A bike ride around the block or a spin on your gym’s best ellipticals can be a great, low-impact way to hit your cardio goals, strengthen your heart, and increase your quality of sleep. (1) When working hours or limited mobility gets in the way of your cardio session, an under-desk elliptical trainer may be exactly what the doctor ordered to help you stay active when you’re stuck in place.

If you’re interested in bringing some light cardio into your workday, these compact devices can give fidgety feet something more productive to do. While there are countless options across the market, our team has tried, tested, and combed customer reviews to bring you the best under-desk ellipticals worth your consideration. Here are our top picks.

The 6 Best Under-Desk Ellipticals of 2024

Best Under-Desk Elliptical Overall: LifePro FlexStride Plus Under-Desk Elliptical 

Best Budget Under-Desk Elliptical: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under-Desk Elliptical Peddler

Best Under-Desk Elliptical Cycle: DeskCycle2

Best Portable Under-Desk Elliptical: Jfit Mini Elliptical

Best Under-Desk Elliptical for Seniors: ANCHEER Under-Desk Elliptical

Best Under-Desk Elliptical for Full Body Workout: Niceday Under-Desk Elliptical

How We Tested and Chose the Best Under-Desk Ellipticals

The BarBend team is made up of former D1 athletes, certified personal trainers, and fitness enthusiasts who work long hours and are constantly on the lookout for ways to sprinkle training into their busy day. While not everyone can take a half hour away from their assignments to squeeze in an office workout, these devices can keep your fitness aspirations on track while you send emails. We’ve tried and tested more than 10 under-desk cardio machines, taking notes on how easy this equipment would be to add to your workday routine.

To provide a clear understanding of our testing methodology, we’ve rated the products we’ve gotten our hands on using a score of 1 (not great) to 5 (fantastic) in categories such as ease of use, durability, and portability. When we couldn’t test a product, we combed through thousands of reviews, picking out common praise and complaints from consumers. Below are some of the key factors we focused on while making our list. 

Compact and Portable

“If you’re shopping for compact home gym equipment, I’m going to assume you need to maximize your available space,” notes Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. Furthermore, when that equipment needs to fit beneath your desk, you’ll need low and slender builds to keep your knees from knocking against its underside like an angry neighbor at your front door. 

The average desk height is around 28 to 30 inches, and we kept this in mind while making this list. Our picks range between 10 and 12.9 inches tall, which should provide enough overhead between the machine and your desk so your knees won’t knock its underside. (2) 

Additionally, we looked for units with carry handles, reasonable weights between 16 and 30 pounds, and transport wheels. When customer reviews complained about their experience moving a device around due to the weight or a lack of a handle, we made sure to note that grievance.

Durability

While under-desk ellipticals will cost a drop in the bucket compared to their full-sized siblings, we wanted to make sure this cost disparity didn’t come at the cost of durability. While most of our choices are built with plastic parts, many options include iron and alloy steel, some of the same materials you’ll see on some of the best cardio machines. 

Intensity

While under-desk treadmills can provide some light cardio, you won’t find the same intensity as with a treadmill, exercise bike, or full-size elliptical. That being said, we still looked for options that provided enough resistance to help you work up a sweat and challenge your lower body.

When making our picks, we prioritized machines with eight levels of resistance, though some of our picks feature a motorized operation. There are also some picks with unlisted resistance, but we thought their overall quality justified their opaqueness. 

Quiet Enough for Zoom Calls?

“This nifty type of equipment makes it easy to add more movement into your day without interrupting work or study time,” notes Capritto. However, under-desk ellipticals need to be quiet enough while in use to not disrupt your train of thought or cause co-workers to mute your mic during Zoom calls. Our choices took into account positive customer feedback regarding noise, brand decibel readings, and the inclusion of oil for noisy wheels.

Best Under-Desk Elliptical Overall: LifePro FlexStride Plus Under-Desk Elliptical

The LifePro FlexStride Plus Under-Desk Elliptical can provide low-impact cardio and is ideal for those strapped to a desk or looking to add some movement from their couch while they watch TV or read a book. With eight levels of resistance, non-slip pedals, Bluetooth app compatibility, and a lifetime warranty, this unit was an easy pick for our favorite under-desk elliptical.

