seniors, post-injury recovery, physical therapy, etc.
The beauty of mini ellipticals is that they can be used simultaneously while sitting and doing something else. You could be working at a desk or watching TV on your couch, and getting a bit of exercise at the same time. However, there are a plethora of such ellipticals out there, and buying the right one can be a daunting task. Hence, we have prepared this article where we talk about some of the finest under desk ellipticals that you can buy.
Determining the best selection wasn’t easy. There are a lot of similar products available. A lot of time, hard work, and research had to be put into this article. We made sure to only include machines that we are sure will serve you well. Nevertheless, even among these, the Cubii JR1 stands out. This is why we have chosen it as the ‘Overall Best Choice’.
Under desk elliptical, whisper-quiet with LCD screen | Overall Best Choice
The Cubii JR1 is simply the best under desk elliptical out there. Both in terms of build quality and smoothness of motion, it surpasses all the other products we have listed. Its ergonomic design features a carrying handle, 8 levels of magnetic resistance, and a digital console. It makes no noise, making it convenient for you to use at the office. When you purchase this mini elliptical, all you have to do is attach four screws for the pedals and you’re good to go. Not to mention the free rubber mat to prevent the machine from sliding. It may lack some features, but will last a long time. Moreover, the price is quite affordable as well.
- Type: Mini elliptical
- Dimensions: 23” L × 17.5” W × 10” H
- Product Weight: 25 lbs
- Resistance Type: 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- Standing Use: No
- Console: Small LCD monitor
- Display Data: Strides, distance, RPM, time, calories
- Power: 1 LR44 battery
- Pedals Setup: Track and rollers
A quick view of our selection of under-desk ellipticals:
| Elliptical | Weight (lbs.) | Our Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| Cubii JR1 | 25 | 95 |
| DeskCycle Ellipse | 29.35 | 93 |
| Cubii Pro | 25 | 90 |
| Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B0891 | 19.1 | 89 |
| Fast88 Electric Elliptical Machine | 78 | |
| Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3872 | 24.2 | 85 |
| ATIVAFIT Under Desk Elliptical | 82 | |
| FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical | 31 | 80 |
| jFit Under Desk Elliptical | 26.5 | 84 |
| Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider | 24 | 73 |
10 best under desk ellipticals you can buy today
| Elliptical | Preview | Type | Dimensions (L × W × H) | Weight (lbs) | Resistance | Standing Use | Data Readouts | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubii JR1 | Mini elliptical | 23” × 17.5” × 10” | 25 | 8 level magnetic resistance | No | Strides, distance, RPM, time, calories | 95 | |
| DeskCycle Ellipse | Mini elliptical | 23” × 18” × 10” | 29.35 | 8 level magnetic resistance | No | Speed, time, distance, calories, revolutions, RPM | 93 | |
| Cubii Pro | Mini elliptical | 23” × 17.5” × 10” | 25 | 8 level magnetic resistance | No | Strides, time, distance, calories burned, RPM | 90 | |
| Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B0891 | Mini exercise bike | 20.5” × 16.5” × 10.5” | 19.1 | 8 level magnetic resistance | No | Speed, time, distance, calories | 89 | |
| Fast88 Electric Elliptical Machine | Mini elliptical | 17.7” × 14.6” × 9.8” | N/A | None | No | Speed, time, distance, calories | 78 | |
| Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3872 | Mini elliptical | 24” × 19” × 11” | 24.2 | 8 level magnetic resistance | No | Speed, time, distance, calories | 85 | |
| ATIVAFIT Under Desk Elliptical | Mini elliptical | 22.4” × 19.7” × 9.4” | N/A | Adjustable friction resistance | Yes | Speed, time, distance, calories | 82 | |
| FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical | Mini elliptical | 29” × 16” × 11” | 31 | 8 level magnetic resistance | No | Speed, time, distance, calories | 80 | |
| jFit Under Desk Elliptical | Mini elliptical | 27” × 15” × 11” | 26.5 | Adjustable friction resistance | Yes | Speed, time, distance, calories | 84 | |
| Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider | Mini elliptical | 24.5” × 17” × 11.38” | 24 | Adjustable friction resistance | Yes | Time, strides per minute, total strides, calories | 73 |
1. Cubii JR1: Under desk elliptical, whisper quiet with LCD screen | Overall Best Choice
- Type: Mini elliptical
- Dimensions: 23” L × 17.5” W × 10” H
- Product Weight: 25 lbs
- Resistance Type: 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- Standing Use: No
- Console: Small LCD monitor
- Display Data: Strides, distance, RPM, time, calories
- Power: 1 LR44 battery
- Pedals Setup: Track and rollers
- High Quality Product: With an ergonomic design and sturdy construction, this mini elliptical is built to last a long time.
