<p>Many of us spend the majority of the day sitting in a <a href=” target=”_blank”>desk chair</a>, which can not only drain our energy but may also have some serious health consequences. <a href=” target=”_blank”>Sedentary behavior</a> has been associated with health risks such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity and more. Not to mention that sitting for an extended period of time can lead to a tight back and hip flexors, plus other issues like poor posture. </p><p>If you have no choice but to be posted up at a desk all day, there is a way you can still burn calories and get in some movement: an under desk bike! <strong>A</strong><strong>n under desk exercise machine can boost your energy, get your heart pumping and bring some activity to an otherwise sedentary job</strong>. </p><p>”A good rule of thumb is to try to move every hour for a few minutes,” says NASM Certified Personal Trainer <a href=” target=”_blank”>Stefani Sassos</a>, Good Housekeeping’s on-staff exercise expert and Nutrition Director. She adds that an <a href=” target=”_blank”>under desk bike can be a great tool for periods of activity</a> to break up sitting throughout the work day. </p><p>Sassos, along with our experts, analysts and engineers in the <a href=” target=”_blank”>Good Housekeeping Institute</a> Wellness Lab, have evaluated a variety of under desk bikes and <a href=” target=”_blank”>under desk ellipticals</a> over the years to find the best options for all types of <a href=” target=”_blank”>home and office setups</a>. Our top under desk bikes are a combination of units that performed well in our tests, models from brands that have performed well for us in the past and options that are highly rated with favorable reviews. </p><ul></ul>”/>
Not only is this model from DeskCycle a top pick for Amazon reviewers, but it performed well in our tests too. We liked how this bike features eight resistance settings so you can increase or decrease your difficulty level depending on your goals. You can also adjust the pedal height to work with various office spaces so your knees won’t hit your desk, and we found the DeskCycle 2 to be fairly quiet, so your colleagues won’t even know you’re getting your pedal on.
In addition to allowing you to cycle both forward and backward, this bike comes with an LCD display that shows you metrics such as calories burned, speed, time and distance. Simply adjust the velcro strap to ensure your foot remains secured against the pedal and start pedaling. We do caution, however, that this bike doesn’t come with a handle, which makes it less portable than other picks.
| Dimensions | 10.24″ x 24.02″ x 20.08″ |
|---|---|
| Weight | 23 lbs. |
| Affordability | $$$ |
2
Best Value Under Desk Bike
Wakeman Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser
Now 11% Off
Pros
- Affordable price
- Foldable and portable
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Resistance levels aren’t specified
While this indoor pedal machine may feature fewer bells and whistles than other models, its price tag is hard to beat. Our pros like that it comes with a little electronic display to show basic stats (time, revolution count, etc.), but best of all you can fold it up into a compact size once you’re done for the day for easy storage. It also features straps on the pedals for your feet and an adjustable tension knob so you can choose the level of effort you’re looking for.
Reviewers say it is relatively quiet but note that it’s less sturdy than other higher-end models, likely due to it being very lightweight at roughly six pounds.
RELATED: Best Under-Desk Treadmills and Walking Pads
| Dimensions | 19.5″ x 14″ x 9.5″ |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.82 lbs. |
| Affordability | $ |
3
Best Multifunctional Under Desk Bike
Sunny Health & Fitness Under Desk Bike
Now 28% Off
A great choice thanks to its 2-in-1 design, this under desk bike allows you to pedal with either your feet or your hands. A surface grip keeps the bike in place on your desk so you can work your upper body as well as your lower body, and the carry handle makes it easy to move it around if you don’t want to keep it at the office, or you want to move it from your home office to your couch.
Like many other under desk bikes, there are eight levels of magnetic resistance and a display that tracks activity. Although it may not be the most elegant looking, our experts appreciate that it’s fairly affordable in comparison to other models and it’s still well made.
| Dimensions | 20.5″ x 16″ x 10.5″ |
|---|---|
| Weight | 19.1 lbs. |
| Affordability | $$ |
4
Best Under Desk Bike with Resistance Bands
FlexCycle Under Desk Bike
Now 13% Off
Coming in at 18 pounds, this under desk bike is at a sweet spot where it’s not too heavy but substantial enough to feel sturdy. The weight helps hold the machine in place while you pedal too. It has a handle on the top designed to make it easily portable, and it’s available in three colorways.
