Save Space with the 7 Best Compact Ellipticals of 2024

For low-impact training needs, the best ellipticals can be excellent home gym additions thanks to their smooth, ergonomic operation and ability to get both your upper body and lower body moving in one fell swoop. That said, these exercise machines can have quite the footprint, leaving you with little room to operate around your space. The best compact ellipticals, on the other hand, shrink down the dimensions without sacrificing quality and exercise performance.

When searching for a compact elliptical for your next cardio workout, naturally, you’ll want to look at the listed dimensions and ensure your pick fits your floor plan. You’ll also want to consider other factors such as available programming, included conveniences, and more. To help you along, we’ve gone hands-on with multiple top-performing profiles and consulted with our in-house experts to compile this round-up of the best compact ellipticals available today.

The 7 Best Compact Ellipticals of 2024

• Best Compact Elliptical Overall: ProForm Pro HIIT H14
• Best Adjustable Compact Elliptical: NordicTrack FS10i Freestride Trainer
• Best Compact Elliptical with a High Weight Capacity: Sole Fitness E25
• Best Compact Elliptical for Streaming: BowFlex Max Total 16
• Best Folding Compact Elliptical: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902
• Best Quiet Compact Elliptical: FitNation Flex Elliptical Trainer
• Best Budget Compact Elliptical: Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine

How We Tested and Chose the Best Compact Ellipticals

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best compact elliptical machines available today, we got hands-on with 23 different ellipticals from top brands, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) to determine our top picks. Below are some of the categories and components we looked at to come up with our findings.

For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to read the BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology page.

• Product Dimensions: Ellipticals typically measure 72 inches long by 32 inches wide, which equates to 15 square feet. (3) So, we sought out worthwhile ellipticals for small spaces featuring a smaller footprint, typically ranging from 3.30 square to 11.67 square feet.
• Portability: Portability and other storage features were also considered when compiling this round-up. We highlighted which profiles featured such conveniences as foldable frames and front transport wheels in our findings below.
• Weight Capacity: There’s no sense in purchasing machines that will break or become damaged after the first session. In our testing, we experienced a good range of weight capacities across compact ellipticals, with many of the top-performing profiles capable of supporting loads between 220 and 375 pounds.
• Resistance Levels: According to Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer, “If you want something that can provide you with a way to do high-intensity interval workouts and slow, steady cardio, look for models with more resistance and incline levels. If you only intend to do steady-state cardio, you can get away with fewer of each.” We’ve included a mix of resistance-heavy ellipticals and bare bones silhouettes to cater to a wider range of athletes.
• Stride Length: In testing, we found that ellipticals featuring a 20-inch stride length were the most accommodating for individuals. (2) As such, we understand that stride length correlates to height — shorter individuals have shorter strides, and vice versa.
• Available Programming: Capritto notes, “Many ellipticals integrate with fitness programming, too. If you don’t want to pay for a fitness subscription, you may want to look for an elliptical that has built-in workouts.”

Best Compact Elliptical Overall: ProForm Pro HIIT H14

Pros

Vertical design shrinks footprint to 10.47 square feet

Integrated with iFIT for on-demand workout programs

Silent Magnetic Resistance technology for whisper-quiet revolutions

Cons

Cannot stream other workout programs or entertainment services

Some may prefer a traditional elliptical stride

Garage storage can void the warranty

If you’re looking for a high-quality home workout without the impact across your joints, we recommend the Pro HIIT H14 from ProForm. This sturdy elliptical-climber hybrid features a 325-pound weight capacity, iFIT integration, and a compact frame that takes up just 10.47 square feet. For reference, that’s less than your average loveseat (15.31 square feet). (7)

One of the key features of this compact elliptical machine is the integration with the iFIT training platform. This best fitness app gives you access to over 17,000 on-demand training modules, including “Explore the World” sessions powered by Google Maps where you stride and stroll through some of the world’s most captivating landscapes. We rate the dynamic programming at 5 out of 5. Be mindful, though, that the Pro HIIT H14’s 14-inch smart HD touchscreen connectivity is limited to iFIT workouts, meaning you cannot view your favorite streaming apps like Netflix or Hulu during your sessions.

