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If you’re looking to get some exercise in while you work, consider an under-desk bike. They enable you to go about your day while stretching your muscles, getting your heartbeat up, and improving your circulation. They’re especially good if you spend so much time at your desk that you can’t get to the gym after work or hit the road for an actual bike ride. Those are the obvious benefits. There are other less obvious under-desk bike benefits: Do you have trouble sitting still? Think of a pedal exerciser as a fidget spinner for your legs. Are you in a thermostat war at work and constantly freezing? Warm yourself right up with a few turns of the wheel. Some fans of the cycling desk even report increased focus and concentration. That’s why we’ve compiled what to know to buy one of the best under-desk bikes for your lifestyle.

How we chose the best under-desk bikes

In compiling our list of the best under-desk bikes, we considered the functionality of the bikes, resistance levels, whether they tracked metrics, if they featured an associated app, and if they had extra features like resistance bands. We also considered under-desk bike reviews, mobility and portability, and price.

The best under-desk bikes: Reviews & Recommendations

Maybe you’ve never considered incorporating home exercise equipment into your workday, but it could be time to! Just because an under-desk bike is lower profile than its home-gym counterparts, like treadmills and ellipticals and full-sized exercise bikes, doesn’t mean it still can’t be a serious piece of equipment. Read on for our picks for a range of needs.

Best overall: Davcreator Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser

Davcreator makes one of the best under-desk bikes.

Davcreator

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Specs

  • Materials: Aluminum alloy, plastic
  • Dimensions: 19.9 inches D x 12.8 inches W x 9.6 inches H
  • Weight: 22 pounds
  • Resistance levels: 8

Pros

  • Well-made
  • Ability to track metrics on LCD screen
  • Large pedals

Cons

  • No smart functionality

If you want to improve your strength and endurance and measure your progress, the Davcreator Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser is a good choice. This under-desk bike is designed with a magnetic resistance flywheel that’s quiet enough for you to take phone calls or watch TV as you pedal. This device also has a knob that allows you to dial up eight resistance levels, including a warm-up and cool-down. The LCD screen shows basic metrics like speed, time, and calories burned. The pedals are also large and have treads to prevent slippage.

Best with app: Stamina Inmotion E1000 Compact Lower Body Workout Strider Machine

Stamina makes one of the best under-desk bikes that's smart.

Stamina

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Specs

  • Materials: Steel, plastic
  • Dimensions: 17 inches D x 24.5 inches W x 12 inches H
  • Weight: 24 pounds
  • Resistance levels: Adjusts with knob, no specific levels

Pros

  • Provides personalized fitness coaching
  • Tracks performance over time
  • Large pedals

Cons

  • No specific resistance levels

Even with a low-impact exercise device you use sitting down, you may want some coaching and accountability. The Stamina Inmotion E1000 Compact Lower Body Workout Strider Machine provides access to an app called müüv. In addition to tracking all your sessions, the app offers personalized coaching and 500 minutes of training per month, plus ad-free access to iHeart Radio. The LCD monitor lets you keep tabs on your strides per minute and calories burned. That said, it’s worth noting that this bike doesn’t have specific resistance levels, just a knob to increase and decrease intensity. And if you’re looking for more equipment to round out your home office, check out our guide to the best office chairs.

Best portable: DeskCycle Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser

DeskCycle Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser

DeskCycle

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Specs

  • Materials: Steel, plastic
  • Dimensions: 24 inches L x 20 inches W x 10 inches H
  • Weight: 23 pounds
  • Resistance levels: 8

Pros

  • Provides eight levels of resistance
  • Portable
  • LCD screen displays metrics

Cons

  • No tracking over time

At 23 pounds, the DeskCycle Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser isn’t the most lightweight option around, but it’s certainly portable enough to toss in the trunk of your car. This bike still provides the features that serious exercisers are looking for, with eight resistance levels and an LCD screen that displays key metrics like time, speed, and distance. For other low-impact options on the days you can get out of the house, check out our guide to the best electric bikes.

