What’s the Best Mini Elliptical of 2023?

It seems that the demand for the best mini elliptical just continues to grow. Why? Many people are concerned with getting the exercise they know they need, but they don’t have time to run off to a health club. If you’ve got young kids to look after, or if you’ve got a full-time job, getting some cardio can be nearly impossible.

One of the reasons this is so critical is that not getting exercise and sitting sedentary for long periods of time can have a very bad impact on your health. Though your busy schedule might not allow you to spend time at a health club, there are other ways that you can squeeze in a little exercise now and then. You can take portable fitness equipment like a mini elliptical with you to use whenever you like.

A portable elliptical is just one of the options when it comes to great compact exercise equipment. You can use it while seated at a desk, and with attachable resistance cords, you can also engage your upper body. Due to the small size, you won’t have to worry about it being too conspicuous in your place of employment. You can even store this mini exercise equipment in your desk drawer. Here is a list of the top 10 portable ellipticals of 2023:

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The Top 9 Mini Ellipticals of 2023

9. Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Elliptical

The Stamina InMotion Elliptical is quiet, unobtrusive, compact, and lightweight. As the minimal space required for this unit is 24.5 x 17 inches, You can easily transport it between work and home without any challenges.

 

With an adjustable dial, you can modify the intensity of your workout, and monitor your fitness data on the included display monitor. The information on the built in display includes the total number of strides, exercise time, and calories burned. You can use this model either standing or sitting, pedaling forwards or backward, depending on your needs. 


This mini elliptical was built to help you tone your lower body muscles, burn calories, and improve your cardiovascular health, all in a low impact manner that is gentle on your joints and ligaments. You can use it while reading a book, finishing an important project at work, or even while you’re playing video games. This model has a 250-pound weight capacity, comes in three different colors, and includes a manufacturer’s warranty. 

PROS

  • Durable Steel Construction
  • Easy to Store and Transport
  • Simple Assembly that only takes a few minutes

CONS

  • Does not have a very large stride
  • Lacks support when standing, you might want to use while positioned by a wall
  • Some have complained about squeaks

Product Specifications

8. ANCHEER Under Desk Cycle

This compact ergonomic elliptical was created to be used in the home or at the office. You can choose to plug it in for a power-assisted workout, or you can use it directly without power. Unlike some other models in the portable elliptical category, it is advised that you only use this unit while seated. 


It has alternating modes depending on your needs. You can use the Automatic mode (P1-P3) or the Manual mode that adjusts with the direction and speed the pedals. 


This mini elliptical has textured, anti-slip massage pedals for increased comfort during use. The multifunction LCD monitor helps you track scan, speed, distance, and calories burned. And because this machine was created to be a whisper-quiet workout, it should not be very noisy or disturb others should you choose to use it at work. It’s easy to store and move, requires no assembly out of the box, and it includes a 1-year warranty on parts. 

PROS

  • Provides low impact exercise for jobs with excessive sitting
  • Crafted from sturdy, high-quality parts
  • Comes with an Easy-to-operate remote control

CONS

  • Can't be used while standing
  • Tends to move a bit on the floor when used forcefully

Product Specifications

7. DeskCycle Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser

I've been using the DeskCycle Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser for a few months, and it has truly transformed how I approach my workday. As someone who spends long hours at a desk, I was looking for a way to incorporate some physical activity into my sedentary routine. The DeskCycle has been a game-changer.


The first thing that impressed me was its solid build quality. It feels sturdy and well-made, which gives me confidence in its durability. Setting it up was a breeze, and its compact design fits perfectly under my desk without taking up much space.


Once I started pedaling, I was pleasantly surprised by its smooth and quiet operation. I can pedal without any distractions or disturbing my colleagues nearby. The adjustable resistance levels allow me to tailor the intensity of my workouts, making them suitable for both light activity and more vigorous sessions.


One of my favorite features is the digital display that tracks my progress. Seeing the time, distance, speed, and calories burned motivates me, giving me a sense of accomplishment with each pedal stroke. I find myself challenging and pushing myself to beat my previous records.


