Best Under Desk Elliptical: Here Are Your Top 5 Choices

With long hours at the desk jobs, and balancing work, personal commitments, and wellness – incorporating more movement seamlessly into daily routines has become a priority for many. Especially for those that spend long hours at a desk, the need for convenient and efficient ways to stay active has never been more apparent. This is where desk exercise equipment comes in, such as under desk ellipticals. 

While under desk ellipticals are typically sought out by individuals with desk jobs, they are also used at home for some who are looking to get in some movement, whether they are getting a cardio workout in, adding movement while they watch TV, or simply fidgeting. These compact machines offer a solution to stay active even during the busiest of workdays or leisurely evenings.

Among stationary bikes and under desk exercise options, under desk ellipticals stand out as versatile and easy to use tools. So for whatever purpose you intend to use your under desk elliptical, this article explores five great options. 

How were these under desk ellipticals selected?

All of these five under desk ellipticals are popular and reliable options to combat a sedentary lifestyle. They were chosen based on their portability, durability, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring that they meet the diverse needs of users seeking an effective way to incorporate movement into their daily routines. While they all share some similarities in terms of their functionality and design, each one possesses unique features and advantages, catering to different preferences and requirements.

User feedback played a crucial role in the selection process, providing valuable insights and helping to narrow down the list to the five options presented here. By considering factors such as ease of use, performance, and overall satisfaction, these under desk ellipticals have been curated to offer a comprehensive selection that appeals to a wide range of users looking to enhance their active lifestyle, whether at work or at home. 

All of these under desk ellipticals share the following in common:

• Elliptical style pedals (unlike under desk bikes)
• Allow low impact, seated exercise
• Quiet during use
• Offer adjustable resistance levels 
• Have some sort of small digital monitor that shows workout metrics (like time and distance)

If these ellipticals were to be rated based on their greatest qualities, here is what that would look like:

Best overall: Yosuda E5

Best “smart elliptical”: Flexstride 

Best desk elliptical with standing capability: Stamina In Motion E1000

Best portable (lightweight) and best for office use: Cubii Move

Best desk elliptical with upper body exercise and standing capability: Stamina Compact

Note that these ellipticals can be used both in the office and at home. The statements above are for summary purposes. For example, although Cubii Move may be considered the best for office use, it doesn’t mean that FlexStride can’t also be used in office settings.

Also, here is a table comparing their specifications: 

What is the best under desk elliptical?

All are great options. The best one for you depends on what you are looking for. 

Read on for more details!

1. Yosuda E5 Under Desk Elliptical Machine

Overview

The Yosuda E5 under desk elliptical has great performance and quality construction. What sets this elliptical apart from the others on this list is its versatility, offering two distinct modes: auto and manual. In manual mode, users have access to 10 different resistance settings to pedal against. While in auto mode, the electric motor helps the pedal move ( machine will automatically adjust the resistance level based on your workout) – which allows it to offer “easier” levels of exercise, more suitable for general movement  and circulation or to get warmed-up for manual mode. 

While all the ellipticals on this list can be used on their own, they require some sort of electrical power for the displays to function. The most common type of power source for these displays is a battery-operated digital display. However, the Yosuda E5 is the only elliptical on the list that is powered through an electrical cord (about 6 ft long)  that you can plug into an accessible electrical outlet.

Another nice bonus is that it doesn’t require any assembly. Just open the box, plug it into an outlet, and go. 

Top Features and Specifications

• Huge range of resistance adjustability, with 10 resistance levels in manual mode and 10 speeds in auto mode
• Digital display and auto mode function though the included power cord (while the rest of the ellipticals on this list include battery-powered digital display)
• Remote control included (or you can use the buttons on the elliptical to adjust settings)
• Comes fully assembled 
• Lightweight and compact 
• Allow bi-directional use

Considerations 

• Only meant for seated use
• Display is powered through a plugged in cord (about 6 ft) so you need access to an outlet (making it more suitable for indoor use). 

Price

$ 159.99

30 day return policy (terms and conditions apply)

 

2. FlexStride Plus Under Desk Elliptical by LifePro Fitness

Overview

The FlexStride Plus under desk elliptical distinguishes itself with its Bluetooth capabilities, offering users the convenience of connecting their smartphones to the elliptical. This feature enables users to track their workouts using third-party fitness apps, allowing them to monitor their progress and goals. 

The digital display is battery powered (batteries included). People have also noted that it is easy to assemble. Additionally, with your purchase, you receive a floor mat which serves to prevent the elliptical from slipping during use. 

Overall, it is a great option for office use or those looking for seated, low impact exercise options. 

