9 Best Mini Elliptical Machines (Review) In 2023

There will always be people around you who say they have a genuine excuse for not being able to exercise on regular basis. You get to choose to be like them or find a way to stay active and take care of your body fighting against the obstacles like a busy schedule, no access to a gym, or no space to set up a home gym.

You have arrived at this buying guide that proves you are one of those who wish to find a solution. And you have chosen to look out for the exercise options and equipment that allow you to exercise anywhere, anytime, while performing other tasks, without meddling with your schedule, without needing any significant storage space.

Yes, the mini elliptical machines are so small that these can be stored under the bed, under the desk, or even can be kept in a bag. These allow you to workout while working on a computer, watching TV, or getting a manicure.

This type of elliptical exercise machines are not too common, so you might have a few questions about them. We have tried to answer all the possible questions in this piece. You will learn more than a few things about the best portable ellipticals available in the market.

Best Mini Elliptical Machines

To help you in choosing the right one among the vast choices of these mini machines we have researched and picked the best few. In this buying guide, we present those top of the class mini elliptical trainers along with a guide to choosing the most suitable one for your requirement.

Cubii Pro Seated Mini Elliptical Machine

This little portable elliptical machine offers you a smooth, quiet, and zero-impact workout. The Cubii Pro is a small yet powerful mini elliptical that enables you to exercise at 8 different resistance levels. You can burn up to 150 calories while sitting at your work desk and exercising on Cubii Pro.

This machine can sync with mobile fitness apps which makes it easy for you to set up fitness goals and track your progress.

While many under desk ellipticals are limited to offering leg muscle exercises only, the Cubii has the provision to add a resistance band to it, which makes it a full-body exercise set up.

Pros:

• Takes a negligible floor space
• Easy to move, clean, and store
• Operates without making any noise
• Induces no stress on joints
• Can set and track your fitness goals with fitness apps
• Aesthetic design

Cons:

• May slide while in use if placed on the hardwood floor

The machine has a quite grippy base for any other floor surface, you can use the vacuum cup stoppers if placing on the hardwood floor is the only option you have.

Cubii JR1 Seated Min Elliptical Machine

This gorgeous mini elliptical trainer flaunts its aqua blue and black color combo elegantly. You can use this machine to put in some low impact workout while sitting. It is so smooth in operation and comfortable to use that even the people under rehab from any old injury can use it.

This elliptical exercise machine has a built-in LCD which shows you distance, calories burnt, and time spent pedaling the machine.

Pros:

• Safe and simple to use
• No assembly required
• Easy to store
• Keeps stable at a position
• Adjustable resistance
• Aesthetic in looks

Cons:

• Can’t use it while standing

This machine is designed to use while being seated. You can have another gym equipment for exercises that are to be done while standing, and you can use this one for additional calorie burning while sitting or working on a desk job.

ATIVAFIT Under Desk Mini Elliptical Machine with Non-Slip Pedal

This mini elliptical trainer features pedals with non-slip markings on the surface that allows you to workout both in sitting as well as standing position.

This multi-function mini elliptical trainer can be used in both forward and reverse directions. The machine has adjustable resistance and a built-in display.

Pros:

• Lightweight and portable
• Can be used in standing and seating position
• Has built-in display
• Smooth elliptical motion
• Space saver design

Cons:

• Even the max resistance is too easy

The resistance feels too easy if you are using it in a standing position. If you are going to use it as the under desk exerciser then its resistance is enough.

Stamina 55-1602 Inmotion Elliptical

The lightweight, efficient, and funky-looking mini elliptical machine offers adjustable tension and a display console that shows a number of strides, strides per minute, calories burned, and exercise time.

This smooth portable elliptical can be used in forward and reverse motion in both standing as well as seated position.

Pros:

• Multi-functional
• Strong steel construction
• Available in multiple colors
• Can count the number of strides
• Textured pedals keep the feet secure in position
• Easy to adjust tension knob

Cons:

• Not so durable under intense use
• May make a squeaking noise

This lightweight, portable elliptical is meant for moderate-intensity use. These perform very well for a long time if used mostly in seating position.

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Portable Elliptical Machine SF-E3908

This mini under desk elliptical form Sunny Health and Fitness comes with an integrated handle at the top of it for easy handling. The machine is lightweight, compact, strong, and durable.