Created to provide HIIT or LISS cardio for those in a seated position, this under-desk elliptical allows users to strengthen their leg muscles and lift their heart rate while working. If you work in a rolling office chair, you may also appreciate the included caster wheel stoppers, non-slip mat, and chair tether, each of which can provide a bit of stability as you pedal. 

We also like the included resistance band, which allows you to give the upper body a little attention before Zoom meetings start. While this resistance band doesn’t attach to the under-desk elliptical, users can stand on it or weigh an end down with the machine for bicep curls, overhead press, and tricep extension work.

[Related: Try This Upper Body Resistance Band Workout to Tone Up]

At 12.9 inches tall, most users will find this suitable for the average 30-inch tall office desk. At 31 pounds, however, it is roughly 5 to 10 pounds heavier than other under-desk ellipticals we tested. Thankfully, it includes a carry handle. “I think the fact that it’s heavy probably makes it good quality, but it’s also a bit of a problem if you need to move it a lot,” mentioned a review.

The Bluetooth connectivity pairs with a handful of apps — LifePro recommends FitHome, Kinomap, and Zwift — that can help you track metrics and even access some virtual riding courses. However, several reviews mentioned having trouble connecting to the device’s Bluetooth. “I love this purchase, but really disappointed that the Bluetooth does not work,” noted one customer review.

This is a manual under-desk elliptical, which means users are in total control of moving the foot pedals against their chosen level of resistance. Those looking for assisted movement, such as seniors or individuals recovering from injury, would be better off opting for a motorized option. 

Best Budget Under-Desk Elliptical: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under-Desk Elliptical Peddler

We like the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under-Desk Elliptical Peddler for its solid design, eight levels of magnetic resistance, and simple setup — it’s ready to use right out of the box. While this device is listed at $199.99, it’s often on sale for closer to $148, which is $20 to $70 less expensive than other options we tested. 

Budget buys can sometimes lead the consumer astray with false and flashy advertising, but, from our experience testing Sunny Health & Fitness products, the company doesn’t mislead its customers. “[It] does exactly as advertised and for an amazing price,” noted one review. “This is the best purchase I have made in years. I am very budget conscious and rarely splurge anymore. With that being said I would purchase this for twice or maybe even triple the price for this machine.”

[Related: The 12 Best Budget Home Gym Equipment]

This under-desk elliptical weighs 25 pounds and features a built-in carry handle for ease of movement from beneath desks to wherever else you’d like to sneak in some low-impact cardio. However, one 74-year-old reviewer noted, “It is heavy, for me that is, so I had to decide where to place it so I wouldn’t have to move it.”

As this is a manual elliptical, the eight levels of magnetic resistance provide a challenge as it’s on the user to make the pedals move. Seniors or those recovering from injury may want to consider a motorized under-desk elliptical, which helps to power the pedal movement. 

However, one reviewer noted, “I have serious mobility issues, and walking is not possible. Same with riding a bike. This elliptical is exactly what I was looking for… Easy to set up, easy to use, and… totally quiet when in use.”

Before pulling the trigger and bringing this elliptical (and the benefits of cardio) into your home, users will want to measure their under-desk depth and height to make sure it’ll fit. While this machine is a reasonable 12 inches tall, it’s 25 inches long which may not be suitable for those with shallow workstations.

Once purchased and delivered, setup is a breeze. “Right out of the box it is ready to use,” mentioned one review. If you do bring this device home, some users complained about the unit sliding around when used at a higher setting, so you’ll want to consider placing it against an immovable surface like a wall or a couple of dumbbells.

Best Under-Desk Elliptical Cycle: DeskCycle2

The DeskCycle2 is our choice for the best under-desk elliptical cycle due to its bi-directional flywheel, detachable LCD screen, sturdy build, and adjustable height, which makes it ideal for low-impact exercise while seated at desks. We know, we know, this is more of an under-desk cycle than an elliptical — in fact, it’s one of the best mini exercise bikes we’ve tried — but the cycling motion provides a similar workout experience for your lower body when compared to ellipticals. We also appreciated that it can pair with Fitbit fitness trackers and Apple Watches.