Best elliptical: Cubii JR2 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine

Cubii JR2 Under Desk Elliptical over white background

Cubii

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Specs

  • Materials: Plastic
  • Dimensions: 23.15 inches D x 17.56 inches W x 10 inches H
  • Weight: Under 20 pounds
  • Resistance levels: 8

Pros

  • Elliptical motion
  • Lightweight
  • Connected to an app

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Stats have to be entered manually in fitness device

Another compact option, this quiet under-desk elliptical bike has eight exercise levels and an LCD monitor. Use it with upper-body tools (like resistance bands) for an all-over workout. This has a handle that makes it easy to bring around your house or office. While there is a smartphone app, you must manually enter your workout from the LCD screen. This makes the fitness tracking process less automatic than other options.

Best with desk: Exerpeutic 2500 Bluetooth 3-Way Adjustable Desk

Exerpeutic 2500 Bluetooth 3 Way Adjustable Desk

Exerpeutic

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Specs

  • Materials: Steel, foam, plastic
  • Dimensions: ‎54 inches D x 25 inches W x 40 inches H
  • Weight: 16.24 pounds
  • Resistance levels: 14

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • 14 levels of resistance
  • Syncs with My Cloud Fitness app

Cons

  • Shipped in two boxes that may be delivered days apart

If you’re looking for a workstation with an under-desk bike, consider the Exerpeutic 2500 Bluetooth 3-Way Adjustable Desk. This model features an extra-large cushioned seat, adjustable backrest, swiveling desk, and soft hand grips for a comfortable work/exercise experience. This Bluetooth-compatible model syncs with the My Cloud Fitness app, which works with iOS and Android systems so that you can track your progress over time. Plus, buying an all-in-one product removes the hassle of measuring to make sure your desk is compatible, size-wise, with your bike. (Remember: A desk must accommodate your knees when raised to maximum pedal height.)

Best folding: Vaunn Medical Folding Pedal Exerciser

Vaunn Medical Folding Pedal Exerciser

Vaunn

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Specs

  • Materials: Alloy steel, plastic
  • Dimensions: 18.25 inches L x 15.2 inches W x 11.25 inches H
  • Weight: 5.4 pounds
  • Resistance levels: Adjustable knob

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to store
  • Can also be used for an upper-body workout

Cons

  • Doesn’t provide specific levels of resistance

If foldability and storage are more important to you than a range of features, the Vaunn Medical Folding Pedal Exerciser is a solid option. This fully assembled pedal exerciser also doubles as an arm exerciser. It runs on two AAA batteries and features an LCD display, an adjustable tension knob, and skid-resistant rubber feet for traction and stability no matter where you place it.

Best two-in-one: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike

Sunny

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Specs

  • Materials: Alloy steel, plastic 
  • Dimensions: 16.5 inches D x 20.5 inches W x 10.5 inches H
  • Weight: 19.1 pounds
  • Resistance levels: 8

Pros

  • Allows you to work out lower and upper body
  • Provides eight levels of resistance
  • Designed with a quiet magnetic flywheel

Cons

  • The bike may move while pedaling
  • Some users report poor quality materials

Consider the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike if you want your fitness device to multitask. This under-desk bike provides eight levels of resistance, and its flywheel ensures a quiet, smooth ride. When you’re done pedaling, you can place the device on your desk and give your arms a workout as well.

Best with resistance bands: LifePro Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser with Resistance Bands

LifePro makes one of the best under-desk bikes with resistance bands.

LifePro

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Specs

  • Materials: Metal, plastic
  • Dimensions: ‎17.5 inches L x 20.9 inches W x 13.2 inches H
  • Weight: 18.1 pounds
  • Resistance levels: 8

Pros

  • Lets you work lower and upper body at once
  • Provides training videos
  • Allows you to track progress over time with app

Cons

  • Some users say pedals came off during use

Looking to work your lower and upper body at the same time? The Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser with Resistance Bands is a good option. This mini exercise bike under-desk provides eight levels of resistance for pedaling and bands that allow you to work on your upper body and grip strength simultaneously. LifePro also provides training videos, and you can track your stats on the LCD monitor and through the associated app.

Best budget: Wakeman Portable Fitness Stationary Under Desk Bike

Wakeman Portable Fitness Stationary Under Desk Bike

Wakeman

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Specs

  • Materials: Metal, plastic
  • Dimensions: 14 inches D x 19.5 inches W x 9.5 inches H
  • Weight: 4.89 pounds
  • Resistance levels: 1

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Inexpensive
  • Battery-powered

Cons

  • Doesn’t track metrics
  • No specific resistance levels

You don’t get an LCD screen or Bluetooth capability with this no-frills stationary under-desk bike from Wakeman. But if your main goal is to get a low-impact workout in and you’re not looking to track your progress, this basic model is a budget-friendly option that’s light enough to take with you.