With 8-level adjustable resistance and a digital monitor that can display two workout metrics at a time, this small exercise machine has better features than many full-fledged ellipticals.

Pros:

• Comes completely assembled
• Multi-functional
• Whisper-quiet operation
• Offers optimum stability in both positions
• Adjustable 8-level magnetic resistance

Cons:

• Not so good-looking

The SF-E3908 is a very compact machine that can be kept under the desk even while in use or can be kept under the bed for storage, there is no need to keep it on the display so the looks don’t matter much. The machine performs well in functionality.

Exerpeutic 900E EXERWORK No Impact Under Desk Mini Elliptical with Extendable Chair Hook

It might seem unbelievable but this mini elliptical stepper from Exerpeutic can be set at 14 different levels of resistance. And it works quietly at all these resistance levels.

This lightweight and easily portable mini elliptical machine has an extendable chair hook that can be hooked to your desk chair for added stability of the machine.

Pros:

• Wide range of resistance levels
• Hook keeps it in place while pedaling
• Convenient to move with wheels and handle
• Works with mobile apps

Cons:

• A little heavier than counterparts
• No built-in display

As the machine is built to last, it is a little heavy, but it is still easy to move due to transport wheels and handle. And the app connectivity gives you a much better look at workout metrics than the built-in display can ever do.

JFIT Mini Elliptical

The highly versatile and compact JFIT mini elliptical has comparatively larger wheels that offer a smooth and quiet workout. It can be used in both sitting and standing position.

This super-quiet machine has front rollers for easy movement. The package includes a small oil can to help you maintain the machine.

Pros:

• Correct foot motion in both positions
• Can track time, calories burnt, etc
• Fits easily under the work desk
• Available in multiple colors
• Has a chair hook

Cons:

• The chair hook is non-extendable

It is optional to use the chair hook for extra stability. If you are of average height the fixed position chair hook can be used, otherwise, you can use the machine without hooking it up to your chair.

Stamina InMotion Compact Strider

The Stamina InMotion low-impact mini elliptical has large non-slip pedals. It offers a safe, low impact workout option for those who sit on the chair for a long duration. It also has a little monitor to display the distance you covered on the machine.

The machine is compact, lightweight, and easily portable with a carry handle.

Pros:

• Offers low impact workout
• Easy to carry with the handle
• Easily adjustable tension
• Compact and lightweight

Cons:

• Built is not so strong
• Display too small and dull to read without bending down

It is a good mini elliptical for casual under-desk pedaling to lose a few extra calories than sitting idle.

FitDesk Under Desk Mini Elliptical

The FitDesk mini elliptical stepper has 8 resistance levels and can be adjusted with your foot without needing to bend down to the machine height.

For ease to read your workout stats, the machine has a digital display that can either be mount on the machine or can be extended to mount on your desk.

Pros:

• Multi-function display can be extended to mount on the table
• Foot shifter for resistance adjustment
• Unconventional design
• Easy to use and move around

Cons:

• Can’t use while standing
• Even the highest resistance level is easy to pedal

The machine is not made for high-intensity workouts. It is designed to provide you an option to accelerate your calorie burn rate while working on the desk, which it does perfectly.

Mini Elliptical Buyer’s Guide

Buying an under-desk mini elliptical stepper might be a small investment, but why should we even waste a small amount of money on products that won’t be suitable for your requirement. To avoid buying a mini elliptical that is not fit for your use, you should consider checking it on the following parameters before buying it.

• Product size: You are buying the machine to fit it under your work desk, it would be of no use if the elliptical you buy doesn’t fit under your desk. Thus, you need to check all the dimensions of the product and the size under your desk.
• Resistance type and levels: The option of adjustable tension makes your workout more effective and interesting
• Product weight: The weight should be lower so that it is easy to carry, move, and store.
• Workout metrics: Either built-in monitor or connectivity to fitness apps is needed to be able to set workout goals and track your progress
• Weight capacity: The machine should be strong enough to easily handle your body weight especially if you are choosing a mini elliptical that can be used in both sitting and standing positions.

Don’t miss:

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10 Best Budget Elliptical Trainer
9 Best Mini Steppers
10 Best Pedal Exercisers
10 Best Pedal Exercisers for Elderly & Seniors

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