Our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor, was also pleased by the heavy flywheel that kept revolutions smooth and consistent. “The industry standard is between 16 and 20 pounds, so having a heavier flywheel makes for easier speed maintenance and enhanced durability,” they explain. “Plus, I love the Silent Magnetic Resistance that gives every workout a whisper-quiet vibe while working through the 26 available levels of resistance.”

From an ergonomics perspective, we scored the Pro HIIT H14 at 4 out of 5. The oversized foot pedals and comfortable handlebars were cozy enough for regular training and should accommodate a wide range of athletes. However, we understand that some may prefer the movement of a traditional elliptical as opposed to this stair-climber-like motion, hence our slight drop in rating.

Lastly, this ProForm elliptical comes with a standard warranty with 10-year coverage for the frame, two-year coverage for parts, and one-year support for labor. However, storing this machine in your garage or another non-climate-controlled area may void said services. Be sure your interior space is able to accommodate prior to purchase.

Read our full ProForm Pro HIIT 14 Review.

Best Adjustable Compact Elliptical: NordicTrack FS10i Freestride Trainer

Pros

Auto-Adjustable Stride allows for quick transitions between modalities

SmartAdjust technology keeps your settings aligned with on-screen instructors

Durable 375-pound weight capacity

Cons

Heavy machine at 284 pounds

Our tester notes transitioning between strides and running can be difficult

Will need an additional iFIT subscription to unlock all available tech

If you’re looking for an adjustable elliptical that can accommodate your personal stride, the NordicTrack FS10i Freestride Trainer is tough to beat. Not only does this machine feature a max 32-inch stride length — well beyond the 16- to 20-inch industry standard — but the independent legs allow you to find the perfect gait for your step. According to the brand, the FS10i is a “3-in-1 cross trainer” machine capable of supporting vertical climbs, elliptical-like gliding, and even running.

While this versatility can be great for interval training and mixing up your workouts now and again, our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor, rates the ergonomics at 4 out of 5. “Switching between stride types mid-workout can be a bit of a challenge for beginners, but you do eventually get the hang of it.”

“Also, while I appreciate the longer strides and the ‘running’ aspect of this machine, I wouldn’t say it matches my treadmill experience perfectly,” they add. “After all, you’re still keeping your feet on the pedals at all times, so there’s less impact than what you’d feel while actually running.”

Like the best NordicTrack treadmills, exercise bikes, and rowing machines, the FS10i is compatible with the iFIT platform. This workout platform, aside from the 17,000 on-demand workouts, also gives you access to the brand’s SmartAdjust technology. Our tester rates this tech at 5 out of 5, stating, “I enjoy the fact that the machine toggles the adjustable resistance for you rather than you pausing your workouts to make any required changes. It allows me to focus more on my progress than worrying about what my settings are.”

However, you’ll need to sign up for the iFIT subscription if you want to take advantage of this feature. The service is available at $39 monthly, although multi-year agreements can give you a better price in the long run.

Read our full NordicTrack FS10i Freestride Trainer Review.

Best Compact Elliptical with a High Weight Capacity: Sole Fitness E25

Pros

Above average 350-pound weight capacity

Warranty includes lifetime coverage for the frame and flywheel

Variety of training setups through adjustable resistance and incline levels

Cons

70-inch machine length may not fit in smaller spaces

LCD display may be underwhelming for some

Assembly instructions can be difficult to decipher

Larger athletes looking for a compact elliptical should opt for machines with durable frames and high weight capacities. The Sole E25 features a weight rating of 350 pounds, which is higher than other compact machines we’ve tested. Plus, we also appreciate the durable steel frame and impressive warranty coverage that protects your investment if things do go awry.

“This elliptical’s durability is on par with more expensive machines I’ve trialed in the past,” notes our tester who rates the E25 at 4.5 out of 5 for the category. “Getting this sturdy of a profile for less than $1,200 is quite the steal, in my opinion.”