Things to consider when looking for the best under-desk bikes

The one thing you already know is that you’re interested in cycling while you work. Beyond that, choosing the best exercise bike for your desk comes down to your particular wants and needs. Whether you desire something lightweight and portable, compact and stowable, or frill-free and cheap, there’s a desk bike for you (and some even come with the desk!).

Portability

The key to a portable pedal exerciser is finding something that’s not terribly heavy, is easy to set up, and isn’t too bulky. (So not, for example, a bike with the desk attached.) A travel-friendly under-desk exercise bike has all the features you need without the bulk.

Portable options range from bare-bones hydraulic models to battery-powered cycles with LCD screens and fitness-tracker capabilities. There’s a wide spectrum depending on how much you want to spend.

Elliptical vs. classic models

An elliptical bike differs from a classic style in that the pedal strokes are oval (so you glide more than pump). Elliptical bikes are easier on your joints and bones because, unlike standard-styled bicycles, they have no impact (i.e., your feet never leave the pedals). But as far as the benefits go—cardiovascular health, muscle building, distraction—there’s no difference. Some people just prefer an elliptical ride.

The biggest key to keeping up a consistent workout schedule is finding something you enjoy, so if you prefer an elliptical bike in the gym, you’ll prefer one under your desk, too.

Bike-desk combos

If you’re starting your exercise-friendly home office from scratch, pick up a bike-desk combo and call it a day. You don’t even necessarily have to sacrifice style or function—just take note of the weight limit of the particular model you’re considering to ensure it’s inclusive of all who will be using it.

Storage

When you get right down to it, all an under-desk bike really requires are two pedals. If you don’t need many bells and whistles and easy storage is your main concern, a folding pedal exerciser is the way to go. Especially If you’re getting a pedaler for physical therapy use, a simple, scaled-down design may be all you need.

Full-body workouts

Look at you, multi-multi-tasker! An arm bike gives you the same cardio benefits as a foot bike, but it also works your upper body, including your shoulders, neck, and core (major points of tension for those of us with desk jobs). Unlike with an under-desk bike, you can’t really type or answer the phone while you’re pedaling with your arms, but investing in a bike desk that doubles as an arm exerciser is a terrific way to get twice as much bang for your buck.

Price

If all you want to do is boost your circulation, get your heart rate up, and give yourself something to do while working on a boring project, there’s no reason to shell out a ton of money on a desk exercise bike. Will the bike you’re looking at fit under your desk? Does it pedal? Will your feet fit? If the answers are all yes, that’s all you need. Here’s the best under-desk bike we’ve found for less.

FAQs

Q: Are under-desk bikes any good?

It depends on what you’re hoping to get out of it, but if you want to boost your heart rate, build muscle, find a productive way to fidget, squeeze in a workout when you have no time, or just give yourself a distraction during the day, then yes, desk bikes are great.

Q: How do I choose an under-desk bike?

Think about how much money you want to spend, whether you need extras (like Bluetooth capability or an LED screen), and how important it is that the bike is lightweight and portable. Also, consider whether you’d like it to double as an arm pedaler.

Q: What features should I look for in an under-desk bike?

If tracking your stats and progress is important to you, look for an under-desk bike with app compatibility. Consider an elliptical bike if you prefer the elliptical trainer to the stationary bike, treadmill, or stair climber at the gym. And if you’re going to be taking your cycle on the road, make sure to pick something that’s not too heavy and transports easily.

Q: How much does an under-desk bike cost?

The cost of an under-desk bike depends on its features. The Exerpeutic 2500 Bluetooth 3-Way Adjustable Desk, for example, is a complete workstation that costs about $300. But if you’re looking for a simple pedal, the budget-friendly Wakeman Portable Fitness Stationary Under Desk Bike costs about $20.

Final thoughts on the best under-desk bikes

Once you’ve decided to invest in desk exercise equipment, all you really need to do is consider the features that are important to you—like magnetic resistance, Bluetooth capability, an LED screen, portability, and affordability—to find the best under-desk pedal bike for you. The good news is it’s hard to go wrong when investing in your health.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

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