7 Best Under-Desk Bikes, Reviewed by Fitness Experts

The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have decades of experience testing home office and fitness products, from standing desks to rowing machines. For this guide, we brought in a few under-desk bike models to try in our offices, assessing ease of use, setup, and overall performance. We also considered design, safety, and value, and consulted customer reviews to round out our recommendations.

We took note of each machine’s weight, dimensions, and extra features, such as displays or wheels for portability. Our final picks offer a range of options to suit different needs, spaces, and budgets.

While these models may all seem similar, there are a few features you'll want to consider before making your purchase:

✔️ Type: Do you prefer an under-desk bike or an elliptical? While these fitness tools are similar, the motion of biking versus using an elliptical is not identical. We'll touch more on the differences between the two types of models in a moment.

✔️ Size and weight: Double-check the dimensions of your under-desk bike to ensure it will fit under your desk. Keep in mind that it will raise the level of your knees as you use it, so ensure there's enough clearance for your full range of motion. You should also check the weight of your machine if you plan on moving it from your desk to the couch or elsewhere, since some machines are lighter and more portable than others (some have wheels, too).

✔️ Features: Assess for features like secure and durable straps for your feet, as well as wheels or handles, so your equipment is easy to move around. Ask yourself if you want your machine to have multi-resistance options and if the adjustable knob looks easily accessible. Does the machine feature a non-slip bottom to keep the model firmly in place, or does it come with a mat to prevent movement? What about the display—is it easy to read? These are all factors to consider.

✔️ Noise level: Some under-desk bikes will be noisier than others. If a quiet machine is important to you, so you're not distracted while working or watching TV, check customer reviews for mentions of noise levels.

"This ultimately comes down to personal preference," Sassos says. "You may find the back-and-forth motion of an under-desk elliptical easier to manage than the circular motion of a bike." She adds that the elliptical works slightly more muscles, may burn a bit more calories, and usually requires less desk clearance than a bike model.

Lastly, an under-desk bike has a pedal strap that goes around your foot to keep it in place, whereas an elliptical may not. Because of that, however, it can oftentimes accommodate larger foot sizes.

Sassos notes that the biggest difference here is that you sit down on an under-desk bike, whereas an under-desk treadmill requires you to stand up. "You'll likely burn more calories on an under-desk treadmill, but they tend to be a bit more intensive to use and also are considerably larger and heavier and not as easy to maneuver around."

Since you're walking on an under-desk treadmill, they can also potentially generate more noise than their under-desk bike or elliptical counterparts. "In general, cycling is also lower impact than walking or jogging, so keep this in mind as well if you don't want to put undue stress on your joints," Sassos adds.

Olivia Lipski is a fitness and outdoors enthusiast, and you’ll frequently find her swimming, running, hiking, ice skating, skiing, cycling, or taking a yoga class. She's the first to jump into trying a new fitness class or app, and she regularly collaborates with GH’s Nutrition & Fitness Lab to test and review the best fitness gear, including rowers, treadmills, fitness trackers, dumbbells, massage guns, meditation devices, and more.

Stefani Sassos has been working in the fitness industry for the past 10 years, specializing in indoor cycling and strength training. As a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, Stefani uses her expertise and exercise science knowledge to create informed fitness content for the Good Housekeeping Institute. She began her indoor cycling career in college where she was a Penn State Fitness Instructor, and continued to teach indoor cycling at major gyms and studios including Equinox Fitness Clubs.

Amy Schlinger is an NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, and reporter, writer and editor who has been working in the health and fitness industry for more than a decade. Amy is extremely passionate about fitness and healthy living, and she can often be found strength training in the gym when she isn't testing gear or equipment. She has completed two triathlons, biked two century rides, and often turns to cycling as a great low-impact workout.