Best Mini Ellipticals For Home & Office | 2022 Buyer’s Guide

What is the best mini elliptical? The choice of mini elliptical largely depends on how you are going to use it. There are several important things to consider before making a purchase. First, decide on the type of elliptical. Make sure that the device is designed to be used in a seating position. However, some models can be used while standing, which could obviously be an added benefit. The height of the stride matters as well. If you are going to use the device under the desk, opt for a model that works at lower stride rates. Then, choose an elliptical that comes with a built-in LCD screen and the resistance level adjustment. And finally, look for a model that is compact and portable enough to carry wherever you need. We believe that the Cubii Jr. - Seated Under-Desk Elliptical meets these criteria best.

Why have we chosen it? Cubii is a trusted brand of compact and ergonomic mini ellipticals. Designed to be used both at home and in the office, this product is an excellent tool that will allow you to work out more during the day. It is adjustable and offers 8 levels of resistance. The elliptical is equipped with an LCD monitor displaying real-time calories burned, revolutions per minute, distance, and strides. Use the Cubii to tone your abs, core, glutes, hamstring, calves, and other parts of your body. The machine delivers a smooth gliding motion and operates almost noiselessly. With a weight of fewer than 30 pounds, it is easy to transport from home to the office and back.

Mini Ellipticals: What's All the Hype About?

Over the years, new iterations of classic gym equipment has become increasingly popular throughout the fitness world. Whether you're trying to get fit or want an easier way to pump up your routine, mini ellipticals provide a great way to meet your daily exercise goals.

For those who are unaware, mini ellipticals are small, portable versions of the full-sized ones you find at the gym. Unlike other exercise equipment, mini ellipticals can be used while sitting down and don't create excessive impact on the body.

So, why have these machines nearly become a household staple? Increasingly, those who work full time find it difficult to get the appropriate amount of exercise: Mini ellipticals make it possible to workout and work simultaneously.

As schedules get busier and living spaces get smaller, it becomes important for people to consolidate their lives. The smooth, gliding motion of under-desk exercise equipment is excellent for promoting circulation, getting out excess energy, and burning calories.

What Muscles Do Mini Ellipticals Work?

The mini elliptical provides a low-impact, passive workout that workouts many few core muscles in the body. The machine primarily exercises the glutes, calves, hamstrings (back of the thighs), and quadriceps (front and top of the thigh).

Over time, the machine also strengthens the mid-torso muscles used for balance, such as the abdominals and lats. Mini ellipticals also build up strength on the hip flexors.

Like any cardio exercise, the elliptical is a momentum-based action similar to walking. Each leg is required to push down against a resistant panel, slowly building up tone in the legs, hips, and butt.

If you want more defined core and leg muscles, a mini elliptical will work very well towards your goals (as long as it's used consistently).

How Do Mini Elliptical Models Differ?

Below, we have compared the most popular models of the mini elliptical currently on the market, with the prices ranging from $130 to $250. Each brand has brought something different to the table that sets it apart from other minified exercise equipment. Depending on your needs, you may choose a model with different levels of resistance, a trainer for under-desk multitasking workouts, or an elliptical recommended for gamers.

1. Cubii Jr. - Seated Under-Desk Elliptical - Get Fit While You Sit | Best Adjustable

Featuring ergonomic range of motion, the Cubii Jr. is slim enough to slide under any desk. The elliptical comes with eight levels of resistance to increase your activity over time, gently encouraging healthy movement while you work.

This type of elliptical is great for those that want to multitask and integrate exercise into their day. The built-in display monitor tracks calories burnt, rotations per minute, strides, distance, and other activity metrics for your convenience.

2. Sunny Health & Fitness Fully Assembled Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical | Best Portable

Similar to the Cubii, the Sunny Health under-desk elliptical comes with varying levels of resistance and a digital monitor to track real time performance. However, this elliptical uses magnetic resistance to create a smooth, gliding motion that is nearly noiseless.

The elliptical is slightly taller and bulkier than the Cubii, yet it should still fit easily under standard sized desks. The centrally placed handle makes it easy to hoist the machine wherever you go.

3. Bionic Body Magnetic Tension Elliptical Mini Stepper Trainer | Best Multitasking

Want something a little more heart-pumping than a stand alone under-desk elliptical? The Bionic allows you to avoid switching machines for upper and lower body workouts by functioning as both a mini elliptical and mini stepper.

With the included resistance tubes, you can step up your game at any point for a full cardio workout routine. The step machine comes with a lever for adjustable resistance, allowing you to tailor the workout to your fitness level.

4. Stamina Inmotion Elliptical | Best for Gamers

Portable and efficient, the Stamina mini-strider is unobtrusive enough to be used in the office or at home. The lime green machine comes with an adjustable resistance dial, LCD display monitor, and multiple movement options.

Unlike other under-desk machines like the Cubii, the Stamina can be used either sitting or standing. Users can either pedal forward or backward in order to target different muscle groups.

Buyers particularly recommend this stepper for gamers since the motion is just unobtrusive enough to promote circulation during long play sessions.

The Minis Compared: Mini Elliptical vs Mini Exercise Bike vs Mini Stepper vs Compact Strider

In a world dominated by screens, minified exercise equipment has quickly captured the attentions of fitness enthusiasts and office workers alike. Some of the most popular mini equipment includes steppers and striders, in addition to ellipticals.

5. Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper with Resistance Bands

The Sunny Health stepper is built with a hydraulic drive system that creates a smooth, consistent stepping motion. Simply adjust the appropriate height of either step to create either short burst or long step effects.

Users appreciate the removable training bands that help to engage over 20 core muscles. Like other mini-steppers, the Sunny Health stepper is great for low-impact daily aerobic exercise.

6. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B0418 Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike

Many exercisers prefer magnetized mini exercise bikes, which simulate the feeling of coasting up and down hills. With adjustable straps, the Sunny bike is able to fit both hands and feet for different types of workouts.

Mini-bikes help to engage key leg and core muscles, reducing the tension placed on sensitive joints like the knees. This particular bike comes with eight levels of adjustable resistance for the most versatile workout possible.

7. Stamina InMotion Compact Strider with Cords

The Stamina strider reproduces the motion of stepping, but without creating as much pressure on the sensitive knees and hips. Users can create a more intense workout by using adjustable levels of tension and using the medium resistance tubes.

The striding motion is excellent for anyone who wants to strengthen their calves, ankles, and lower body. The machine also places emphasis on the hip flexors and core muscles.

Best-Selling Mini Ellipticals | Comparison Table