Overall, the DeskCycle has been a fantastic addition to my daily routine. It helps me stay active and boosts my productivity and mood. I recommend it to anyone seeking a convenient way to incorporate exercise into their busy work schedule.

PROS

  • Convenient and versatile: The DeskCycle allows you to engage in low-impact exercise while sitting at your desk or performing other seated activities, making it suitable for incorporating physical activity into a sedentary lifestyle.
  • Compact and space-saving: Its compact design enables it to fit easily under most desks, so you can use it without taking up much space in your workspace.
  • Adjustable resistance levels: The DeskCycle offers adjustable resistance, allowing you to customize the intensity of your workouts and gradually increase the challenge as you progress.
  • Smooth and quiet operation: Users appreciate the smooth and soft pedaling motion of the DeskCycle, enabling them to pedal discreetly without disturbing others in shared environments.

CONS

  • Limited range of motion: As a pedal exerciser designed for seated use, the DeskCycle primarily targets the lower body. It doesn't provide the same degree of movement or full-body workout as traditional elliptical machines.
  • Potential discomfort for taller individuals: Some taller users may find that their knees come close to hitting the underside of the desk due to the pedal height. It's crucial to ensure proper clearance and adjust the desk height.
  • Lack of upper body engagement: While the DeskCycle provides an excellent workout for the legs, it only engages the upper body muscles as much as full-sized elliptical machines or other exercise equipment.
  • Dependency on sitting position: The effectiveness of the DeskCycle can vary depending on your sitting position and desk setup. Some users may need to adjust their chair or desk height to find the most comfortable and ergonomic place for pedaling.

Product Specifications

6. ATIVAFIT Under Desk Elliptical Bike

The ATIVAFIT Under Desk Elliptical Bike allows you to enjoy the comfort of indoor exercise in a sitting or standing position. Designed to work with multiple resistance levels, you can adjust the intensity of your workout depending on your needs.


With two large, anti-slip pedals, you can avoid the damage caused by friction with this mini elliptical. Pedal as fast or as hard as you like in comfort. This model includes a break resistance mechanism ensuring quiet and smooth pedal motion. It also has a large and stable base to prevent the machine from shaking during use.


Because this mini elliptical model is compact and lightweight, you will have no difficulty taking it with you in any home or office space. It comes with a built-in LCD monitor giving you a way to observe your workout data. Check out information, such as distance, count, calories, time, and total. 

PROS

  • Sturdy enough to keep balance, light enough to move easily
  • Quiet, workout without bothering the people around you

CONS

  • Lacks support during use
  • Can squeak during standing use

Product Specifications

5. IDEER Life Under Desk & Stand Up Exercise Bike

The IDEER life mini elliptical provides a varied, convenient workout for you to do while standing or seated a desk. Lose weight, improve your figure, and gain the benefits of cardio in a simpler way. With multiple resistance levels, you can adjust the intensity of your workout.


The wide base of this particular model keeps the machine from rocking while you use it. This machine was created to remain quiet with large, rollerblade wheels for smooth pedaling. 


To keep tabs on your fitness information, this elliptical also has a monitor displaying content such as calories, time, and distance. The large anti-slip pedals keep your feet secure and comfortable during use. And with a small, compact steel frame, you can assemble this machine in a very short time. 

PROS

  • Helps you stay active while you're seated
  • Easy to Assemble

CONS

  • Difficult to use in a standing position
  • Some models have been known to squeak

Product Specifications

4. Sunny Health & Fitness EZ Stride

This mini elliptical is a little different than many other offers on the market, in that it was created to provide passive assistance to users. There are three levels of motorized resistance, low, middle, and high. You can also use the manual exercise mode without motorized assistance. 


The easy-to-read buttons allow you to easily change functions as you see fit: manual, auto, forward, backward, and step counter. 


Other quality features on this machine include an automatic shut-off timer when the machine is idle for over 30 minutes. There is a built in carrying handle for easy transport. And it comes ready to use out of the box with no assembly required. It also includes a non-slip floor mat to keep your machine from sliding during use. 

