Best Under Desk Ellipticals 2024

Last Update: December 15, 2023

Under desk ellipticals are a great cardio solution for users who have balance or mobility limitations that prevent them from using a typical elliptical. They are also perfect for multi-tasking, fidgety students, and adding some movement to any seated activity. These ellipticals’ portability allows them to be moved under your desk, into your living room by your couch, to the kitchen table, and just about anywhere else you would like to sit. The best under desk ellipticals come in a range of styles, portability, and resistance levels. This list of our best under-desk ellipticals is designed to help you narrow it down to the perfect fit for your routine!

Here’s Our List of the Best Under Desk Ellipticals 2024

• Best Under Desk Elliptical: Cubii Go
• Best Standing & Under Desk Elliptical: Sunny Health & Fitness Portable Stand-Up Elliptical
• Best Under Desk Elliptical with Arm Resistance: Cubii Total Body
• Best Budget Under Desk Elliptical: Niceday Under Desk Elliptical
• Best Lightweight Under Desk Elliptical: Cubii Move
• Best Under Desk Elliptical For Students: Sunny Pink Under Desk Exercise Elliptical
• Best Portable Under Desk Elliptical: FitNation (by Echelon) Pedal Pro Plus
• Best Amazon Under Desk Elliptical: FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical

Best Under Desk Elliptical: Cubii Go

Cubii is one of the dominant brands in the under-desk elliptical space. At the time of writing this review, they have three models available, and they all landed on this list. We picked the Cubii Go as the best option because of its portability, value, and resistance. The Cubii Go is not the most affordable under-desk elliptical, but we really like the quality of Cubii machines. This under-desk elliptical is a great option for someone who wants to use an under-desk elliptical regularly and in multiple places throughout their home or office.

When searching for the best under-desk elliptical, I prioritized a machine that was high-quality and portable. Cubii was my go-to brand after testing the Total Body+ under-desk elliptical. Yet, the Go is my choice for its lighter weight, transport handle, and wheels. These are the features I really felt were lacking with the Cubii Total Body, and I think most users will really appreciate them. It weighs only 19.4 lbs. The Cubii Go can be easily transported from your office to your living room and back again. The Go is perfect for adding up thousands of reps throughout the day, because you can take it practically anywhere.

An under-desk elliptical is best for casual, low-intensity exercise. Yet, Cubii’s resistance levels are decently challenging. The Go has 8 resistance levels, so you can train for hours on end or perform a few tougher intervals. Cubii lets you pedal fast or pace yourself. Both feel smooth and effective with the large flywheel. The backlit LCD screen makes it easy to track your progress. While the Go may need to be recharged, it has a nice battery life and does not need to be plugged in while you are training.

The Cubii Go cannot connect via Bluetooth with the Cubii app. The app is really nice for storing your data and following along with structured workouts. However, you will have to manually enter your data into the app. If you are looking for something with Bluetooth, check out the Cubii Total Body+. The Go is perfect for the casual user who wants to use it in multiple locations at a low intensity rather than doing a shorter structured workout.

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Best Standing & Under Desk Elliptical: Sunny Health & Fitness Portable Stand-Up Elliptical

The Sunny Portable Stand-up Elliptical is one of the best and only for two-in-one ellipticals. I recommend caution when using this mini elliptical while standing. It would pair best with an adjustable height standing desk so you have a little support. This combo also allows you to use the elliptical regardless of what height you have your desk positioned.

The Sunny Portable Stand Up Elliptical is one very unique machine. Again, I advise caution when using this elliptical while standing. It would be best to be near something sturdy you can use to support yourself. If you have an adjustable height standing desk, you can use this elliptical while sitting and when you raise your desk up. This Sunny elliptical also has resistance bands for upper body training. I recommend using this feature while sitting to keep your arms free to stabilize yourself while standing.

