Cubii Vs. Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical Machines

Want to squeeze in some exercise while working at your desk?

Under desk ellipticals allow you to pedal while sitting, engaging your lower body without having to leave your workstation. Two popular options are the Cubii and Ellipse machines.

But how do you choose between them?

This in-depth guide compares every aspect of the Cubii and Ellipse ellipticals. We’ll examine the key features, pros and cons, similarities and differences. Read on for the complete breakdown to see which model is best suited for your needs and preferences.

A Brief Comparison Table

Before we dig into the pros, cons, and unique features, here’s an at-a-glance look at the key specs for each machine:

Specs	Cubii	Ellipse
Dimensions	17.1 x 14.6 x 6.3 inches	15 x 14 x 11 inches
Weight	27 lbs	39 lbs
Resistance Levels	8	10
Max User Weight	250 lbs	300 lbs
Display	LED	LCD
Connectivity	Bluetooth 4.0	None
Stride Length	Not adjustable	16.5” – 20” adjustable
Flywheel Weight	8 lbs	15 lbs
Price	$249	$419

The Cubii has a simpler LED display but offers Bluetooth connectivity. The Ellipse lacks Bluetooth but provides an LCD display and more adjustability. Let’s look at each model in more detail.

Overview of Under Desk Ellipticals

Also known as “active sitting” machines, under desk ellipticals fit conveniently under your workstation.

They allow you to engage in low impact cardio exercise using a smooth pedaling motion that works your leg muscles while seated.

Under desk ellipticals emerged as a way to combat the unhealthy effects of prolonged sitting.

Studies show that sitting for long periods can increase your risks for obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar even if you exercise regularly.

By adding in movement through the day, under desk elliptical machines can:

• Increase calorie burn
• Strengthen lower body muscles
• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance metabolism
• Reduce risk factors caused by inactivity

They provide an easy way to incorporate more activity and combat sedentary time. Under desk ellipticals allow you to multi-task, exercising while working on your computer, talking on the phone, or doing other seated tasks.

The compact size of under desk ellipticals makes them ideal for use in offices or under standing desks. They fit underneath desktops as low as 27 inches. Easy portability and quiet operation allows you to use them without disturbing coworkers nearby.

Leading models like the Cubii and Ellipse offer adjustable resistance levels to customize intensity. This lets you tailor your workout to your current fitness level and goals. High end options also include Bluetooth connectivity to track data like time, RPM, calories burned, and distance.

Cubii Under Desk Elliptical

One of the original under desk ellipticals, the Cubii has earned recognition from the American College of Sports Medicine. This compact machine easily rolls under standing or sitting desks. It allows users to pedal smoothly and quietly while remaining focused on work.

• Cubii Design

The Cubii features a simple but durable design in a compact footprint. It has a low profile that fits under desks as low as 27 inches from the floor. The quiet belt drive system operates nearly silently to avoid disturbing coworkers.

This under desk elliptical weighs just 27 pounds. While not the most robust machine, the durable ABS plastic frame can accommodate users up to 250 pounds. The non-slip pedals fit most foot sizes comfortably.

With no power supply required, you can use the Cubii anywhere convenient. The 8 pound flywheel creates a smooth, natural pedaling motion. However, the stride length is not adjustable. Shorter users may not be able to fully extend their legs while taller users may not get a full range of motion.

• Cubii Resistance & Workout Features

A major perk of the Cubii is the adjustable resistance. Users can select between 8 different tension levels to customize intensity. This allows you to start easier while building strength over time by gradually increasing resistance.

The Cubii also syncs with a mobile app via Bluetooth connectivity. The app tracks key metrics during your workouts like:

• Time
• Strides per minute
• Calories burned
• Distance
• Watts

It also includes various workout programs, challenges, and leaderboards for added motivation.

Pros of Cubii

• Compact and portable
• Fits under desks as low as 27 inches
• Smooth and quiet pedaling motion
• 8 levels of resistance
• Bluetooth app connectivity
• Tracks workout data like time, calories, and distance
• Can use while sitting or standing
• Engages leg and glute muscles
• Low impact and ergonomic

Cons of Cubii

• Less durable plastic construction
• Not adjustable for leg length
• Maximum user weight only 250 pounds
• No wheels for maneuverability
• LED screen only shows basic stats
• Not ideal for fast pedaling paces
• Some reports of motor issues over time

Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical

The Ellipse offers a higher end alternative to the Cubii. It has a more robust build and LCD display but no Bluetooth connectivity. This model aims to strike a balance between sturdiness, motion, and accuracy.

• Ellipse Design

Constructed from thick, reinforced steel, the Ellipse has a very durable and stable design.

The heavy duty materials support up to 300 pounds for accommodating larger users.

However, the 39 pound weight also impacts portability.

The large 3.5” LCD display provides multiple workout metrics including time, strides per minute, calories, speed, distance, and heartbeat. It runs on 2 AAA batteries. Unlike the Cubii, the Ellipse machine does not offer Bluetooth connectivity.

Adjustable leveling feet provide stability on uneven surfaces. And built-in transport wheels allow you to easily roll the Ellipse to reposition it.

