The Best Compact Ellipticals For 2024

Jonathan Wilson By, Jonathan Wilson
Updated
Stamina Inmotion Elliptical
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Of The Best: Stamina Inmotion Elliptical

"The Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider is the perfect exercise machine for those who only want to carry it out at a moment’s notice. Featuring a compact footprint, it is portable and easy to store in any room of the house. The E1000 offers cardio workouts with adjustable tension and a built-in monitor to track your progress. Plus, its lightweight design allows you to enjoy mobile workouts from the comfort of your home." Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Cubii Pro Under Desk Elliptical Machine

"The Cubii Pro Under Desk Elliptical Machine is a compact machine that fits easily under any desk, with no need for an expensive gym membership. Set your fitness goals and track your progress with an easy-to-use smartphone app. The Cubii Pro is perfect for the home or office, has a whisper-quiet drive system and includes 3 resistance levels." Read Review

3. Best Convenient: Stamina InMotion Compact Strider

"The Stamina InMotion Compact Strider with Cords is a fun and effective way to get your workouts in without ever leaving the comfort of your home. This total-body fitness machine provides adjustable tension resistance with built-in monitor, multiple movement options for different levels of resistance, and includes a smart audio coach. The handgrip is also equipped with a built-in handle for easy transport anywhere." Read Review

4. Best Easy To Clean: SCHWINN Fitness 411 Compact Elliptical Machine

"With an unprecedented 50% smaller footprint, the SCHWINN Fitness 411 Compact Elliptical Machine offers cardio workouts at a fraction of the size of other ellipticals. With its low-impact, smooth and quiet operation, you can explore the world and discover more than 50 global routes that auto-adjust in real time to your speed. This compact machine has all the features you need for a great workout." Read Review

It’s not just your legs that need to be toned. Your upper body is engaged in every movement you make, and with a good elliptical workout, you can target all of your muscle groups. That’s why many people are turning to compact ellipticals as an alternative to the larger models.

Compact elliptical trainers are usually the same price as their big brother, but they offer more space in which to work out and they take up less floor space. They also tend to feature slightly different programs and settings than their full-size cousins, so it might not be worth buying a compact model if you already have a full-size treadmill or cross country machine at home. However, if you're looking for an affordable way of getting into shape without breaking the bank, then these compact ellipticals are worth considering.

After nearly 16 hours of research, We think the best compact ellipticals is Stamina Inmotion Elliptical. Or you can check the Cubii Pro Under Desk Elliptical Machine as the other great option, even if the first option didn't meet all of your requirements.

Compare

TOP Choice #1 Stamina Inmotion Elliptical
Our Score:
9.8
Stamina

GREAT FOR GAMERS: Get an effective workout while gaming; passive, low-attention exercise promotes leg movement and improved circulation in a non-distracting way while playing video games

SMART FITNESS APP INCLUDED: Fully supported by muuv, the workout app that offers personalized training, a follow-along assembly video and custom workouts tailored to your fitness goals using the equipment you own. No subscription required.

ADJUSTABLE TENSION WITH MONITOR: Vary the intensity of your workout by turning the adjustable dial while you stride. See your stats while exercising with the display monitor.

PORTABLE, QUIET AND EFFICIENT CARDIO: This mini strider is compact and lightweight, making it easy to use and transport to any home or office space. It’s quiet and unintrusive, too. The minimal space required is 24.5 x 17 inches

USE SITTING OR STANDING: Depending on your needs and abilities, the Compact Strider can be used sitting or standing; Pedal forward or reverse to target different muscles.

TOP Choice #2 Cubii Pro Under Desk Elliptical Machine
Our Score:
9.7
Cubii

WHISPER-QUIET SEATED ELLIPTICAL - This under desk pedal exerciser is near silent during use so that you won’t disturb your colleagues at work or struggle to hear the TV while you watch!

MINI EXERCISE BIKE - Move a little more and burn up to 125 calories per hour while you pedal and sit with a good book, watch your favorite show, or work at your desk.

UNDER DESK ELLIPTICAL - Designed with ultra-smooth gearing and a compact design, Cubii home ellipticals are ideal for exercising at home or the office without stressing your joints!

SET & TRACK FITNESS GOALS - The Cubii mobile app syncs with iPhone and Android cellphones, Fitbit smart bands, and Apple Health Kit to track your distance pedaled, calories burnt, and more.