As a portable device, this Sunny elliptical is lightweight at 26.5 lbs. If you plan to use the elliptical while standing up, you will need to be under the 220-lb weight limit. If you are only using the elliptical while sitting, it is not as important, because you won’t be putting much weight on the machine. The elliptical is covered by a 1-year warranty. It does not have wheels, but it does have a handle to carry the elliptical, which should be feasible for most users.

The Sunny Portable Stand Up Elliptical is very budget-friendly at under $200. You can save even more by opting for the version without resistance bands. Both versions have textured pedals. They support pedaling forward and backward. Lastly, they have 8 magnetic resistance levels and a 7-inch stride.

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Best Under Desk Elliptical with Arm Resistance: Cubii Total Body+

The Cubii Total Body+ is our pick for the best under-desk elliptical with arm resistance. It also has Bluetooth connectivity to help you track your workouts. The Cubii Total Body+ may be one of the priciest under-desk ellipticals available, but it is also one of the highest quality options.

There are under-desk ellipticals, and then there are full-body training systems that pair with smart apps like the Cubii Total Body+. It isn’t a good solution for an advanced athlete, but for users who have mobility or balance limitations, this is a great option. The Cubii Total Body+ is a great seated fitness option. It has 12 levels of magnetic resistance. You can use it for long stretches of time to train endurance or crank up the intensity for a harder workout.

The Cubii Total Body+’s Bluetooth connectivity allows it to pair with the Cubii app. This app tracks your progress and allows you to take part in classes. You can choose between fully seated classes and standing + seated classes. The app is completely free, which makes it a great complement to your purchase. With monthly challenges, the app can help you create an exercise routine and get the most out of your purchase.

While the Cubii Total Body+ may not be the best fitness solution for all users. It is a great option for users who cannot partake in more traditional exercise activities. Whether you are recovering from injury, surgery, or other ailments, the Cubii Total Body+ might just be the way to kickstart your fitness routine. I like how polished Cubii’s app is, and I like the quality of this under-desk elliptical compared to many of the Amazon alternatives you may find.

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Best Budget Under Desk Elliptical: Niceday Under Desk Elliptical

The Niceday Under Desk Elliptical is very similar to the Sunny Portable Stand-up Elliptical, but it is more affordable. At its very low price through Amazon, the Niceday Under Desk Elliptical is our choice for the best budget option. This under-desk elliptical is a great option for users who want a simple exercise solution for short periods throughout the day. It can add a little more activity to an otherwise sedentary routine.

If an under-desk elliptical is just one among many other exercise solutions in your repertoire or you are on a tight budget, the Niceday Under Desk Elliptical is a good fit for you. It is a good machine at a reasonable price. The Niceday Under Desk Elliptical is an Amazon brand product, so it is often offered with free shipping. Check out the Amazon reviews and ratings from over 600 buyers.

The NiceDay Under Desk Elliptical comes in two styles: 3606 and 3613L. The more affordable 3163L is a 2-in-1 sitting and standing under-desk elliptical. It has resistance bands to add upper body training. I suggest using the standing option where you can find a sturdy surface to support yourself. Regardless of which style you choose, I recommend using this elliptical while seated only, because it will not provide adequate support for all users. If you have balance or mobility restrictions, be especially careful.

The Niceday Under Desk Elliptical has resistance levels, but it does not specify exactly how many levels it offers. It is best used as a casual under-desk exercise tool. It has a small LCD monitor that shows your time, speed, distance, and calories. Though the Amazon listing states that it has a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs, I would be hesitant to trust this rating. Overall, it’s a budget under-desk elliptical designed for light use.

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Best Lightweight Under Desk Elliptical: Cubii Move

If you have a little more wiggle room in your budget, Cubii’s most affordable under-desk elliptical might be just the one to get you started. The Cubii Move is compact and lightweight but has many of the same features as the Cubii Go and Total Body+. The Cubii Move is the right mix of quality, a low weight, and a reasonable price.