- Magnetic Resistance: There are 8 levels of magnetic resistance which ensures that it operates virtually silently.
- Carry Handle: A well-placed handle is included. This can be used to easily carry this machine to the office or anywhere else.
- Digital Monitor: A simple LCD console is included that lets you track your workout. It displays strides, distance, RPM, time, and calories burned.
- Easy Assembly: The elliptical is very quick and easy to assemble. Basically, you have to follow the instructions and insert just four screws.
- Free Workout Mat: A rubber grip mat is included with the purchase. Place it under the machine to prevent it from slipping.
- Cannot be used standing up.
The Cubii JR1 is a best-in-class mini elliptical. It has an ergonomic design and good quality build. You can be sure that this elliptical will last for a long time. Assembling the product is very simple and just about anyone can do it. A free exercise mat comes with it, which can be used to stop the machine from slipping while you pedal. You can place it under any desk with a minimum height of 25 inches above the ground. You can also take it with you anywhere using the carry handle.
To vary the difficulty, you have to turn a dial and choose from 8 levels of magnetic resistance. The machine barely makes any noise, even while pedaling fast on the large non-slip pedals. You can also keep track of your workout using the built-in console. The LCD screen shows the number of strides, distance, RPM, time, and calories burned. The manufacturer recommends that you do not use the JR1 standing up. However, this machine is perfect for use while sitting.
Cubii JR1
2. DeskCycle Ellipse: Removable console, online logging, precisely built
- Type: Mini elliptical
- Dimensions: 23” L × 18” W × 10” H
- Product Weight: 29.35 lbs
- Resistance Type: 8 level magnetic resistance
- Standing Use: No
- Console: Small LCD monitor
- Display Data: Speed, time, distance, calories, revolutions, RPM
- Power: 2 AA batteries
- Pedals Setup: Track and rollers
- FitBit Compatible: A software for online logging is included. You can share your daily, weekly or even monthly activity to FitBit.
- Magnetic Resistance: The machine runs very smoothly and silently thanks to the magnetic resistance. Turn the dial to switch between 8 calibrated levels.
- Removable Console: A removable digital console comes with the product. The console has a stand and a long connecting wire so that it can be placed on a desk.
- High Capacity Display: The LCD screen can count up to 10,000 minutes and 100,000 revolutions. It also shows speed, distance, calories, and RPM.
- Compatible with Lock: This elliptical is compatible with a Kensington Lock for security and theft prevention. You will have to buy the lock separately.
- Carry Handle: Easily transport the machine nearly anywhere by using the handle to carry it like a briefcase.
- You cannot use it standing up.
The DeskCycle Ellipse can be used by anyone including seniors for physical therapy and workplace fitness. It can be placed under a desk as low as 24 inches. Also, you can carry it with you thanks to the transport handle. This under-desk elliptical features 8 levels of magnetic resistance controlled using a dial. The mechanism generates almost zero sound and runs pretty smoothly. You can prevent it from getting stolen if you buy a Kensington lock. The elliptical is fully compatible with it.
Tracking your exercise is very easy with the DeskCycle Ellipse. There is an LCD console that displays speed, distance, calories, and RPM. It can also count up to 10,000 minutes and 100,000 revolutions. Looking down to check the stats can be annoying. This is why the console can be removed and placed on your desk. A connecting wire is included to attach to the machine. Additionally, you can connect to FitBit and share your activity. This allows you to look at your progress over time on your mobile devices.
DeskCycle Ellipse
3. Cubii Pro: Seated elliptical machine, Bluetooth sync, whisper-quiet
- Type: Mini elliptical
- Dimensions: 23” L × 17.5” W × 10” H
- Product Weight: 25 lbs
- Resistance Type: 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- Standing Use: No
- Console: None (Bluetooth enabled)
- Display Data: Strides, time, distance, calories burned, RPM
- Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Pedals Setup: Track and rollers
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Sync this machine to your phone or tablet and track your progress using the free Cubii App, FitBit, or other fitness apps. You can record strides, time, distance, calories burned, and RPM.
- High-Quality Product: It has an ergonomic design and durable construction, meaning this under-desk elliptical will serve you well for a long time.
- Magnetic Resistance: The magnetic resistance has 8 levels adjustable with a dial. It also ensures a smooth and virtually silent operation.
- Carry Handle: This machine is highly portable thanks to the size, weight, and integrated handle for carrying. Take it with you anywhere you want.
- Rechargeable Battery: It is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, so there is no need to buy new batteries. A micro USB port can be found on the side.
- Easy Assembly: The elliptical is very quick and easy to assemble. All you have to do is insert a few screws to attach the pedals and you’re done.
- Cannot be used standing up.
- There is no console or screen.