COMPARE WITH OTHER WORKOUT EQUIPMENT FOR HOME WORKOUTS - Under desk desk bike pedal exerciser, under desk treadmill, stair stepper, steppers for exercise, mini exercise bike, Lifepro Under Desk Elliptical, Sunny Health & Fitness, Stamina InMotion, Desk Cycle, Vaunn Medical

PORTABLE ELLIPTICAL - Workout while you work or rehab while you rest! The Cubii under desk elliptical is perfect for use at your desk, the couch, or even at your dining room table.

TOP Choice #3 Stamina InMotion Compact Strider
Our Score:
9.5
Stamina

MULTIPLE MOVEMENT OPTIONS: The InMotion Strider can be used sitting or standing. Pedal forward or in reverse to target different muscles.

BUILT-IN HANDLE: Take the Strider anywhere with the attached carrying handle. Weight Limit: 250 lbs. Use while seated or while standing

TOTAL-BODY FITNESS: The Stamina InMotion Compact Strider with Cords provides a portable and versatile full-body workout in one small package. Move your feet with the built-in pedals to engage the legs and boost cardio health. Use the included upper body resistance tubes to work the shoulders, chest, arms, core and back.

SMART AUDIO COACHING: This product is fully supported by müüv, the all-in-one app that provides smart guided audio coaching, a follow-along assembly video, personalized workouts tailored to the equipment you own, and more.

ADJUSTABLE TENSION WITH MONITOR: Turn the adjustable dial to vary your workout intensity. View number of strides, calories burned and workout time while exercising with the display monitor.

Streamlined console displays time, speed, distance, calories, and heart rate

Built-in media rack and water bottle holder

Moving and fixed padded handlebars with heart rate contact grips

Explore the world and discover more than 50 global routes that auto-adjust in real time to your speed (Explore the World subscription required)

Space saving design with 18” stride length

Low-impact cardio workouts at a fraction of the size of other ellipticals

16 levels of variable resistance allows you to dial the challenge up or down

MAGNETIC RESISTANCE: This compact elliptical exercise machine has ultra-smooth magnetic resistance, a superior flywheel and a sturdy base. It's whisper quiet, so you'll never bother those around you

BUILD UP STRENGTH: Choose from 8 different resistance levels, from very easy to really hard! This seated elliptical machine is the perfect leg exercise bike for seniors, physical therapy, or anyone who wants to get more active.

MULTI-TASK: Our premium quality under desk elliptical machine can help you burn calories, boost your energy level, increase productivity and reduce stress as you work

SWITCH IT UP: Extra long and wide pedals allow you to adjust the shape of your elliptical motion by where you place your feet; Place them on top of the pedal to maximize up/down movement, or towards the bottom for more horizontal strides

EASY TO USE: Large 6-Function LCD display tracks revolutions, RPM, time, calories burned and more; For easy reading, remove the display from under the desk and set it up on your table with the included display stand.

6 Niceday Elliptical Machine
Our Score:
9.0
Niceday

【16LB Flywheel with 16 Resistance Levels】Provides double resistance levels than the ordinary product, smooth feeling thanks to 16lb flywheel and high gear ratio, no need for any electrical source. All stages exerciser can get efficient exercise with different resistance, no matter you are beginner or fanatic.

【Hyper-Quiet Magnetic Drive System】We developed the latest technology magnetic system and eliminates noise, also control the sound at 20DB even after millions of times workout. No disturbing on working, reading, and sleeping at home.

【Long-life Service Promise】We promise to provide a life-long service to the NICEDAY elliptical machine. We will pay for all of the replacement costs if customers need replacements. We have set a professional online service team to provide help with this elliptical machine. All messages will get responses within 24 hours.

【Exactly Calculated Data】The digital monitor displays TIME, SPEED, DISTANCE, CALORIES, and PULSE. All data is dual-calibrated by serious algorithms, which will make you clear about your exercise effect to make a more exact training schedule to achieve your exercise goal.

【400 LBS Weight Capacity】The NICEDAY's main frame is made of the 8*5CM extra-thicken commercial steel pipe. The heavy-duty base contributes outstanding stability and loading capacity. It is for a long-term exercise workout, not those simple products for only a few months' use.

MULTIPLE MOVEMENT OPTIONS: The InMotion Strider can be used sitting or standing. Pedal forward or reverse to target different muscles. Easily transport the Strider with the attached carrying handle. Weight Limit: 250 lbs

GREAT FOR GAMERS: Get an effective workout while gaming – passive, low-attention exercise promotes leg movement and improved circulation in a non-distracting way while playing video games

SMART FITNESS APP INCLUDED W/ PURCHASE: This product is fully supported by müüv, the all-in-one workout app that offers personalized training, a follow-along assembly video, and custom workouts tailored to your fitness goals using the equipment you own. No subscription required.