I had to pick one of the lightest weight and highest quality machines I could find for this award. At 17.6 lbs, the Cubii Move was the obvious choice. The package weight is 21.2 lbs, so it should be okay for most users to lift upon receiving it. This compact and light machine is a basic under-desk elliptical that comes with just the right amount of features. It’s black with light blue accents, which I like more than the Cubii Go’s gray and orange aesthetic. It is designed just for seated use.

The Cubii Move is designed to give more users access to low-impact exercise while seated. The Move is a great option for exercisers who need a short-term solution and therefore, want quality at a reasonable price. In the fitness world, there is no shortage of horror stories about hopeful exercisers receiving packages with their equipment that they cannot lift to get into their home. The Move weighs 17.6 lbs by itself and just over 20 lbs in its package which should make it easier to lift. Unfortunately, the Move does not have transport wheels or a handle.

The Cubii Move can be used in the office or at home. Cubii’s products are very quiet, so they should not disturb others around you whether you are working or watching TV. The Cubii Move has 6 levels of resistance, and it remains quiet at each level. Every level feels smooth. The lower levels are good for continuous pedaling for long periods of time while the higher levels help you train harder. The Cubii Move is effective as a stepping stone to more intense exercise or as a lasting routine.

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Best Under Desk Elliptical For Students: Sunny Pink Under Desk Exercise Elliptical

Fidget toys are a huge deal in schools and at home. Many students have difficulty staying still during class time, and these interventions can help them. An under-desk elliptical is a quiet way to occupy busy feet. The Sunny Under Desk Exercise Elliptical is affordable and comes in pink or gray to give students options.

Many classrooms have started embracing physical activity. It can be hard for children of all ages to sit still and pay attention for long periods of time. The Sunny Under-Desk Elliptical is a quiet exercise option that can give kids an outlet for their energy and fidgeting. Even as an adult, I have trouble sitting and writing these reviews sometimes. I often continue using the products I am testing, like under-desk ellipticals, to keep myself energized. Younger exercisers should be supervised by an adult when using this device.

The Sunny Under-Desk Elliptical comes in two different colors. I chose to highlight the pink option, because it is so different from the others available. It also comes in a black, gray, and red color combination. It weighs 25 lbs and is designed for seated use only. It has a carrying handle to make the transport of this elliptical easier.

Eight levels of resistance make the Sunny under-desk elliptical more versatile. The stride length is only 7 inches, so it should be comfortable for most users to pedal while seated. The pedals are textured to keep your feet from slipping off them. The elliptical is covered by a 1-year warranty on the frame and only 180 days for the other parts.

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Best Portable Under Desk Elliptical: FitNation (by Echelon) Pedal Pro Plus

The FitNation Pedal Pro Plus is the lightest under-desk elliptical on this list. It is also made by Echelon, a brand we really like and trust. For these reasons, it was a no-brainer as our best portable under-desk elliptical. The Pedal Pro Plus is affordable and comes in multiple color options.

When it comes to under-desk ellipticals, the lighter the weight the better. There are so many possibilities for sneaking in exercise: work, watching TV, and chores. The FitNation weighs only 15.8 lbs, so it is easier to carry than the competition. It has a small handle to help you lift the machine. The handle could be nicer, but it’s acceptable.

I really like the Pedal Pro Plus’s style. The black, blue, and purple color options look very clean. It is definitely what I would expect from a company like Echelon. The different colors vary quite a lot in price, but they are overall very affordable. Since they are available through Amazon, you can likely find the Pedal Pro Plus with free shipping.

The Pedal Pro Plus is a unique under-desk elliptical, because it is motorized. It comes with a remote control that can set the speed and direction of the pedals. Because it is motorized, the Pedal Pro Plus is an excellent option for exercisers with limited mobility and strength. While motorized training doesn’t have all of the same benefits as manual under-desk elliptical training, it certainly makes movement more accessible. You can use the Pedal Pro Plus in its motorized or manual setting.

