An under desk elliptical keeps your legs moving while you work, read or watch TV. Manual models give real low-impact exercise; motorized models move your legs for circulation and rehab.
We compared six compact under desk ellipticals. For specific needs, see the best under desk ellipticals for seniors and best under desk ellipticals under $200; for walking while you work, see the best under desk treadmills.
Top 3 Under Desk Ellipticals
Sunny Smart Under Desk Elliptical
- Manual elliptical motion
- Free SunnyFit app
- LCD monitor
- 300 lb max user, 15 lb
- 10 resistance levels, LCD and app
- Telescoping handle and wheels
- 300 lb max user, 22 lb
- Portable
Under Desk Elliptical Comparison
| Under Desk Elliptical | Best For | Key Specs | Amazon Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cubii JR1 | Best Overall | Under-desk seated elliptical; 8 resistance levels; LCD tracker | 4.6/5 | Check Price |
| 2. Sunny Smart Under Desk Elliptical | Best Value | Manual elliptical motion; Free SunnyFit app; LCD monitor | 4.4/5 | Check Price |
| 3. Cubii GO | Best Portable | 10 resistance levels, LCD and app; Telescoping handle and wheels; 300 lb max user, 22 lb | 4.5/5 | Check Price |
| 4. PUTNEN Electric Under Desk Elliptical | Best Motorized | 12 manual speeds plus 3 auto modes; LCD and remote; 8 lb | 4.5/5 | Check Price |
| 5. MERACH Electric Under Desk Elliptical | Best Motorized with Remote | 12 manual speeds plus 12 auto modes; Touch screen and remote; 250 lb max user, 11 lb | 4.4/5 | Check Price |
| 6. CURSOR FITNESS Electric Under Desk Elliptical | Best Budget Motorized | 12 auto modes plus heart-rate mode; 30% vertical lift motion; 300 lb max user | 4.4/5 | Check Price |
1. Cubii JR1 – Best Overall
- Under-desk seated elliptical
- 8 resistance levels
- LCD tracker
- 25 lb, quiet
Pros
- ✓ 17,000+ ratings, the most here
- ✓ Very quiet
- ✓ Trusted brand
Cons
- ✗ About $170
- ✗ Manual (no motor)
- ✗ Can slide on hard floors
Cubii’s JR1 is our best under desk elliptical, and the most proven by far, with more than 17,000 ratings at 4.6 stars. It is a manual elliptical, so you actually work against 8 resistance levels, yet it is quiet enough for calls and compact enough to sit under most desks. A built-in LCD tracks calories, distance and strides.
It costs about $170 and can slide on hard floors, so use a mat.
Best for: Office workers who want real low-impact exercise
May not fit: Users who want a motor to move their legs
2. Sunny Smart Under Desk Elliptical – Best Value
- Manual elliptical motion
- Free SunnyFit app
- LCD monitor
- 300 lb max user, 15 lb
Pros
- ✓ 13,000+ ratings
- ✓ Free app, no fees
- ✓ About $120
Cons
- ✗ Fewer resistance options than Cubii
- ✗ Can slide on hard floors
- ✗ Plastic build
Sunny’s smart under desk elliptical has 13,000+ ratings and free SunnyFit.
Fewer levels.
Best for: Value with an app
May not fit: Max resistance
3. Cubii GO – Best Portable
- 10 resistance levels, LCD and app
- Telescoping handle and wheels
- 300 lb max user, 22 lb
- Portable
Pros
- ✓ Rolls like a suitcase
- ✓ 10 levels
- ✓ Cubii quality
Cons
- ✗ About $230
- ✗ Fewer ratings
- ✗ Pricey
Cubii GO has 10 levels and rolls on wheels.
About $230.
Best for: Moving between rooms
May not fit: Budget
4. PUTNEN Electric Under Desk Elliptical – Best Motorized
- 12 manual speeds plus 3 auto modes
- LCD and remote
- 8 lb
- Rated up to 500 lb per listing
Pros
- ✓ 6,200+ ratings
- ✓ About $85
- ✓ Light and portable
Cons
- ✗ Motorized, light exercise
- ✗ Needs power
- ✗ Basic build
PUTNEN’s electric unit has 12 speeds and 3 auto modes.
Light exercise.
Best for: Circulation and rehab
May not fit: Calorie burn
5. MERACH Electric Under Desk Elliptical – Best Motorized with Remote
- 12 manual speeds plus 12 auto modes
- Touch screen and remote
- 250 lb max user, 11 lb
- Quiet wheel
Pros
- ✓ Motorized: moves your legs for you
- ✓ Remote control
- ✓ 1,800+ ratings
Cons
- ✗ Needs power
- ✗ Less exercise than manual pedaling
- ✗ About $100
MERACH’s electric unit has 12 speeds, 12 auto modes and a remote.
Needs power.
Best for: Hands-free control
May not fit: Manual effort
6. CURSOR FITNESS Electric Under Desk Elliptical – Best Budget Motorized
- 12 auto modes plus heart-rate mode
- 30% vertical lift motion
- 300 lb max user
- Precision bearings, quiet
Pros
- ✓ About $60
- ✓ 4,000+ ratings
- ✓ Quiet
Cons
- ✗ Motorized, light exercise
- ✗ Needs power
- ✗ Lesser-known brand
CURSOR’s electric unit costs about $60 with 4,000+ ratings.
Light exercise.
Best for: Budget
May not fit: Exercise intensity
How to Choose an Under Desk Elliptical
Manual vs motorized
Manual (like Cubii) means you pedal against resistance, for real exercise. Motorized models move your legs for you, which helps circulation and rehab but burns fewer calories.
Height
Measure from floor to desk underside; most need about 10 to 11 in. of knee clearance while pedaling.
Noise
Look for quiet flywheels if you take calls.
Stability
A non-slip base or mat stops the unit sliding on hard floors.
Chair
Use a chair without wheels, or lock the casters.
FAQ
Do under desk ellipticals burn calories?
Manual models burn a modest amount while seated; motorized ones burn very little.
Will it fit under my desk?
Most need about 10 to 11 in. of knee clearance. Measure before buying.
Are they quiet enough for an office?
Most are; Cubii and Sunny are especially quiet.
Final Verdict
Cubii JR1 is the best under desk elliptical for real seated exercise. Sunny’s smart model is the best value, and PUTNEN is the best motorized option.
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!