However, we have found that assembling this rugged silhouette takes some doing. We rate the process at 3 out of 5 since the included instructions are hard to follow and feature multiple components in each step. “You’re essentially building multiple components at once, and the descriptions aren’t the greatest. I’d recommend clearing your afternoon if you’re taking on this setup on your own,” our tester adds.

The Sole E25 features a 7.5-inch backlit LCD screen loaded with nine available workout programs, two of which are customizable. While this may be underwhelming for those wanting a more immersive on-machine experience, we do appreciate that the E25 comes equipped with a tablet holder for DIY streaming setups. We also scored the available tech at 4.3 out of 5 thanks to the Bluetooth speakers.

You also receive a free chest strap heart rate monitor for more informed data tracking. We’ve come to prefer this heart rate monitoring style over the traditional pulse grips as the data can be more accurate.

[Related: Best Heart Rate Monitors]

Another reason we recommend this compact elliptical is Sole’s impressive warranty coverage, which we rate at 5 out of 5. This bundle includes lifetime service for the frame and flywheel as well as two-year support for parts and wear items, one-year coverage for labor, and 90-day support for cosmetic items.

Read our full Sole Fitness E25 Review.

Best Compact Elliptical for Streaming: BowFlex Max Total 16

Pros

JRNY app offers training modules as well as entertainment streaming

Vertical orientation helps keep this machine’s footprint compact

16-inch HD touchscreen for clear visuals mid-workout

Cons

Expensive at nearly $2,500

Limited preset programs, making a JRNY subscription a must-have

Stride length is not adjustable

OK, so hitting a dedicated training module day in and day out can begin to lose its luster. Sometimes, you just want to stride through a session while also catching up on your favorite series. The BowFlex Max Total 16 — the largest profile in the brand’s Max Trainer lineup — can be perfect for these needs thanks to its clear, immersive 16-inch HD touchscreen as well as its compatibility with the JRNY app.

Not only does this best online workout program give you access to thousands of on-demand workouts, but you can also pair your favorite entertainment streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu to the machine for mid-workout viewing. As such, we rate the tech capabilities at 4 out of 5.

The BowFlex Max Total 16 features a vertical orientation which gives the in-training movement more of an elliptical-stepper hybrid feel. “I felt comfortable in each stride, and I especially like the multi-grip handlebars that allow for full-body workouts,” states Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and NASM-Certified Personal Trainer. “Seriously, you can get a fantastic workout with this machine without the need for an abundance of floor space.”

While the workout experience and streaming capabilities are worthwhile, we do score the Max Total 16 at 2 out of 5 in terms of value. For one, the machine itself costs nearly $2,500 — well beyond the average $1,250 for other compact ellipticals. Plus, there are just four preset programs to choose from meaning you’ll need to subscribe to the JRNY platform if you want to unlock everything this home gym equipment has to offer.

As a final note, we also recomme shoring up your Wi-Fi strength before ordering this BowFlex Max Trainer machine. Naturally, you’ll need a strong internet connection to run the JRNY app without any glitches or bugs, so take the time to plan for a secure connection before getting this product delivered and dealing with the headaches of a lagging screen.

Read our full BowFlex Total Max 16 Review.

Best Folding Compact Elliptical: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902

Pros

Folds up to 1.98 square feet for easier storage

Long 30-inch stride length is ideal for a variety of gaits

Well below the average $1,250 price tag of other compact ellipticals

Cons

Limited weight capacity up to 220 pounds

No added resistance levels for higher intensity training

Can be somewhat difficult to get onto given the free-swinging legs

Having one of the best folding ellipticals can allow you to truly take advantage of your training space by storing your home gym equipment out of sight when not in the throes of a session. When in operation, this Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E902 elliptical consumes 3.30 square feet of space, but when folded up for storage, that footprint shrinks to just 1.98 square feet.