The Cubii Pro is another great mini elliptical from Cubii. This one also has high durability and an ergonomic design, so it is both easy-to-use and long-lasting. The main difference with the JR1 is in the method of fitness tracking. There is no console built into the machine. Instead, it is Bluetooth enabled. You can keep track of strides, time, distance, calories burned, and RPM on your phone or tablet. A free Cubii App is available, or you could use other fitness apps like FitBit or Apple HealthKit.
The power system is also different. It features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This is a very useful feature since you can just leave it to charge overnight, instead of having to buy new batteries from time to time. Other than that, the Cubii Pro is smooth and silent running due to the 8 levels of magnetic resistance. You can carry it to your office using the handle and pedal while working without disturbing others. The assembly is also fairly simple and anyone can do it.
Cubii Pro
4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B0891: Under desk exercise bike, magnetic resistance, 2-in-1 design
- Type: Mini exercise bike
- Dimensions: 20.5” L × 16.5” W × 10.5” H
- Product Weight: 19.1 lbs
- Resistance Type: 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- Standing Use: No
- Console: Small LCD monitor
- Display Data: Speed, time, distance, calories
- Power: Battery powered
- Pedals Setup: 3 piece-crank
- Dual Use: Not only can you work your lower body, but you can also put it on a table and pedal with your arms for an upper exercise.
- Affordable: This is probably one of the least expensive exercise machines out there, so anyone on a budget can buy it.
- Magnetic Resistance: The magnetic resistance provides a smooth and noise-free motion. Use the turning dial to switch between 8 levels of tension.
- Carry Handle: With the ease of portability in mind, the manufacturers have included a carry handle to easily pick up the machine.
- Digital Monitor: A battery-powered LCD console allows you to keep track of your workout by displaying speed, time, distance, and calories burned.
- The pedals are not bidirectional.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B0891 is more of an under desk exercise bike than an elliptical. However, the benefits are pretty much still the same. The pedals with adjustable straps have a 7-inch stride length and the tension in the 3.52 lbs flywheel is controlled by magnets. There are 8 levels of resistance to choose from. You can pedal while sitting and working, reading, or watching TV, and there won’t be any noise whatsoever. A carry handle allows for ease of mobility from place to place.
The two best properties of this mini exercise bike are the 2-in-1 design and price. You can place it on top of a table and get some upper body exercise by pedaling with your arms. The cost is extremely low despite the good quality. So you should have no excuse for not buying this product. This is the perfect machine to buy if you prefer the cycling motion over an elliptical motion. A console with an LCD screen displays the speed, time, distance, and calories burned for workout tracking. One downside would be that the pedals are not reversible.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B0891
5. Fast88: Motorized pedals for assisted workouts
- Type: Mini elliptical
- Dimensions: 17.7” L × 14.6” W × 9.8” H
- Resistance Type: None
- Standing Use: No
- Console: Small LED monitor
- Display Data: Speed, time, distance, calories
- Power: AC power outlet/without power
- Pedals Setup: Track and rollers
- Assisted Workout Option: The drive mechanism is motorized and moves the pedals on its own for assisted motion. There are different speed options to choose from. This feature is useful for physical therapy or rehabilitation.
- Silent Mechanism: While using this machine, there will be almost no noise produced. So you can work or watch TV in peace and won’t annoy others.
- Digital Monitor: To help you keep track of your activity with this machine, a console with red LEDs displays speed, time, distance, and calories.
- Remote Control: To save you from the trouble of having to bend down to reach the console buttons, a remote is included with the same buttons.
- Portability: A large slot on the top surface can be used to conveniently carry this compact and lightweight mini elliptical machine.
- Massage Pedals: The large pedals have a textured design. When used barefoot, they massage the feet and improve circulation.
- The material and build quality are not too high.
- It can only be used seated.
- There is no resistance control.
The Fast88 Electric Elliptical Machine is particularly suited for those who are recovering from surgery or injury and for physical therapy or rehabilitation. You can plug in the machine to a socket to use the assisted motion option. A motor with variable speeds helps in the movement for those who can’t pedal on their own. There are 3 auto and 5 manual speed options. All of this can be directly controlled using the console buttons or by an included remote control. The red LED screen displays speed, time, distance, and calories burned.
You can choose to unplug the elliptical and pedal by yourself. However, there is no way to adjust the resistance level. The large non-slip pedals have a ribbed surface. If you pedal barefoot, you can get a good massage for the feet. This under-desk elliptical is also pretty easy to carry thanks to the large slot on the top. It can feel a bit cheap since it is made fully of plastic. But this is still a good value for money.
Fast88 Electric Elliptical Machine
6. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3872: Mini elliptical, magnetic resistance, digital monitor
- Type: Mini elliptical
- Dimensions: 24” L × 19” W × 11” H
- Product Weight: 24.2 lbs
- Resistance Type: 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- Standing Use: No
- Console: Small LCD monitor
- Display Data: Speed, time, distance, calories
- Power: 1 LR44 battery
- Pedals Setup: Track and rollers
- Affordable: Most people hesitate to buy any exercise equipment because of their high prices. At less than $150, this machine is highly affordable.
