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Elliptical machines have been staples in gyms for years, set up in rows alongside the best treadmills and spin bikes for gym-goers to hop on for a low-impact cardio workout. Indeed, the low-impact nature of an elliptical workout makes it one of the most accessible and most versatile cardio machines for people of all ages and fitness levels, which is why the recent explosion in the home exercise equipment market has extended to ellipticals, as well.
We’ve rounded up the best ellipticals to add to your arsenal of home workout equipment. Read on to find the one that’s best for you.
What to consider when buying ellipticals
Before you invest in a home elliptical machine, consider the following factors:
Price
Large exercise equipment is an investment—an investment in your health and wellbeing, but an investment nonetheless. Fortunately, there are quality ellipticals available at a variety of price points. Determine how much you’re willing to spend before you begin shopping. If you’re looking at connected ellipticals, be sure to take the monthly subscription fee into account.
Size
Not everyone has space for a full home gym large enough for multiple machines. Whether you’re planning to keep your elliptical in a designated workout area or in an office, living room or bedroom, measure out the space beforehand to see how big you can go. Also, if you want to have room for floor exercises alongside the elliptical, make sure you measure that space out, as well.
Additional Features
There are lots of high end exercise machines with fancy features available like high definition screens, pre-programmed workouts, Bluetooth connectivity and more. Consider how many of these features you want—every elliptical machine will come with some basic metric tracking—and how many you reasonably expect to use before you make your selection.
Our top picks for the best ellipticals for home workouts
Most affordable elliptical: Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical
The Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical is under $500 and boasts thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon. It has a relatively small profile for an elliptical, floor stabilizers, plenty of metrics to track and Bluetooth connectivity. There’s also a device holder that you can use to access the SunnyFit App. For an additional $140, you can buy the higher model of this machine, which includes a subscription to the app.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 23 inches x 64.5 inches x 55 inches
- Weight Capacity: 330 pounds
- Stride Length: 15.5 inches
- Resistance: 16 levels
- Built-in monitor: Metric tracking
- Warranty: 3 years for structural frame, 180 days for parts
- Price at publication: $459
What we like:
- Does the job for a very low price
- Optional accompanying app for variety of workouts
What we don’t like:
- Parts warranty is very limited
Bottom line:
A simple elliptical that does the job for a very reasonable price.
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Trainer Machine w/Device Holder, Programmable Monitor and Heart Rate Monitoring, 330 LB Max Weight - SF-E3912
Most versatile elliptical: ProForm Carbon E10
This sleek machine looks basic, especially considering the reasonable price, but is filled with surprising extras. Wheels on the machine’s front foot allow you to easily move it around, which is handy if you don’t have a designated home gym, while the foot pedals are adjustable for maximum comfort. Plus, the 10-inch HD touchscreen features access to the iFit platform (the price includes a 3-year membership that becomes subscription-based after that time), that offers hundreds of instructor-led workout classes for both on and off the elliptical. I’ve used the iFit platform and I promise you’ll never get bored.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 25 inches x 68.5 inches x 67.75 inches
- Weight Capacity: 275 pounds
- Stride Length: 19 inches
- Resistance: 24 levels
- Built-in monitor: Yes
- Warranty: 10 years for frame, 2 years for parts
- Price at publication: $1,403
What we like:
- Access to studio and outdoor-based classes for on the elliptical
- Simple controls
What we don’t like:
- Weight capacity is lower than others
Bottom line:
This is a quality machine with workout classes included, so you get a lot of bang for your buck.