PORTABLE, QUIET AND EFFICIENT CARDIO: The Stamina InMotion Compact Strider is small and lightweight, making it easy to use in any home or office space; It’s quiet and unintrusive, too; The minimal space required is 24.5 x 17 inches

ADJUSTABLE TENSION WITH MONITOR: Vary the intensity of your workout by turning the adjustable dial while you stride; See your stats while exercising with the display monitor; Tracks workout time, stride count and calories burned

WHISPER QUIET: This portable elliptical machine uses a durable belt-drive mechanism that keeps your strides smooth, quiet, and consistent in shared and compact spaces, including bedrooms and living rooms.

MAGNETIC RESISTANCE: Control your workout intensity with the easy-to-use resistance dial. Cycle through 8 levels of magnetic resistance: Easy when you want it, and hard when you need it.

VERSATILE DESIGN: Achieve a cardiovascular workout standing up or sitting down. We designed this machine to help you develop muscles in your lower body and improve blood circulation through consistent exercise.

COMPACT DESIGN: This space-saving machine (25.2L in x 18W in x 10.6H in) can easily be stored while not in use. Use the built-in carry handle to easily lift and move this elliptical machine (25.4lb).

PRE-ASSEMBLED: This machine requires no assembly, so you can jump straight to your workout.

Sit and Get Moving: The small compact style allows you to exercise while you read, watch TV, talk on the phone and more all why burning calories and enjoying your workout!

Compact and Portable: The Orbitrek MX natural low elliptical motion allows you to continue moving while in a seated position. Gentle elliptical motion keeps you moving!

8 Electric Exercise Options: Choose between 3 training modes and 5 speed levels with just a push of a button! The Orbitrek MX comes with a remote, providing a seamless workout experience and quick fingertip control of the machine. No bending down required! This machine features 2-way motorized movement:

Orbitrek MX should not be used if you have a pacemaker

Advanced Features at an Affordable Price: Extra wide textured foot pedals for comfort and slippage prevention, sleek compact design to fit anywhere in your house, whisper quiet movement that lets you enjoy the fun of exercise without extra noise.

【LIFETIME GUARANTEE】Ultra-smooth pedal motion and silent belt drive mechanism ensure smooth and whisper quiet, you can enjoy the convenience of the workout without disturbing others in the same room. If you find any problem about this under desk pedal exerciser, please email us at first, we will spare no effort to deal with it and promise to replace goods or refund.

【SAFE AND COMFORTABLE】This elliptical pedal exerciser is designed with two large, non-slip textured pedals, make it easy to workout standing up or sitting, secure the feet and ensure high comfort. Bottom rubber mat prevent slippage to keep the machine stable and protect the floor from scratches.

【UNDER DESK ELLIPTICAL MACHINE】This compact under desk elliptical pedal exerciser is perfect for workouts while you work or streaming your favorite show. At just 24.8”L x 17.3”W x 11.1H, this is the best office stationary bike that slips easily beneath your desk, in-between furniture, in front of your couch, or chair.

【COMPACT ELLIPTICAL MACHINE TRAINER】Outdoor cycling can be a great way to exercise, but it does come with certain hazards, such as inattentive drivers & uneven road surfaces. With our elliptical pedal exerciser, you can work out safely in a comfortable place. This is also a perfect pedal exerciser for seniors. And also features a top handle for easy move in home or office space.

【MINI ELLIPTICAL MACHINE WITH DISPLAY MONITOR】This under desk elliptical machine features an easy to read, multi-function monitor that displays the time you spent exercising, calories burnt, total number of strides and the distance. According to your needs and abilities, this underdesk elliptical stepper has multiple resistance levels, allowing you to adjust the intensity of your workout.

What to Look For in a best compact ellipticals?

To buy any product seems easy, but to choose the best one is not straightforward. The time you take to research its outcome is significant. The same matter also comes to best compact ellipticals of 2024 that we include in this article. But you can relax instead of spending too much time learning the products. It’s our duty!

Here are the main features of best compact ellipticals that all of you guys should keep in mind when deciding to make a purchase:

Stride Length

What distance the pedals are moving back and forward? This is called stride length. This number should be appropriate for your stride length. You should stride longer, the more tall you are, and your legs.
Some machines come with an adjustable stride length. While others can be set at a constant length. It really doesn't matter whether the adjustable version is for you or not.

Size

The average length of an elliptical is 6ft by 2.5ft wide. However, the actual length may vary from 50 to 84inches. The pedals could extend past the machine's length during operation. The pedals will be elevated higher than you would on the treadmill. Make sure your space has a high ceiling. Our step-up heights have been measured at 5-15 inches. At the elliptical's apex, pedals reach 25 inches above the ground. To ensure safety, there must be at least 20 inches of space between the sides and the rear.