We like that it comes with resistance bands so you can work your upper body when you’re ready to take a break from your keyboard. You’re also able to pedal with your hands to build up your arm strength. Although the foot straps are adjustable, they may not be the most intuitive to use.
| Dimensions | 17.5″ x 20.9″ x 13.2″ |
|---|---|
| Weight | 18.1 lbs. |
| Affordability | $$ |
5
Best Under Desk Bike with Desk
FLEXISPOT Standing Desk Exercise Bike
Exercise bike meets desk with this two-in-one solution to maximize your productivity during the workday. Available in white or black, this standing desk exercise bike has eight resistance levels with an adjustable lever to accommodate different heights ranging from 5’1″ to 6’2″. The design is sturdy and stable, according to Amazon reviewers, and an LCD display is located on the middle of the bike below the seat that tracks metrics like mileage, calories burned and time spent cycling. However, the desk top does make it difficult to see the LCD while pedaling and working on the desk. The bike accommodates up to 300 pounds too.
But take note that the model itself weighs 51 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around and it isn’t exactly discreet like a standard under desk bike that can be hidden beneath your desk. Flexispot has historically performed well for us in tests, with products that are thoughtfully designed for any home office space. “It arrived quickly and was easy to assemble,” one Amazon reviewer said. “I really like the size of the desktop on it. Not too big and not too small.”
RELATED: The Best Exercise Bikes
| Dimensions | 37.6″ x 23.2″ x 47.2″ |
|---|---|
| Weight | 51 lbs. |
| Affordability | $$$$ |
6
Best Lightweight Under Desk Bike
Vaunn Under Desk Bike
Although this Amazon bestseller hasn’t been tested in our Lab, several reviewers claim that it’s a great tool for at-home physical therapy. It’s a perfect fit if you’re tight on space and want a bike that can be easily stored when you’re not using it since it is collapsable and only weighs five pounds. It doesn’t have a handle, but its lightweight nature makes it easy to move around if needed.
This sturdy under desk bike also includes a display to track performance and has a tension knob so you can pick the right intensity for your workouts with both your legs and arms. It’s an affordable, reliable choice, but doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles of some higher-end models on our list.
| Dimensions | 11.25″ x 15.2″ x 18.25″ |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.15 lbs. |
| Affordability | $ |
7
Most Affordable Under Desk Cycle
himaly Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser
Now 12% Off
Place this lightweight under desk cycle beneath your workspace and get pedaling! The machine has a large LCD screen that keeps track of metrics like time, count, calories and distance — and you can turn on the scan feature so it constantly rotates the stat it displays. Use the knob on the front of the bike to adjust the resistance based on how difficult you want it to feel.
While the cycle is lightweight (weighing less than eight pounds), making it easy to pick up and store when not in use, some Amazon reviewers noted that it can move and “scoot away” while you’re pedaling. However, it does come with a rubber mat that can help keep it sedentary or you can place it on a rug or mat of your own. Other Amazon reviewers raved that it was easy to assemble and that the anti-slip pedals aren’t noisy but smooth.
Choose from five different colorways including black, gray, silver and black, silver or white. Bonus: You can place the bike on a desk or counter and pedal with your arms for an upper body workout!
| Dimensions | 15.98″ x 13.8″ x 12.6″ |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.6 lbs. |
| Affordability | $ |
How we chose the best under desk bikes
The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have decades of experience testing home office and fitness products such as standing desks, workout mirrors, rowing machines and more. To select the best under desk bikes, we vetted each pick for ease of use and assembly, performance and design, safety, price point and consulted customer reviews.
We considered the weight and dimensions of each machine as well as any extra features like a display or wheels for portability. While we weren’t able to test each model on our list, our picks are based on similar models or brands that have performed well in previous categorical tests, road tests we conducted in our homes and customer reviews.
Our list includes a variety of options to suit different needs and home office setups. We also sought to include a range of products, including those at affordable prices that still perform well.
What to look for when shopping for an under desk bike
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 it will raise the level of your knees as you use it, so make sure 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 so the model stays firmly in place or does it come with a mat to keep it from moving? 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 as you work or watch TV, check customer reviews for mention of noise levels.
Is an under desk bike better than an elliptical?
“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 does work 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 strap whereas an elliptical may not and can oftentimes accommodate for larger foot sizes.
How does an under desk bike compare to a treadmill?
Sassos says that the biggest difference here is that you are sitting 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.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
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 Wellness 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 on 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.
Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, overseeing product testing and covering tech, travel, home, fitness, parenting, health and more. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
Amy Schlinger is a skilled reporter, writer and editor who has over 14 years of experience covering health, fitness, wellness, nutrition and lifestyle topics. She regularly interviews world-renowned doctors and medical professionals, elite trainers, nutrition experts, professional athletes and celebrities, and has held staff positions at Shape, DailyBurn, Self and PopSugar. Her work has appeared in Reader’s Digest, Men’s Health, The New York Post, The Wall Street Journal, HuffPost, Women’s Health, Glamour, Runner’s World, Bicycling and more. She earned her BA in Media Arts and Design, with a concentration in Print Journalism, from James Madison University. Amy has run six half marathons, completed two triathlons, biked two century rides, finished two Tough Mudder races and four Spartan races, including a beast at the Spartan World Championships.
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