Dripex Under Desk Elliptical Under-Desk Mini
A practical cross trainer (under-desk mini elliptical) for low-impact home cardio.
Cross Trainer Buying Guide: How to Choose (UK 2026)
Choosing a cross trainer comes down to the type, the resistance and feel, the size, and how it fits your body and space. This guide walks through each so you can pick the right elliptical for your home, budget and goals.
Type: full or under-desk
First decide the machine. A full standing elliptical gives a proper low-impact cardio workout, working legs and arms together. An under-desk mini elliptical is a compact seated pedal unit for gentle movement at a desk or sofa - great for circulation and small spaces, but not a full workout. A 2-in-1 adds an exercise bike mode. Pick the type for the workout you want and your space.
Resistance and feel
Modern machines use magnetic resistance - smooth, quiet and low-maintenance. More resistance levels give a wider range to progress through. A heavier flywheel generally means a smoother, more consistent stride, especially at pace. Together these define how good the machine feels to use, so favour smooth magnetic resistance with enough levels and a decent flywheel.
Stride, size and fit
Stride length matters for comfort - a longer stride feels natural and suits taller users, while a short stride can feel cramped. Check the stride against your height. Then the footprint: measure your space, and consider a foldable frame or transport wheels if you'll need to store it. And check the maximum user weight comfortably exceeds yours for a safe, durable machine.
Console, features and extras
The console shows your metrics (time, distance, calories, heart rate) - decide what you want to track. Some machines add app connectivity (Bluetooth, Kinomap) for guided workouts and progress tracking, pulse sensors in the handles, and preset programmes. These are nice-to-haves; the core is a smooth, comfortable, sturdy machine. Don't overpay for a screen you won't use.
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
How do I choose a cross trainer?
Start with the type - a full elliptical for a proper workout, or an under-desk mini for gentle desk movement - then check the resistance (magnetic, plenty of levels), the flywheel and stride for smoothness and comfort, and the footprint and max user weight for fit. Match the machine to your space, body and goals.
What is a good stride length for a cross trainer?
Stride length should suit your height for a comfortable, natural motion. Taller users benefit from a longer stride to extend the legs fully, while shorter users can use a shorter stride comfortably. Compact machines often have shorter strides to save space, so if you're tall, check the stride length before buying to avoid a cramped feel.
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..