The 12 Best Under-Desk Bikes and Ellipticals of 2025, After Testing 42 Options

Under-Desk Bikes and Ellipticals We Also Tested

In total, we evaluated 42 under-desk bikes and ellipticals, but we only included 12 in our final list of recommendations. While some of these products had solid features, they ultimately didn't meet the rigorous standards that we have for our top picks.

• Cubii’s Total Body + is sturdy with a smooth, quiet pedaling action, and we like how easy it is to move between spaces. However, it was simply too long to fit under a standard desk, and certain advertised features were missing, like Bluetooth and app compatibility. 
• Node’s Under Desk Exercise Bike Pedal Exerciser is compact and ultra-lightweight, making it a good fit for minimal storage. However, it slides around as we pedal, and its plastic exterior cracked after use. 
• Sunny Health & Fitness’s Smart Compact Mini Elliptical comes pre-assembled and is super affordable, making it an accessible entry point into under-desk workout equipment. Unfortunately, it makes distracting clanking sounds with use and doesn’t allow for mid-pedal resistance adjustments. 
• Cubii's JR2+ is a self-powered under-desk elliptical with easily adjustable resistance, a clear display, great portability, and a seamless setup. However, we felt that this more expensive machine was not worth the lower back pain we experienced while using it.
• YOSUDA's Magnetic Under Desk Cycling Bike YBM-1 offers easily adjustable resistance, a clear display for important metrics, and a smooth and silent ride. However, we had trouble with the setup process and didn't think its quality aligned with its price point.

What We’ve Updated

• Since publishing our initial tested roundup of the best under-desk pedal bikes and ellipticals, we’ve re-evaluated our previous picks and hands-on tested nine new products from leading brands, chosen based on extensive research and expert recommendations. We evaluated each one for its ease of setup, performance, features, and value, and have included these new insights in our article.

• We consulted with a new expert, a physical therapist, to ensure our advice on selecting under-desk bikes and ellipticals is current and up-to-date. 

• After our month-long testing period (during which we collectively pedaled the equivalent of biking from New York to LA and back, with a detour through Chicago), we’ve reworked some of our products, adding five new superlatives, including Most Compact Under-Desk Elliptical, Most Stable Under-Desk Elliptical, and more. We also replaced one previous pick, Best Budget Under-Desk Bike, which was surpassed in this newest round of testing. 

Our Experts

We collaborated with health and fitness experts during each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. Each expert provided guidance on the safe and proper use of the under-desk bikes and ellipticals we tested. They also provided input on the benefits of using an under-desk bike and features to look for and those to avoid when shopping for a high-quality one. While our product selections are independent, expert insights help inform our decisions.

• Kim Joy Lind, PT, owner of Enjoy Mobile Rehab
• Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS, board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist
• Latoya Julce, CPT, certified personal trainer and instructor at 305 Fitness

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, an under-desk bike or an elliptical?

Under-desk bicycles and under-desk ellipticals are incredibly similar, so neither is necessarily better nor worse than the other. Under-desk ellipticals tend to be smoother and quieter, whereas under-desk bicycles tend to offer a fuller range of motion.

Are under-desk bikes safe for your knees?

Marko says under-desk cycling is a non-weight-bearing exercise that’s safe for your knees and may actually benefit people with bad knees. The motion of cycling increases the secretion of synovial fluid, which helps lubricate the joint and nourish the cartilage, she says. Lind adds that the circular motion is a safe, low-impact way to promote mobility after knee surgery. 

Are under-desk ellipticals effective?

Yes, when used properly and thoughtfully, under-desk ellipticals are an effective way to improve mobility, endurance, and lower body tone while combating the negative health effects of prolonged sitting, says Lind. 

How long should you use an under-desk elliptical?

For general use or cardiovascular benefits, Lind recommends using an under-desk elliptical for 20 to 30 minutes per session, as a starting point. However, for post-surgical use or for individuals with certain conditions, she recommends starting with five to 10 minutes and adjusting based on individual needs. 

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Megan Foley has been writing for Verywell Fit since 2024. As a professional ballet dancer, she’s tried a wide range of cross-training and rehab tools to promote athletic recovery. When she’s writing, she values any tool that promotes mobility and prevents back stiffness from sitting at a desk. For this article, she hands-on tested three under-desk ellipticals and reviewed testing insights from other Verywell Fit testers to find the best options possible.

Additional reporting contributed by Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT, and Lindsey Lanquist

Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the associate editor for Verywell Fit. Whether focusing on workout gear, apparel, or other products, she's dedicated to providing recommendations based on thorough research and testing.

Verywell Fit writer Lindsey Lanquist has years of experience in the health and fitness space. For this article, she prioritized under-desk bicycles and ellipticals that were genuinely well-reviewed by those who’d tried them. She also favored options with adjustable resistance. Since preferences can vary so much when it comes to fitness machines, she made sure to include under-desk bicycles and under-desk ellipticals with a range of features.