We also rate the overall footprint and portability at 5 out of 5 given the machine’s lightweight makeup. The entire profile weighs just 35 pounds, meaning you can easily tote this silhouette from room to room without much effort. That said, this lightweight makeup does compromise the durability, somewhat. We score the SF-E902 at 2.5 out of 5 given its limited 220-pound weight capacity.

The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E902 is also one of the most bare bones machines we’ve tested for this guide. There are no preset programs to choose from, and the resistance is completely manual. “While more advanced athletes may want some extra intensity, I still feel this can be great for beginners,” notes our tester. “Just be careful when hopping on for a workout — the free-swinging legs can get away from you if you’re not careful.”

This SF-E902 is also appealing to budget-minded athletes thanks to its sub-$200 price tag. Sure, you don’t get the bells and whistles like integrated tech, adjustable resistance, or even a water bottle holder — we rate the conveniences at 3 out of 5 — but if you’re just looking for a profile to help you stay active in tight quarters it can be a worthwhile investment. Plus, the 30-inch stride length can accommodate a wide range of strides, meaning you won’t sacrifice your in-training comfort while saving some coin.

The warranty coverage for this compact folding elliptical is somewhat underwhelming with one-year coverage for the frame and 180-day support for other parts and components. At less than $160, though, you can replace this profile multiple times over before even coming close to the retail price of other compact ellipticals.

[Related: Best Budget Home Gym Equipment]

Best Quiet Compact Elliptical: FitNation Flex Elliptical Trainer

Pros

Magnetic resistance for near-silent operation

LCD display tracks key metrics including time, speed, calories, and more

Built-in rear handle and front transport wheels for easier portability

Cons

18-inch stride length may be too short for taller athletes

Shorter warranty coverage than other ellipticals

Replacing batteries for display console can be troublesome

Despite their small statures, compact ellipticals can still provide plenty of bark and noise when it comes to a low-impact workout. Rather than drowning out your headphones (or irritating your housemates) each time you hop on for a session, we recommend this Flex Elliptical Trainer from FitNation. The magnetic flywheel keeps every movement to a meager hum, regardless of which resistance you train across the eight available settings.

We also appreciate the simple display console that can keep tabs on your basic metrics in real-time. You can easily view your time, speed, distance, and calories burned as you glide through a given workout. We have noticed, though, that access to the battery power source is a little finicky — and others agree. “The battery box is a little hard to open, but other than that, it’s a good machine,” says one customer review. As such, we scored the available tech at 3.5 out of 5.

The Flex Elliptical Trainer is also a good pick for athletes tight on space thanks to its 5.14-square-foot footprint, which we rated at 4.5 out of 5. There’s also a built-in handle at the rear and wheels in the front for added portability and convenience when moving this elliptical around your space.

To achieve such a space-saving footprint, however, FitNation did need to limit this machine’s stride length to just 18 inches. This does make it one of the best ellipticals for short people but may be too confined of a gait for taller athletes over 6’0”. Additionally, the Flex Elliptical Trainer can only support individuals up to 260 pounds, which is less inclusive than other profiles out there.

Best Budget Compact Elliptical: Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine

Pros

Price tag is below the $1,250 average of other compact elliptical machines

Small footprint of 7.64 square feet

Vertical orientation combines elliptical and vertical climber motion planes

Cons

Limited weight capacity of up to 260 pounds

Only eight resistance levels to choose from

Lightweight, 13-pound flywheel can be noisy during operations

Thanks to their smaller profiles, compact ellipticals can often be cheaper than their larger siblings. While others may feature lower prices, in our opinion, the Sunny Health and Fitness Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine can provide the best value in the category because of its small footprint, hybrid design, and included display — factors not typically found in cheaper ellipticals.

Having previously used this elliptical myself (well, the mid-grade SF-E3911 model that forgoes the performance monitor), I can attest to the value at play. I rated the SF-E3919 model at 4 out of 5 thanks to its 260-pound weight capacity, easy-to-turn resistance knob capable of adjusting through the eight available levels of intensity, and front transport wheels that make getting the 94.8-pound frame into position far less of a chore.