Top Features and Specifications

• Bluetooth connectivity allow you to track your workouts on 3rd party fitness apps on your phone
• Durable
• Includes a yoga resistance band, wheel stoppers, and floor mat (for the elliptical) 
• Good range of resistances from 1 to 8
• Lifetime warranty (terms and conditions apply)

Considerations 

• Only meant for seated use
• It on the heavier side
• Recommended use is only forward pedaling; while you can do backward/reverse pedaling, it is not recommended. 

Price

$169.99

30 day return policy (terms and conditions apply)

3. Stamina InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer

Overview

The Stamina InMotion E1000 stands out as one of the two options on this list that allows for standing exercise use if preferred. Despite its capability for standing exercise, it remains primarily built as an under desk elliptical with a compact design. So, it does not come with built-in arm handles for balance support during standing use. While many users are able to use it without arm handles, those who prefer or require additional support for balance may want to consider a traditional elliptical with arm handles, or stick to seated usage.

Like mentioned above, you can still use this elliptical while seated. Its digital display operates on batteries, which are included. Additionally, purchasers gain access to the Stamina In Motion workout app called Muuv. This app offers a variety of resources including workout videos and exercise demos among other resources. 

Top Features and Specifications

• Can be used while seated or standing! 
• You have free access to workout app by Stamina InMotion called Muuv
• Easy Assembly – about 10 minutes or less for most 
• Allows weight capacity up to 250 lb for standing workouts

Considerations 

• While users appreciate the range of resistance offered by this device, it’s worth noting that these resistance levels are not numerically labeled. This may make it harder to keep track of your preferred resistance level.
• Few have noted that the higher resistances do not feel difficult enough, particularly  in standing. Still, it’s worth noting that perception of resistance can vary depending on fitness level and goals. What may feel insufficiently challenging for one person could be perfectly adequate for another. 

Price

$139.00

90 day return policy (terms and conditions apply) 

4. Cubii Move 

Overview

The Cubii Move under desk elliptical is favored for its construction and reliable performance, reflecting Cubii’s specialization and reputation in its under desk ellipticals. It is designed for simplicity and ease of use. 

The digital display on the Cubii Move is battery-operated (batteries included), and tracks  workout metrics such as exercise duration, distance covered, and calories burned. Users can take advantage of the Cubii app, allowing them to input their workout data to monitor and track their progress and overall activity. The app also includes guided workouts that you can follow. 

Overall, the Cubii Move is another excellent, low-key under desk elliptical that is well-suited for incorporating movement into your daily routine, whether at home or in the office.

Top Features and Specifications

• Lightweight and compact; Perfect for office use (lower in height which is great for desk use)
• Can access Cubii app for guided workouts and to manually track your workouts
• Easy to assemble
• Has six different resistance levels 

Considerations 

• Only meant for seated use

Price

$199.00

30 day return policy (terms and conditions apply)

5. Stamina InMotion Compact Elliptical

Overview

The Stamina InMotion Compact Elliptical is a versatile option that allows both seated and standing exercise routines. Similar to the Stamina InMotion E1000, this elliptical is designed for compactness and does not include arm handles for balance support during standing use. Therefore, if you have concerns about balancing during standing exercises, you may want to consider opting for a regular elliptical or using this desk elliptical exclusively for seated exercises.

However, unlike the other Stamina InMotion model, this elliptical comes equipped with attached resistance bands for upper body exercise inclusion. This feature adds an extra dimension to your workout, providing a more comprehensive full-body movement experience.

Additionally, you gain access to the Stamina InMotion workout app called Muuv. This app offers a range of resources including workout videos, exercise demos, and other useful tools to support your fitness goals. 

Top Features and Specifications

• Can be used in seated and standing!
• Includes attached resistance band option for upper body involvement during exercise
• Allows weight capacity up to 250 lb for standing workouts
• Simple assembly

Considerations 

• Heaviest desk elliptical on this list
• While users have noted that this desk elliptical offers a good range of resistances through the adjustable tension knob, it’s worth mentioning that these resistance levels are not numerically numbered. This lack of numerical labeling may make it somewhat challenging to keep track of your preferred resistance level or your progress. 

Price

$149.00

90 day return policy (terms and conditions apply)

Bottomline – Best Under Desk Elliptical 

All in all, incorporating movement into your daily routine, whether at the office or at home, is easier with an under desk elliptical. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should go from no exericse to 4 hours on a under desk elliptical — it is a better option to ease into an exercise program. You have great options so choose the one that best fits your needs and allows you to maintain more activity throughout the day.