PROS

  • Whisper-quiet with a smooth, motorized motion
  • Use when plugged in or unplugged

CONS

  • Only includes a step counter, no calorie counter or distance monitor

Product Specifications

3. Fitness Exercise Elliptical Twister Stepper

The Fitness Exercise Elliptical Twister Stepper helps you burn fat while at work. The pedals on this elliptical trainer were built to be used by large feet, but most any body type can make use of it. It provides a complete leg and body workout with wing-style twist steps.  


You can use this machine either by pedaling or by standing, working your buttocks, hips, waist, and more.


This mini elliptical machine includes a fitness monitor to track time, speed, and calories burned. The rugged frame was constructed for very quiet operation. Built to be comfortable and reduce the possibility of hurting your ankles. This machine requires 2xAA batteries to make use of all its features. 

PROS

  • Sturdy and Stable
  • Easy to use and Store

CONS

  • The angles of the pedals make it difficult to use in a seated position
  • Instructions are not well written

Product Specifications

2. jFit Under Desk & Stand Up Mini Elliptical

The JFit Under Desk & Stand Up Mini Elliptical has a unique design with adjustable pedals, making it suitable for standing and exercise under a desk. It includes two handles built into its design so you can easily move it from one place to the next.  


Built into the design are large rollerblade wheels that promote a smooth, quieter ride. If it starts to squeak at all, a little bit of WD40 spray will easily take care of it. 

PROS

  • Quick Assembly, should take no longer than 15 minutes to put together
  • Works well in both sitting and standing positions
  • Provides a surprisingly good workout

CONS

  • Some have said it's too bulky for use in the office
  • Not the best for use while standing

Product Specifications

1. Cubii Pro - Seated Under-Desk Elliptical

This model and the Cubii Jr are perhaps some of the most advanced under desk ellipticals out there. It has all different kinds of bells and whistles you won’t find in any of the other items in this list. For example, it has bluetooth tracking that syncs with FitBit and Apple Healthkit. You can monitor your progress using the machine with those apps on your phone. 


This machine boasts whisper-quiet, low-impact, ultra-smooth gearing, ideal for exercise at the office or at home. The magnetic drive system was built to mimic the motion of a full-sized elliptical without the noise. The Cubii Pro and the Cubii Jr were optimized for seated use. This means that you should be able to use it under most desks. It is Ideal for at home rehabilitation or for corporate wellness. 


If you like this machine, but feel that many of the pro “smart” features are unnecessary for your purposes, you might check out the Cubii Jr, which has many of the same capabilities. 

PROS

  • Easy to Assemble right out of the box
  • Very quiet - almost silent
  • Comes with nifty "smart" features

CONS

  • Very heavy, which may make you reluctant to move it
  • Difficult to plug items into the USB slot

Product Specifications

Questions and Answers

How long should I use a Mini-Elliptical to lose weight? 

It doesn’t matter unless your exercise is combined with a diet that promotes losing weight. If you’re looking for estimate, 60 minutes of intense exercise five days a week on a compact strider should help.

How many calories does a Mini Elliptical burn?

It depends on how hard you exert yourself. If you are using it at full speed, you could lose as much as 300 calories per hour. 

Which is better for weight loss a Mini Elliptical or a Mini bike?

The machines are very similar. A mini-bike might incorporate a fuller range of movement which might promote weight loss more rapidly. But if you’re using a mini-bike, it negates the reasons people usually buy mini-ellipticals to begin with: they don’t have time to ride an exercise bike. 

Are Mini Ellipticals worth it?

Mini Ellipticals are definitely better than nothing at all. Any kind of movement you can make during the day can increase cardiovascular health. If you remain sedentary for a long time each day, a mini elliptical is definitely something you should consider buying.

Remembering the Importance of Cardio with Mini Ellipticals

Though we’ve heard the benefits of cardio many times, we still tend to procrastinate. One of the most common reasons this might be is that we tell ourselves we have no time. And we may genuinely be too busy. With a compact elliptical machine this isn’t something you’ll have to worry about as much. With regular use of an elliptical mini, you’ll notice you have much more energy than you had before.

The benefits of a low-impact workout on a mini elliptical , compact strider, or mini stepper are many, but you have to choose the right product. I believe that this list should give you all the details you need to find something for your needs. Have you ever used any of the items in this list and what do you think of it? Please leave a comment below.