Adjusting the DeskCycle2 Under-Desk Elliptical.

While nobody wants their knees knocking against the bottom of their desk as they sneak in a workday workout, this unit allows for pedal height adjustments between 9 and 10 inches, which can provide additional clearance for desks as low as 27 inches. However, the company’s website suggests that users over 5 feet 8 inches may find these adjustments inadequate if their desks are below 27 inches.

There are eight levels of magnetic resistance that can provide up to 39 total pounds of resistance. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, gave resistance a 4.5 out of 5. “And let me tell you, that top level of resistance is hard work! I don’t think I could actually get work done while cycling from these levels,” they noted.  

That being said, older users or those recovering from injury may want to look for a motorized under-desk elliptical since this device is manual and won’t assist your pedaling in any way.

While in use, “the device didn’t slide around or feel unstable,” noted our tester, who scored its stability a 5 out of 5. However, at 23 pounds and without a dedicated handle for transport, moving this device around may be difficult for some users.

Our tester pedaling on the DeskCycle2 Under-Desk Treadmill.

We also like the DeskCycle’s whisper-quiet operation, which is useful for those looking to lift their heart rate while working in an office. One tester, a CrossFit coach, scored its noise level a 5 out of 5. “This cycle uses a dual-band resistance system, which makes it super quiet when in use,” they said. “I wouldn’t worry about disrupting others in your office or family members in the next room with this thing.”

Best Portable Under-Desk Elliptical: Jfit Mini Elliptical

Under-desk ellipticals are compact by design, but they can often weigh between 20 and 30 pounds, making them difficult to lug around. The Jfit Mini Elliptical, which weighs 26.5 pounds, distinguishes itself by providing two separate handles and a pair of transport wheels that make it easy to roll from the office to the den. 

The handles are situated on the top and back of the unit, and the back handle doubles as a wheel lock for your rolling office chair. Our testers noticed that many under-desk ellipticals are tricky to use with rolling chairs, as added resistance can cause you to push yourself away. This wheel lock keeps you from doing just that.

Unlike the average under-desk elliptical, the Jfit Mini Elliptical is capable of being used while seated or standing. “My desk raises and lowers so I just have to spin [the Mini Elliptical] around to use it while I stand at my desk,” noted one customer review who appreciated the ability to use this under-desk elliptical both while seated and in a more traditional elliptical fashion.

[Related: The Elliptical Benefits You Need to Know About ASAP]

To go from sitting to standing, users need to rotate the device 180 degrees, unscrew a pedal support rod to raise or lower the pedal angle, and re-insert the rod and tighten. “The bottom level is for use while standing and the middle and top levels are for sitting,” mentioned another review.

While the LCD display monitor can rotate so users can view their training metrics whether they’re seated or standing, the screen is tiny and may be difficult to view without bending down to take a closer look. 

The most common complaint we came across while researching this unit was a persistent squeak during use. However, Jfit includes lubricant oil with your purchase to help avoid this. One customer recommends, “You will want to preemptively use a spray-on lubricant on the track where the wheels roll. This eliminates a bit of a squeaking noise.”

Best Under-Desk Elliptical for Seniors: ANCHEER Under-Desk Elliptical

The ANCHEER Under-Desk Elliptical is suited for seniors, beginners, and those recovering from an injury, as it can help those with limited mobility resist sedentary behaviors. Unlike user-powered ellipticals, where users push against the machine’s resistance, this motorized unit provides an assist as you pedal, making it more accessible. 

“Once you get it out of the box, it’s ready to go,” noted one reviewer who appreciated the ease of use and setup. Additionally, unlike standard under-desk ellipticals, this unit comes with a remote control so users can control their device from an upright seated position.

While under-desk ellipticals tend to be compact, weight can be a concern for older populations, especially when it comes to unboxing and moving a device around. At only 16.4 pounds, the ANCHEER Under-Desk Elliptical is one of the lighter units we’ve come across, weighing roughly 5 to 10 pounds less than other models we tested. It also includes a carrying handle to help with transport. 