Programs

Programs can help make exercise more exciting and fun. Paying for unnecessary frills is not a good idea. There are a few simple programs you can use that will help with specific kinds of exercises. Manufacturers can call different programs something else, but they will all be essential. The ability to design your own resistance profiles is possible with the custom program.

Smoothness

It's important to have a smooth feeling elliptical. However, this is something it's difficult to determine from a spec sheet. An elliptical bike that isn’t perfectly smooth can cause a feeling of uneven resistance. This can be an indication that the movements are not normal.

Safety Features

Safety precautions for children are required when using an Elliptical. They could become trapped by moving parts or get pinched. Visitors and parents with children need to ensure the machine is locked up.

Ergonomics

An elliptical restricts the movement of your body, as opposed to a treadmill. Be mindful of how comfortable an elliptical feels to you. While holding the handle, it should not be difficult to hold on. Handgrips for moving should be reachable and shouldn't force wrists into an incongruous position. Your elliptical should feel easy. Most people will find the pedals to be comfortable as close as possible. Your arms, shoulders and knees shouldn't be affected by moving handgrips.

Connectivity

Equipment that is connected to the Internet can be used to track and monitor your workouts, create a competition environment and connect to social networks. Many ellipticals come with Bluetooth and wireless connectivity. One allows you to connect a USB stick to upload your workout data via the web to a tracking tool accessible from a laptop.

Incline

There are many settings for treadmills, including incline. Elliptical trainers do too. At least, some do. You'll need to pay for the adjustable incline feature on an elliptical treadmill. It's not as widespread as it is on treadmills. This feature is only currently available at higher prices.
Targeting certain muscle groups in your legs is where the incline settings can help. You should target your back more often if the inclines are higher. Glutes, hamstrings, calves are all targets.
An adjustable incline trainer is an option if you want to work out hard and gain muscle mass for your legs. This feature can be omitted to save you money.

FAQs

How Many Years Will An Elliptical Work For Me?

While there are many things that influence the life expectancy of an elliptical, it's strongly affected by how often and under what conditions it is used. You can extend the lifespan of your elliptical by maintaining it in a clean area and giving it regular care.

Should I Go With A Front Drive Or Rear Drive Elliptical?

This is one the most frequent questions about ellipticals. Rear-drive club models tend to be more efficient because the drive axle can be located backwards. It allows for greater power and smoother pedal action. The result is that rear-drive models tend to be more expensive while front-drive machines can often be found for less.

What About Regular Maintenance?

Your user manual will detail the recommended maintenance. The majority of ellipticals don't require any maintenance. However, it is important to check for loose bolts, like those on moving arms, as well as clean the rails, rollers, and other parts.

Should I Buy The One With A Heavier Flywheel?

Smoothness of the pedaling action is affected directly by how heavy the flywheel weighs. Higher inertia means that it is easier to keep your drive system turning with a heavier flywheel (28.5 lb)

What If The Console Display Won’t Light?

The display may not turn on if it's not plugged into or the batteries are dead. To check for a working power model, simply unplug it and wait for it to turn on again. Check the wires and cables to make sure they aren't crimped at assembly.

What If My Elliptical Trainer Is Squeaking?

Be sure to secure all screws during assembly. But don't tighten them too much. Refer to the manual for information on how you can lubricate your guide rails. It is important to check that neither the guiderails nor the pedal arms have been misaligned, and that the machine remains level.

Why Is Stride Length Important?

A Variable or Fixed stride length is available for an elliptical. You will experience a shorter stride that feels like a stairclimber. However, a longer stride is more natural and more enjoyable for long legs. You should choose an elliptical with a minimum stride length not less than 18 inches. Buy a front drive machine. A 20-inch stride length will work well with an 18-inch stride on rear-drive machines.

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About Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson is a former pro football player and tech reporter who now serves as the editor of Kris Van Assche's website. He is a dedicated fitness enthusiast who splits his workout time between strength and conditioning training, martial arts and running.

Jonathan's athletic career began in college, where he was a star running back. He went on to play professionally for several years before injuries forced him to retire. Afterward, Jonathan transitioned into a career in tech reporting, where he quickly made a name for himself as a knowledgeable and insightful commentator on the industry.

In addition to his work with our website, Jonathan remains active in the world of sports. He regularly competes in martial arts tournaments and running events, and he is always looking for new ways to challenge himself physically. Jonathan is an inspiration to many people, and he is proof that it is never too late to pursue your passions.

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