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Best Amazon Under Desk Elliptical: FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical

Search for an under-desk elliptical on Amazon, and you will find tons of products. A lot of under-desk ellipticals look the same, but we have done the work to help you find the best. The FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical Trainer is our pick as the best Amazon product.

The FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical is for the dedicated multi-tasker. This small elliptical weighs 31 lbs, one of the heaviest on this list. As such, it may be best suited for someone who plans to use this machine exclusively during work. While the FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical can be moved around, it is not as portable as some of the other options identified on this list.

One of the unique features of the FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical is the foot shifter. This lever can be raised and lowered with your foot, so you don’t have to bend down to adjust the resistance level. The FitDesk has 8 levels of magnetic resistance, so you can challenge yourself or go for an easier, longer effort. It has textured pedals and a solid base to make training smooth.

The Fit Desk Under Desk Elliptical has a small wired monitor. It can be optionally attached to the elliptical or stand free. It shows all of your training metrics, so you can track your progress throughout the day. The elliptical is covered by a 1-year warranty on the frame and 90 days on parts.

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What to Look for In an Under Desk Elliptical

A Reputable Brand

There are a lot of under-desk ellipticals out of there. Many of them are from random brands of unknown quality. We have identified some of the best and most noteworthy under-desk ellipticals to make your purchase easier. Look for brands with genuine customer reviews and testimonies. We particularly like Cubii, because we have been able to test and evaluate their products.

Portability

Under-desk ellipticals are handy, because they can be used almost anywhere. If you want to move them around frequently, make sure you buy an under-desk elliptical that you can transport easily. There are a couple of options. You can make sure that your under-desk elliptical is light enough to carry and has a convenient handle. Second, you can ensure your under-desk elliptical has transport wheels and an extended handle for rolling. Some ellipticals have wheels and handles but require you to bend down and awkward shuffle to move them. Not all of these options will be viable for all users.

Features

There aren’t a lot of features available on under-desk ellipticals, because they are such small, compact machines. However, some have Bluetooth connectivity that allows them to pair to apps, motorized pedaling to passively help you increase blood flow, and multiple resistance levels. Some under-desk ellipticals may have resistance band attachments for training your upper body. While this resistance may not be sufficient for all users, for many, it may provide another convenient seated exercise option.

Bottom Line – Best Under Desk Ellipticals

Under-desk Ellipticals are a portable, seated exercise solution. You can use them at work or at home. They can add physical activity to your work hours or to your leisure hours without you having to go anywhere. The under-desk ellipticals we have compiled on this list are quiet and have a range of resistance levels. Many are compact and portable to help you exercise whenever and wherever you would like. An under-desk elliptical is perfect for the aging population, recovery from surgery and injury, and anyone struggling to sneak more movement into their lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are under-desk ellipticals worth it?

Under-desk ellipticals are worth it if your expectations align with the purpose of the product. For instance, if you are hoping to build muscle mass comparable to lifting weights or improve your cardiovascular fitness comparable to running on a treadmill, the under-desk elliptical is not the machine for you. An under-desk elliptical is ideal for users with limited mobility or strength and adding movement to otherwise sedentary activities.

What are the best under-desk ellipticals?

Every single Cubii under-desk elliptical made this list, so you could say we are fans. Sunny Health & Fitness and FitNation by Echelon are brands we like and trust. Their products are excellent bargain options. We have also highlighted a few Amazon options for shoppers on a budget. There are so many under-desk ellipticals available, but we feel these brands stand out among the rest.

How long should you use an under-desk elliptical?

Under-desk ellipticals can be used for long periods of time due to their low intensity. With any new exercise regimen, exercisers should start off easy and build their way up. If you are replacing a more intense exercise program with under-desk elliptical training, you will likely be able to match the time spent performing your other activity. Start off easy with short bouts of training throughout your day. If you are training at a high resistance level, build your routine up slowly. Lastly, if you are recovering from injury, surgery, or sickness, consult a medical professional for guidance and limitations.

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