While this device is advertised as having five levels of magnetic resistance, it’s important to note that this relates more to speed than resistance. The pedals move with or without you pedaling, so adjustments are more about how quickly you’d like your feet to move along with the pedals than how much resistance you want to face. For this reason, users with more of an athletic background may be disappointed by their inability to increase workout intensity.

Lastly, this device needs to be plugged in during use, and some customers have complained about the length and placement of the cord. “The power cord is too short to reach a power supply without using an extension cord,” noted one customer review. While users can pedal backward without this unit being plugged in, the user manual states that pedaling forward without the device plugged in can cause damage to the motor.

Best Under-Desk Elliptical for Full-Body Workout: Niceday Under-Desk Elliptical

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We love the ability to multitask, and the Niceday Under-Desk Elliptical comes with a set of resistance bands so you can engage your upper body during at-work cardio sessions. Plus, the included resistance bands connect to the base, so you can hit different muscles, like your triceps, biceps, and shoulders while you squeeze in some LISS cardio.

Constructed from plastic, cast iron, and aluminum, this device can hold users up to 300 pounds for seated or standing workouts. However, its sturdy build comes at the cost of the unit’s weight, which, at 31.9 pounds, is around 5 to 10 pounds heavier than the average under-desk elliptical. One customer review noted, “It’s heavy enough to stay in one place, seems very sturdy and extremely quiet. You can’t hear anything.”

The ability to use this seated or standing makes this a worthwhile consideration for those with adjustable standing desks. The bands, for example, take on added tension when you strap them to the base of the elliptical and use them while standing.

One inclusion we appreciated was a strap to attach the under-desk elliptical to your rolling office chair. There’s nothing more frustrating than turning up the resistance only to find yourself being pushed halfway across the office. While the resistance on this unit is adjustable, the levels aren’t listed or marked on the device, so users will have to adjust based on feeling. 

Benefits of Under-Desk Elliptical Machines

Compact and more lightweight than even the best compact ellipticals, under-desk ellipticals can benefit those stuck behind a desk or elderly adults looking to squeeze in an office or home workout into their day. Here are a few of the key perks of these mini ellipticals.

Low-Impact Workout

When running on treadmills or pounding the pavement sounds like a surefire route to hip, knee, or back pain, under-desk ellipticals can provide a low-impact form of cardio that can help you reap the benefits of your effort without discomfort. Pedaling your feet from the comfort of your own couch or office chair works to take pressure off of your joints while helping to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and promote heart health. (3)(4)

Workout While You Work

There’s no need to trade in your fitness goals when the workday takes up the whole day. By adding some desk exercise to your day, you can burn calories and increase leg strength to stay on track with your fitness even when you don’t have the time to dedicate to a gym session or a cardio workout at home.

That being said, we still recommend prioritizing your fitness and finding the time to dedicate to a routine that includes cardio, strength, and mobility exercises. But when there’s just no time to be had, under-desk ellipticals can be a worthwhile consideration to help add some movement to your day.

Compact and Portable

These exercise machines are designed with low profiles, small footprints, and reasonable weights that make them portable. While many utilize them during the workday, they’re also useful for staying active as you watch TV, read, or knit.

Affordable

Unlike workout equipment that can cost as much as a vacation getaway to Tulum, under-desk ellipticals have price tags that range between $100 and $220 — well below the $500 to $2,500 average for full-sized ellipticals. Of course, affordability often results in lower resistance capabilities, smaller digital monitors, and less robust warranties. 

How Much Do Under-Desk Ellipticals Cost?

The price of under-desk ellipticals on our list ranges from $128 up to $219. Check out the chart below to see how each of our top picks compares when it comes to cost.

Three of the most expensive units on our list offer different types of training. The LifePro FlexStride Plus ($179.99) is your typical manual under-desk elliptical and comes with a robust lifetime warranty. The DeskCycle2 ($199.99) has cycling pedals and can pair with Apple Watch and Fitbit. The ANCHEER Under-Desk Elliptical ($219) is motorized, offering an assist that can be useful for seniors or those with limited mobility. 