• Ellipse Resistance & Adjustability

A key advantage of the Ellipse is the wide range of resistance with 10 levels. Turn the adjustment knob to fine tune the pedaling tension to match your fitness level and workout intensity goals.

The Ellipse also offers adjustable stride length from 16.5 to 20 inches. This accommodates users from 4’10” to over 6’2” in height. However, the stride length is still shorter than a standard elliptical machine.

Pros of Ellipse

• Very sturdy and durable steel construction
• Supports up to 300 pound users
• Wheels for easy mobility
• Large LCD display tracks time, speed, calories etc.
• Adjustable stride length 16.5” – 20”
• 10 levels of magnetic resistance
• Thick non-slip pedals fit any footwear
• Quiet operation suitable for office
• 3 year warranty on frame and mechanics

Cons of Ellipse

• Heavier than Cubii impacting portability
• No Bluetooth connectivity or app
• Louder operation at high speeds
• May sit too high for shorter users
• Fixed arm position not ideal for petite users

Key Differences Between Cubii And Ellipse

Now that we’ve covered an overview of each machine’s features, let’s directly compare some of the key differences between the two models:

• Design & Build Quality

The Ellipse clearly beats the Cubii when it comes to durability. Its heavy duty steel frame supports more weight and will likely last longer. The Ellipse weighs 39 pounds vs the Cubii’s 27 pound plastic construction.

However, the Cubii’s lighter plastic body has benefits for portability. It also sits a little lower, fitting under desks as low as 27 inches from the floor.

• Display & Connectivity

The Cubii features a simple LED display that shows basic stats like time, strides per minute, and calories burned. However, its standout feature is connecting to the app via Bluetooth. This allows you to view and track detailed workout metrics on your phone or tablet.

The Ellipse lacks app connectivity but provides more data right on its LCD display including time, strides, calories, distance, speed and pulse. The LCD screen is larger and more informative than the Cubii’s LED.

So if Bluetooth connectivity and app integration matter most to you, go with the Cubii. But the Ellipse gives you robust data tracking without a phone.

Also Read: This Is Why Jazzercise Is So Expensive.

• Resistance Levels

Both ellipticals offer multiple levels of tension to customize your workout intensity. However, the Ellipse provides more granular resistance with 10 levels versus 8 on the Cubii.

Having a broader range may benefit athletes or very strong users who want to finely tune the pedaling resistance for more challenging workouts. But either model will allow lighter or beginning users to start easier and add more resistance over time.

• Noise Level

Operating quietly is important for under desk ellipticals intended for use in offices and shared workspaces. Both the Cubii and Ellipse machines work to minimize noise.

However, most users report that the Cubii remains extremely quiet even when pedaling faster. The Ellipse tends to produce more noticeable noise at higher speeds that could potentially disturb coworkers nearby.

So if keeping noise to an absolute minimum is key, the Cubii is likely the better pick. But the Ellipse is still reasonably quiet for its sturdier build.

• Price

With a price tag averaging $419, the Ellipse comes in around $150 more expensive than the Cubii. The higher cost reflects the more robust construction with steel frame and LCD display.

But the Cubii offers a more budget friendly option at around $249. So if your top priority is value for money, the Cubii provides better bang for your buck. Those wanting the premium build can opt for the pricier but higher quality Ellipse.

Choosing The Right Under Desk Elliptical

Now that we’ve compared the Cubii and Ellipse across a range of features and factors, let’s summarize the key reasons to pick one model over the other:

Choose the Cubii If You Want:

• Bluetooth connectivity and app integration
• Compact size and easy portability
• Quiet operation suitable for offices
• Lower price point and value
• Use under sit or stand desks
• Basic but sufficient LED display

Choose the Ellipse If You Want:

• Heavy duty and durable steel frame
• Larger LCD display with more metrics
• Greater adjustability with stride and resistance
• Wheels for mobility
• Don’t need app connectivity features
• Higher 300 pound weight capacity
• Longevity with 3 year warranty

Both ellipticals can provide an effective cardio workout for your lower body while seated at your workspace. They target the same major muscle groups in your legs and glutes. And they both allow you to increase your daily activity levels even at a desk job.

Those on a tighter budget who desire app connectivity will be well served by the Cubii. But the Ellipse appeals to those wanting a sturdier build and LCD stats display without Bluetooth.

Also Read: Comparison of LegXercise MAX And PRO Leg Exerciser.

FAQs About Under Desk Ellipticals

For those still weighing up these popular models, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Wrapping Up

Investing in an under desk elliptical like the Cubii or Ellipse allows you to increase daily activity levels and combat sedentary time even if you have a desk job. These compact machines slide neatly under your existing workstation.

The Ellipse offers a premium machine with robust build, LCD display, and great adjustability. The Cubii costs less while providing Bluetooth connectivity and a quieter workout. Assess your needs to choose the model that fits best within your budget.

Whichever elliptical you choose, be sure to make use of it consistently each day. Short bursts of exercise add up to combat health risks linked to sitting for prolonged periods. An under desk elliptical combined with regular workouts provides a healthy and active lifestyle.