- Magnetic Resistance: The magnetic resistance provides a smooth and noise-free motion. Use the tension knob to switch between 8 levels of resistance.
- Carry Handle: For ease of portability, the manufacturers have included a well-placed carrying handle to easily pick up the machine.
- Digital Monitor: An LCD console powered by an LR44 battery allows you to keep track of your workout by displaying speed, time, distance, and calories burned.
- No Assembly: When you purchase this product, it will be delivered to you fully assembled. So, you can take it out of the box and start using it immediately.
- Can only be used sitting down.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3872 is a mini elliptical that is similar to the SF-B0891 mini exercise bike. It has the same build quality and ergonomic design for long-lasting, easy use. The large anti-slip pedals have a 7-inch stride length and drive a flywheel weighing 3.52 lbs. Resistance is provided by magnets and so the operation of this elliptical is quite smooth and silent. There are 8 levels of dial adjustable tension. You can take this machine with you just about anywhere due to its size, weight, and carrying handle.
You can keep track of your activity level thanks to the console with readouts for speed, time, distance, and calories burned. It has an LCD screen and is powered by an LR44 battery. Note that it is not recommended that you use this machine standing up. No matter your budget, you should be able to afford it. Compared to other similar equipment, the price for this is one of the lowest in the market. Additionally, there is no hassle after delivery since it comes fully assembled.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3872
7. ATIVAFIT: Seated/standing workout, built-in monitor, non-slip pedals
- Type: Mini elliptical
- Dimensions: 22.4” L × 19.7” W × 9.4” H
- Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
- Resistance Type: Adjustable friction resistance
- Standing Use: Yes
- Console: Small LCD monitor
- Display Data: Speed, time, distance, calories
- Power: Battery powered
- Pedals Setup: Track and rollers
- Standing Exercise: This machine is not only good for seated exercise, but you can also pedal standing up to get a better workout.
- Digital Monitor: Keep track of your progress with this machine with the help of the LCD console. It displays speed, time, distance, and calories burned.
- Affordable: The cost of this mini elliptical is lower than many other similar products. Hence, almost everyone can afford it.
- Portability: A carry handle on the top lets you move this elliptical from room to room. In case you find it too heavy, you can just tilt from the back and roll it on the pair of front transport wheels.
- Massage Pedals: The surface of the large pedals have a ridged texture. It massages the soles of the feet if you are using it without shoes.
- There have been some complaints about noise developing after some time.
The ATIVAFIT Under Desk Elliptical is a dual-use mini elliptical trainer. Like any other under-desk elliptical, you can use it to get some exercise while sitting or working at a desk. However, due to its 220 lbs weight capacity, you can also exercise standing up. This way you can burn some extra calories. It is also highly portable. You can lift it with the carrying handle, or simply use the transport wheels to roll it around if it feels too heavy. On top of that, the price of this machine is under $150 making it very much affordable.
Workout tracking is possible with this elliptical thanks to the digital console. Its LCD screen shows speed, time, distance, and calories burned. The mechanism is decently smooth and noise-free, even though it used dial-adjustable friction resistance. As a bonus, the large pedals have a textured surface. When you pedal without shoes on, it can massage your feet and improve circulation. Overall, this is a great sitting/standing mini elliptical.
ATIVAFIT Under Desk Elliptical
8. FitDesk: Low pedal height, hands-free adjustment, detachable console
- Type: Mini elliptical
- Dimensions: 29” L × 16” W × 11” H
- Product Weight: 31 lbs
- Weight Capacity: N/A
- Resistance Type: 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- Standing Use: No
- Console: Removable LCD monitor with desk stand
- Display Data: Speed, time, distance, calories
- Power: 2 AAA batteries
- Pedals Setup: Track and rollers
- Removable Console: The LCD console is removable and can be placed on your desk. It has an LCD screen that shows the speed, time, distance, and calories burned.
- Hands-free Adjustment: The resistance is not adjusted with a dial. Instead, it uses a foot shifter, so you don’t have to reach down every time.
- Portability: There are a pair of transport wheels and a handle for ease of movement. You could tilt it by the handle and roll it on the wheels, or simply pick it up and carry it like a briefcase.
- Noise-free Pedaling: The drive mechanism makes practically no noise at all thanks to the twin belt drive and magnetic resistance.
- Low Rotation Height: The maximum height during the pedal motion is lower than most other under-desk ellipticals. Therefore, there is very little chance of hitting the desk with your knees.
- The length of this elliptical is a bit too long.
- You cannot use it in a standing position.