Additionally, I appreciate the climber-elliptical hybrid design that keeps the orientation in more of a vertical stance resembling some of the best stair climbers. This can be excellent for athletes looking to maximize their training space while still keeping the low-impact nature of the in-workout movements. However, there are a handful of plastic components, so I’d rate the SF-E3919’s durability at 3.5 out of 5.

This compact elliptical also boasts a simple yet detailed monitor capable of tracking your scan, time, RPM, speed, distance, calories burned, and pulse. Other features include a calendar and clock readout, along with room temperature.

I do wish, though, that this Sunny Health and Fitness elliptical featured a heavier flywheel. While the eight available resistance levels offer a good sense of intensity for training, the 13-pound mechanism is lighter than the typical 16 to 20-pound components often seen in these machines. This can lead to louder operations and more vibration during high-intensity sessions.

Finally, we recommend larger athletes pay close attention to the listed weight capacity of this machine. The Sunny Health and Fitness Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine can only support athletes up to 260 pounds, which may be too low of a range for some.

Benefits of Compact Ellipticals

Compact ellipticals share plenty of the same elliptical benefits as larger machines, but there is merit to choosing a smaller profile over the larger silhouettes. Naturally, space-saving footprints can be ideal for certain situations, but here are a few more perks we’ve come to associate with these small-yet-mighty workout tools.

• Storage Benefits: Naturally, a smaller machine is going to take up less space making them optimal picks for those training in tighter quarters. Some compact ellipticals even feature foldable frames for easier storage in-between workouts.
• Low-Impact Training: Like their larger counterparts, compact ellipticals have the same low-impact perks that make regular ellipticals a popular fitness option for home use. Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, states, “I recommend ellipticals to individuals who need a low-impact form of cardio exercise. They provide a way to get the heart rate up without stressing the joints.”
• Cost Effectiveness: Compact ellipticals can also be a good option for budget-minded athletes. You can often find these machines at lower price points because they don’t take as much material to make and don’t have as much space available for costly bells and whistles.

How Much Do Compact Ellipticals Cost?

Understanding how much ellipticals cost can be a tricky endeavor, especially when looking at compact elliptical machines versus regular-sized exercise equipment. Given their smaller stature, you can likely save a few hundred dollars on smaller ellipticals than their larger brethren. On average, you can expect to pay roughly $1,250 for a high-quality compact elliptical. Read below to see the price comparisons of each profile featured in this round-up.

Best Compact Elliptical Overall	ProForm Pro HIIT H14	$1,799
Best Adjustable Compact Elliptical	NordicTrack FS10i Freestride Trainer	$1,999
Best Compact Elliptical with a High Weight Capacity	Sole Fitness E25	$1,199.99
Best Compact Elliptical for Streaming	BowFlex Max Total 16	$2,499
Best Folding Compact Elliptical	Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902	$159.99
Best Quiet Compact Elliptical	FitNation Flex Elliptical Trainer	$399.99
Best Budget Compact Elliptical	Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine	$699.99

What to Consider Before Buying Compact Ellipticals

Buying a compact elliptical is more involved than finding a machine that fits within your available space. Below are a handful of factors to consider when adding a profile to your cart.

Equipment Footprint

As you can expect, compact ellipticals are smaller than your traditional elliptical. That said, you can still find “compact” profiles that are too big for your space. When looking for an ideal machine for your needs, be sure to break out the tape measure and determine how much square footage you have at your disposal.

According to Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, “This is a good place to start, because you’ll be really frustrated if you buy an elliptical that doesn’t fit in your intended space or, if you need to be flexible with your space, isn’t easy to move.” Compact ellipticals can typically require roughly 3 to 12 square feet of space.

We also recommend leaving a few inches at the front and sides of your available floor space, as this can make it easier to get on and off the machine for training. This extra wiggle room can also alleviate any potential problems or hemmed-in feelings across the machine’s range of motion — no bumping into furniture or other structures with each completed revolution.