ProForm Carbon E10 Elliptical
Best high end elliptical: NordicTrack FS14i
NordicTrack is a leader in the home exercise equipment space, with not only ellipticals but treadmills, bikes, rowers, and strength equipment, as well. The FS14i is their top-of-the-line elliptical, and the features don’t disappoint. A huge stride length, adjustable incline, a whopping 26 resistance levels and a tilting 14-inch touchscreen are just a few that make this machine stand out from the rest. Plus there’s the iFit membership, the same platform you get access to with the ProForm and SmartAdjust, which allows the instructors of the classes to adjust your resistance for you so you can just focus on working hard.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 58.5 inches x 29.5 inches x 74 inches
- Weight Capacity: 375 pounds
- Stride Length: 32 inches
- Resistance: 26 levels
- Built-in monitor: Yes
- Warranty: 10 years for frame, 2 years for parts
- Price at publication: $2,499
What we like:
- Unique running, hiking and walking workouts, plus studio-based classes
- Very high weight capacity
What we don’t like:
- Only a 30-day iFit trial is included; it’s $39 per month after that
Bottom line:
If you’re looking for bells and whistles, this elliptical delivers.
NordicTrack FS14i Exercise Equipment
Best basic elliptical: Niceday CT11 Elliptical Machine
If you’re looking for a bare-bones machine to log some strides while you zone out to music or your favorite podcast, this Niceday elliptical will do the job. It tracks basic metrics (time, speed, and distance), features a knob for adjusting your resistance level, and has powerful stabilizers that allow for a very high weight limit. In addition to those perks, it’s inexpensive.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 48 inches x 25 inches x 62 inches
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
- Stride Length: 15.5 inches
- Resistance: 16 levels
- Built-in monitor: No
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price at publication: $500
What we like:
- Good basic machine for a beginner
- Comes 90% put together for easy assembly
What we don’t like:
- Lacks some of the features available on other machines
Bottom line:
A perfect machine for simply logging some minutes and working up a sweat.
Niceday Elliptical Machine, Cross Trainer with Hyper-Quiet Magnetic Driving System, 16 Resistance Levels, 400LB Weight Limit
Best elliptical for small spaces: Bowflex Max Trainer M6
The trouble with many elliptical machines is that to achieve a long stride length, the legs and foot pedals need to swing out past the front of the elliptical which might not work in your home. This Bowflex pick has a short stride length (closer to a stairmaster), while still having elliptical-style handles to offer an intense total-body workout in a compact package. While there’s no attached screen, Bowflex has a partnership with JRNY Digital Fitness and purchasing the machine comes with a 2-month free trial to their platform, which you can access from a smartphone or tablet. Unlike the best folding treadmills, which you have to completely fold, you can just tuck this machine into the corner when you’re done.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 46 inches x 26 inches x 64.2 inches
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Stride Length: Short
- Resistance: 16 levels
- Built-in monitor: No
- Warranty: 2 years for frame, 2 years for parts
- Price at publication: $1,299
What we like:
- Sleek and compact
- Bluetooth compatibility and a USB charger for your phone or tablet
What we don’t like:
- Movement doesn’t mimic running as much
Bottom line:
If you have limited space and want to kick your heart rate up fast, this is your machine.
BowFlex Max Trainer M6 Elliptical
Most comfortable elliptical: Sole E35
Sole Fitness created their ellipticals in partnership with physical therapists, so that everything from the stride length to the shape to the foot pedals were designed to mimic the running motion as much as possible. This makes working out on this machine feel almost effortless. Of all their ellipticals, the E35 gets you the most bang for your buck, including a 10” touchscreen and built-in apps to access workout classes, Bluetooth-compatible speakers, a wireless charger, and adjustable foot pads. If you’ve ever been curious about the best treadmills for runners, this is likely the elliptical for you.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 70 inches x 31 inches x 70 inches
- Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
- Stride Length: 20 inches
- Resistance: 20 levels
- Built-in monitor: Yes
- Warranty: Lifetime for frame and flywheel, 2 years for parts
- Price at publication: $1,600
What we like:
- Very smooth and natural feel
- Lifetime warranty on the frame and flywheel
What we don’t like:
- This machine is big, so it may only fit if you have a designated workout space
Bottom line:
If ergonomics are a concern, this is the elliptical for you.