The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under-Desk Elliptical Peddler ($199.99) might not seem like a budget buy, but this unit is often on sale for closer to $148, making it a more mid-range option.

The units that cost more often feature more resistance levels, electronically-assisted pedaling, and Bluetooth and fitness tracker compatibility. Lower-priced models, on the other hand, tend to have fewer tech capabilities and smaller builds that lack the stability of pricier units. 

What to Consider Before Buying an Under-Desk Elliptical

According to Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, “size, weight, and portability” are the first things to consider when shopping for an under-desk elliptical. “[That’s] because you’ll be really frustrated if you buy an elliptical that doesn’t fit in your intended space or, if you need to be flexible with your space, isn’t easy to move.” 

Your Needs

Some key considerations when shopping for an under-desk elliptical are your physical needs and fitness goals. If you’re looking to lift your heart rate during the workday, are you also interested in working your upper body into the mix? There are several under-desk ellipticals that come with resistance bands and support standing and sitting work. 

If you’re a senior or someone with limited mobility, you’ll likely be better suited for a machine that’s designed primarily for seated use. It’s also a good bet that you’ll want a more lightweight machine under 25 pounds and with built-in carrying handles for easier transport. 

For reference, under-desk ellipticals tend to weigh between 20 and 25 pounds — about the weight of a full-grown dachshund — and they take up an average of 2 to 3.5 square feet of floor space. 

[Related: Calories in Calories Out; Myth or Truth for Weight Loss?]

Motorized vs Manual

Under-desk ellipticals come in two camps: motorized and manual. After plugging in a motorized unit, the pedals will begin to move on their own. These devices are best for seniors and those recovering from injury, as they provide an assist that makes pedaling more accessible. 

Velcro pedal strap on the DeskCycle2 Under-Desk Elliptical.

Manual under-desk ellipticals require the user to actively push the pedals. These units are best suited for those with adequate leg strength, and the levels of resistance allow users to increase strength and endurance by increasing the resistance they’re pedaling against as needed.

Your Workspace

Who doesn’t love checking off your workday to-do list while also hitting your target calorie burn for the day? If you’re planning to use one of these machines for in-chair exercise under a desk, you’ll want to measure its clearance to make sure your knees won’t knock its underside as you pedal. Standard desks tend to be between 28 and 30 inches tall, and you’ll want about 10 inches of space between the top of your elliptical and the bottom of the desk for a comfortable pedal. 

You’ll also want to make note of where you intend on using an under-desk elliptical, as open-floor offices may not appreciate a squeaky or creaky machine. We worked to point out whether any units on our list made noise during use, and would also recommend machines that utilize magnetic resistance over friction, as they tend to be quieter and require less maintenance.

Final Word

Since you’re here, it’s safe to assume you’re interested in bringing one of these compact cardio tools into your home. Before you jump the gun and make a purchase, make sure the device that’s caught your eye provides you with the training capabilities you’re after and has the right dimensions to work with your workspace. 

When the goal is to utilize your work hours to add some movement to your day, make sure the under-desk elliptical fits your needs and your space, and you’ll be well on your way to reaching your move goal while you tackle your workday checklist.

FAQs

References

Nystoriak, M. A., & Bhatnagar, A. (2018). Cardiovascular Effects and Benefits of Exercise. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 5, 135. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2018.00135

Boggs, C. (2018) Average Table Height Differences for Desks, Counters, and Bars. Replacement Table Legs. https://blog.replacementtablelegs.com/general-information/table-leg-height-for-desks-counters-bars/

Chavarrias, M., Carlos-Vivas, J., Collado-Mateo, D., & Pérez-Gómez, J. (2019). Health Benefits of Indoor Cycling: A Systematic Review. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 55(8), 452. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55080452

Sandmeier R. H. (2000). Osteoarthritis and Exercise: Does Increased Activity Wear Out Joints?. The Permanente Journal, 4(4), 26–28.

Physical activity guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition – health.gov. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf?ref=simplegreensteps.com

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