Dripex Under Desk Elliptical Under-Desk Mini
A practical cross trainer (under-desk mini elliptical) for low-impact home cardio.
Are Cross Trainers Good for Weight Loss? (2026)
Cross trainers are a popular choice for home weight loss - but do they actually work? Used well, yes. Here's an honest look at what a cross trainer can and can't do for your goals, and how to get the most from one.
The honest answer
A cross trainer supports weight loss by burning calories through effective, sustainable low-impact cardio - and because it's gentle on the joints and works the whole body, many people can work out longer and more consistently than on higher-impact machines. But weight loss ultimately comes down to burning more calories than you eat, so a cross trainer works best combined with a sensible diet.
How to get results
For weight loss, consistency and effort matter most. Use the resistance levels to keep the workout challenging, mix steady sessions with harder intervals, and build up your duration over time. Track your effort on the console, aim for regular sessions each week, and pair the exercise with a balanced, calorie-aware diet. A cross trainer makes that routine easy to sustain at home.
Why the cross trainer helps
The cross trainer's big advantage for weight loss is sustainability: low impact means less joint strain and soreness, so you're more likely to keep going; the whole-body motion burns calories efficiently; and having one at home removes the barriers of travel and weather. A machine you'll actually use regularly beats a tougher one you avoid.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Dripex Under Desk Elliptical
A practical cross trainer (under-desk mini elliptical) for low-impact home cardio.
#3 
Dripex Elliptical Cross Trainer
A practical cross trainer (elliptical cross trainer, magnetic, 16 resistance levels) for low-impact home cardio.
#4 
MERACH Long Stride Cross Trainer
A practical cross trainer (elliptical cross trainer, magnetic, 16 resistance levels) for low-impact home cardio.
#5 
TODO Mini Under Desk Elliptical
A practical cross trainer (under-desk mini elliptical) for low-impact home cardio.
#6 
Amonax Under Desk Elliptical
A practical cross trainer (under-desk mini elliptical) for low-impact home cardio.
Frequently asked questions
Are cross trainers good for weight loss?
Yes - a cross trainer burns calories through effective low-impact cardio, and because it's joint-friendly and whole-body, it's easy to use consistently, which is what drives weight loss. Combine regular sessions (mixing steady and interval efforts) with a sensible, calorie-aware diet for the best results. Consistency matters more than any single workout.
How long should I use a cross trainer to lose weight?
Aim for regular sessions across the week and build up your duration over time - many people target around 30 minutes per session, several times a week, mixing steady cardio with harder intervals. What matters most is consistency and effort over weeks and months, alongside a balanced diet. Start at a level you can sustain and progress gradually.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Dripex Under Desk Elliptical Under-Desk Mini (our score 9.6/10) - A practical cross trainer (under-desk mini elliptical) for low-impact home cardio..