SOLE E35 - Cyber Week SALE
Best under-desk elliptical: Cubii Go
If you work long hours at a desk job or have a health condition that requires more frequent movement than you’re able to fit into your schedule, an under-desk elliptical is a great solution and Cubii is the best in the game. I like the Cubii Go, which has an extendable handle that allows you to wheel it around to different locations and an illuminated screen. You can easily peek down and see your stats, even if the lights are off or you’re watching a movie. Your purchase also comes with access to the Cubii App, which provides hundreds of workout classes and a place to track your progress.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 24.5 inches x 17.2 inches x 9 inches
- Weight Capacity: N/A
- Stride Length: N/A
- Resistance: 8 levels
- Built-in monitor: No
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price at publication: $269.99
What we like:
- Stylish and functional for your home or office
- Great exercise entry point for people who are ill or out of shape
What we don’t like:
- It might slide on some surfaces
Bottom line:
The top-of-the-line under-desk elliptical for anyone looking to squeeze more movement into their day.
Cubii Go - Ultra Portable Under Desk Elliptical Foot Pedal Exerciser Machine with Built-in Wheels Easy Retractable Handle Large LCD Fitness Tracker Adjustable Resistance Levels Orange
Best commercial-grade elliptical for home workouts: Echelon Ellipse EL-5
This elliptical is currently available for presale and will begin shipping on November 10th, but I would be remiss not to mention it. I love the brand! I have had an Echelon Rower for almost two years and can confidently say that their home fitness equipment is high quality and all the instructor-led classes are fun and challenging. Echelon is releasing two ellipticals. The one linked here includes basic metric tracking and a tablet holder, while the more expensive model has a massive 22 inchHD touchscreen. Preordering either one comes with a free 1-year Premier Membership (it will become subscription-based after), with elliptical-specific workouts and floor exercises.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 81 inches x 27 inches x 67 inches
- Weight Capacity: 325 pounds
- Stride Length: 20 inches
- Resistance: 32 levels
- Built-in monitor: No
- Warranty: 5 years for active Premier members
- Price at publication: $1,300
What we like:
- The most resistance levels of any machine on this list
- Second-to-none fitness classes included
What we don’t like:
- It’s very long
Bottom line:
It’s not available quite yet, but with Echelon’s track record I’m sure this elliptical is going to be great.
Echelon Ellipse EL-5
How we selected the best ellipticals
To round up the best home ellipticals, I relied on my own expertise in the space. I have extensively tested home fitness equipment both professionally and in building out my own home gym. I also extensively researched machines and tapped into my previous knowledge of the best brands in the space to compile this list.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How do you use a home elliptical?
You can use a home elliptical however you like—that’s the beauty of working out at home! Considering the versatility and low-impact nature of the elliptical, it’s a great tool to use as a way to warm up and cool down before and after an intense strength training workout or as a way to get in some endurance cardio and interval training.
What is the best brand of elliptical?
I feel good about recommending all the brands on this list. If you prefer a brand that’s time-tested, you can’t go wrong with Bowflex. If you want one that’s at the top of the connected home fitness boom, go with NordicTrack, ProForm or Echelon.
Is the elliptical better than cycling?
In my opinion, the best form of exercise and exercise machine is the one you enjoy using. If you enjoy the machine, you are much more likely to use it on a regular basis, which is the only way to get results. In this sense, an elliptical is no better than a bike or a treadmill (check out our treadmill buying guide if interested in finding out more about that). That said, from a physiological standpoint, you are using more muscles at the same time on an elliptical than you are during cycling.
Do ellipticals help lose belly fat?
This is another tricky one, as there is no one exercise that is going to exclusively burn belly fat. Instead, you’ll see all over results when you focus on a well-rounded exercise regimen that includes a mix of cardio and strength training, plus changes in what you’re eating to favor protein, fiber and healthy fats, while limiting sugar, convenience foods, and fast foods. Can working out on an elliptical be part of this regimen? Absolutely.
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