The Best Desk Ellipticals

DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical Machine

Silent night

Work out in total peace and quiet with this efficient elliptical machine.

Best Overall

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Staying fit in the office doesn’t have to be a loud and distracting ordeal. This low-profile elliptical machine has magnetic resistance, meaning it provides smooth and quiet pedal motion whenever you use it. With eight calibrated resistance settings, it’s easy to find a workout that suits your mood.

This elliptical features a large LCD screen that makes it simple to track your workout progress. If you want a quiet machine with real-time results you can see on screen, this is the elliptical for you.

Pros:

• Magnetic resistance for low noise
• Eight resistance settings
• Easy-to-read LCD screen

Cons:

• A bit pricey

Sunny Health & Fitness Under Desk Elliptical Peddler

Portable savings

This cost-effective elliptical is lightweight and easy to move around the home or office.

Best For Seniors

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A desk elliptical should be portable, especially if you plan on taking it back and forth between work and home. Although all desk ellipticals are portable, not many are designed to be easily transported. That’s where this elliptical rises above the competition.

Built with a prominent, easy-to-reach carry handle, this machine is made to be moved. Weighing in at 25 pounds, it’s a breeze to lift whenever you need to move it. On top of that, the capabilities are on par with costlier competitors. It features eight different resistance settings, a display screen, and magnetic resistance. All of this at such a low price makes this elliptical a top pick.

Pros:

• Easily portable
• Eight resistance settings
• Has a screen to display various metrics
• Low price

Cons:

• Needs more space than some desks have

Cubii Pro Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine

Work smarter, not harder

Ellipticals have taken a huge step into the future with this smartphone-compatible machine.

Best With Bluetooth

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If you seem to use your smartphone for everything, why not use it to track your fitness progress? While other ellipticals have LCD screens, this elliptical is made to connect straight to an app on your smartphone.

Use the Cubii app to track calories, miles, minutes, and more. You can even use it to pair with other fitness accessories like Fitbit smart bands and the Apple Health Kit. With specs on par with other popular competitors, this elliptical is at the top of the pack.

Pros:

• Smartphone capabilities
• Eight resistance settings
• Quiet while in use

Cons:

• Pricey

Ativafit Under Desk Elliptical Bike

Stand and deliver

Whether you’re sitting or standing, this machine will give you the workout you need.

Most Adaptable

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While some ellipticals are great for using on the couch or under a desk, they can’t be used standing up. If you want an elliptical that doesn’t limit your options, don’t settle for one you have to use sitting down.

This elliptical is made to do it all. It can be used in a sitting or standing position, in a forward or reverse motion, and with pedaling or running settings. Get a more complete workout with this machine without skimping on features.

Pros:

• Can be used sitting or standing
• Has more functions than most competitors
• Eight resistance settings
• Has a massage setting for relaxation

Cons:

• Build-quality is spotty
• Can develop a squeaking noise

Grearden Under Desk Elliptical Machine

Have it all

This affordable and well-rounded elliptical punches above its weight.

Most Features

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Sometimes value is more important than ability, and this machine proves that. With all the different functions at such a low price, this elliptical is a steal. Made to be used in sitting or standing positions, this machine can pedal forward or in reverse to target different muscle groups. The resistance dial is easy to turn to your desired setting, and the built-in handle makes it easy to move. With the same features as competitors but with a budget-friendly price, this elliptical is great for the frugal shopper in all of us.

Pros:

• Can be used sitting or standing
• Features LCD screen
• Has a built-in handle

Cons:

• The display screen is upside down when using the machine

Frequently Asked Questions

Can elliptical machines be used in both sitting and standing positions?

In some cases, yes. Some are specifically designed and angled in a way that makes them better to use under a desk, while some are made only to be used from a standing position. You can get more mobility using a standing elliptical machine, but machines that are made for desk use are more convenient for multi-tasking. Most elliptical machines are either made for one or the other, but a few are made for both. Be sure to check and make sure the machine is fit for your needs before you buy.

Are elliptical machines the same as stationary bikes?

No, though they are similar. Elliptical machines are meant to simulate stepping patterns like walking, climbing stairs, and jogging. Using a machine creates less strain on your joints than actually going and doing those activities, not to mention the convenience. Stationary bikes are meant to simulate riding a bike and the circular motion that goes along with pedaling a bike. Some stationary bikes come in under-desk units too, which look very similar to elliptical machines.

Both have pedals that move in a circular motion. The difference is that a stationary bike moves in a perfect circular motion, while ellipticals move in a motion that is more like a stepping motion. The workouts are similar, but try both before you buy so you know which one you like more.