[Related: Best Compact Exercise Equipment]

Storage and Portability

Compact ellipticals also have a tendency to be lighter than their larger counterparts, which can be great for moving your machine from room to room. If you prefer to mix up your surroundings with each training session, be sure to look for a profile with a listed weight that you can comfortably tote around your house — likely 45 pounds and below. It can also be helpful to look for profiles with added front wheels or built-in handles for easier maneuvering, especially if the machine weight is higher than what you can comfortably handle.

If you’re really looking to save space when you’re between workouts, you can also look for a compact elliptical that folds up for more convenient storage. Like the best folding treadmills, these silhouettes can be effective tools for athletes living in apartments, too, as they can be tucked away while not in use, leaving your training space freed up for more daily activities.

Resistance Levels

Your machine’s available resistance levels can dictate how intense and varied your workouts are from session to session. When looking for a compact elliptical for your needs, make sure to take your fitness goals into account and look for a profile that can support your intended training intensity. Some athletes may prefer a large range — think 20 and above — that pushes their sessions with plenty of challenging resistance, while others can get by on willpower alone with more simplified structures.

Weight Capacity

In training, you’re going to be placing your entire body weight on your machine, so it’s vital that you opt for a compact treadmill that can support your body without failure. Look at your elliptical’s listed weight capacity and contrast that to your weight. Most compact ellipticals can support loads between 220 and 375 pounds with the industry standard hovering around 300 pounds, according to Capritto.

It’s important to note, though, that the best ellipticals for heavy people are typically heavier machines, in general. This can limit their portability significantly, so if you need a machine that moves easily around your abode, you may want to consider a less bulky profile.

Stride Length

Your stride length refers to how long your machine’s range of motion is. Your personal stride length is dictated by your height — shorter athletes take shorter steps, while taller athletes have longer gaits. When searching for your perfect compact treadmill, make sure that the stride length is long enough to create a comfortable range of motion during training. 

While there’s no gold standard for stride lengths among machines, you can typically get by with profiles featuring a 20-inch range of motion. This can be ideal for most athletes between 5’3” and 6’0”. (2) If you’re taller than 6’0”, you may want to consider a longer stride length often featured on the best ellipticals for tall people, while shorter athletes may prefer a range between 11 and 16 inches. (2)

Price

Typically, compact ellipticals will be cheaper than larger devices, given their smaller footprint and less tech-heavy designs. That said, you’re still capable of finding luxe profiles offering sturdy frames and tons of features. We’ve seen compact ellipticals as cheap as $160 and as expensive as $2,500, for example.

When it comes to determining your optimal compact elliptical, make sure your budget matches your chosen machine. If your elliptical is integrated with an online workout program, it’s also wise to calculate that extra subscription into your purchase. These services can range in price, likely $25 to $40 per month or more, so make sure you’re capable of keeping up with membership dues to help you get the most out of your new fitness equipment.

Compact Elliptical FAQs

References

1. Choi, M., Yoo, J., Shin, S., & Lee, W. (2015). The effects of Stepper exercise with visual feedback on strength, walking, and stair climbing in individuals following stroke. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 27(6), 1861–1864.
2. Bueckert, S. (2021, May 19). What is the ideal elliptical stride length to best fit you?. Sunny Health and Fitness. https://sunnyhealthfitness.com/blogs/products/best-elliptical-stride-length
3. Loria, K., & Krajeski, J. (2023, April 24). How to choose an elliptical. Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/health/ellipticals/buying-guide/
4. Plotkin, D., Coleman, M., Van Every, D., Maldonado, J., Oberlin, D., Israetel, M., Feather, J., Alto, A., Vigotsky, A. D., & Schoenfeld, B. J. (2022). Progressive overload without progressing load? the effects of load or repetition progression on muscular adaptations. PeerJ, 10.
5. Calories burned in 30 minutes of leisure and routine activities. Harvard Health. (2021, March 8). https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/calories-burned-in-30-minutes-for-people-of-three-different-weights
6. Kim, J. Y. (2021). Optimal Diet Strategies for weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome, 30(1), 20–31. 
7. Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/