Best Ellipticals in 2025, Tested and Picked by Experts

When it comes to low-impact cardio training, ellipticals can be tough to beat. According to Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer, “Ellipticals are a wonderful option for individuals who want to increase their cardio exercise volume but need a low-impact way to do it.” As one of the best cardio machines, the elliptical can be ideal for taking some stress off your joints while also facilitating worthwhile caloric burn in a full-body movement. (1) The best ellipticals for your home gym come in a wide range of styles and sizes, with plenty of options to match your training experience and interests.

To help those considering an elliptical trainer for their training space, we tested over 20 ellipticals from top brands and consulted with experts to find the best elliptical for every space, goal, and budget. Using our fitness equipment testing methodology, we analyzed and rated each machine based on the following criteria:

• Programming: Did the elliptical come with pre-set workout programs or, even better, interactive classes you can follow along with? How was the quality of said programs? Did the elliptical automatically adjust in-line with the instructor’s cues?
• Footprint: How much space did the elliptical take up in our space? Was there an option to fold or store the elliptical when not in use?
• Value: Given the overall features and specs of the elliptical, did the price tag seem worth it? Were there any additional costs (like a required fitness app subscription) that added to the bottom line?
• Durability: Was the elliptical made with high-quality materials? Does it feel sturdy and long-lasting?

Over the past year, the BarBend team has helped over 2,100 customers find the best cardio equipment for their needs. Here, dive into our in-depth analysis of the best ellipticals for your home gym—you’re sure to hit your stride.

The 7 Best Ellipticals for Your Home in 2025

• Best Elliptical Overall: NordicTrack AirGlide 14i
• Best Elliptical for Small Spaces: Bowflex Max Trainer M6
• Best Elliptical for Knee Pain: Sole E25
• Best Elliptical for Beginners: Horizon EX-59
• Best Elliptical for Streaming: NordicTrack X16 Elliptical
• Best Budget Elliptical: Sunny Health and Fitness Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine
• Best Under-Desk Elliptical: Cubii Move

Best Ellipticals Video Review

Join BarBend expert tester Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, as he hops on some of our favorite ellipticals for home gyms, beginners, and those stuck at a desk all day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3lcpD7vPm4

Best Elliptical Overall: NordicTrack AirGlide 14i

Pros

Compatible with iFIT for streaming

Easy-to-move transport wheels

Durable frame

Cons

Not the quietest machine

Not a simple set-up

No media shelf

Why We Like It

Thanks to its range of resistances and inclines along with its compatibility with iFIT — one of the best workout apps for engaging, trainer-led programs — the AirGlide 14i from NordicTrack earns our highest overall score (4.8 out of 5) as the best elliptical on the market today. The 14-inch HD touchscreen provides a great visual experience perfect for taking in your favorite streams, and the smooth ergonomics and adjustments create a comfortable workout experience, according to our tester, a certified personal trainer.“

There’s a lot to like about the feel of this machine,” our tester adds in reference to their 5 out of 5 ergonomics rating. “From the oversized, cushioned foot pedals to the multiple handlebars, adjustable stride, and more, I could easily see this fitting a lot of fitness needs.”

Like the best NordicTrack treadmills and exercise bikes, the AirGlide 14i is compatible with iFIT — an online workout program loaded with over 16,000 on-demand workouts catering to a range of fitness disciplines. Additionally, we rate the available tech at 5 out of 5 given iFIT’s recent update to support streaming services like Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon Prime Video. These entertainment services can be great for when you just want to cruise through a session while also catching up on your favorite shows and albums. That said, if you’re looking for a basic program set-up without any additional costs, you may not appreciate the added $39/month cost once the free trial runs out. For a more budget-friendly option, you may consider the Bowflex Max Trainer M6.

In terms of getting this high-quality elliptical set up in your space, our tester recommends taking advantage of NordicTrack’s professional assembly service, which costs an additional $299 ($399 if you opt for disposal of old fitness equipment). “It’s a lengthy process that can take hours, especially if you don’t have a helping hand to assist with holding heavier components in place,” they say in reference to their 3 out of 5 setup rating. We also recorded a real-feel weight of 83 pounds when tilted during our objective testing process. “With these notes in mind, it may be best to let the professionals handle getting your home gym set up with your new machine.”

Good for: Cardio-lovers and newbies alike who want a high-quality machine with built-in programming.

Read our full NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Review.

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Best Elliptical for Small Spaces: Bowflex Max Trainer M6

Pros

Space-friendly

Allows stepper-like movement

Speedometer-style display for motivation

Cons

Lower-tech than other Bowflex machines

Signing up for the JRNY workout program was tedious

Warranty coverage is underwhelming

Why We Like It

Arranging your home gym in tight quarters can be a headache in itself, so you’ll want to focus on ellipticals that make the most of your available space via compact dimensions and smaller footprints. Taking up just 8.32 square feet of space — nearly half the footprint of your standard loveseat (15.31 square feet) — the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 can be a great choice for athletes training in small spaces. (3)

We scored this compact elliptical at 4.5 out of 5 for its footprint, which is made possible through its vertical orientation. “I also like that the machine is lightweight and easy to maneuver,” notes our tester, a certified personal trainer. “The 136-pound weight is manageable for most, and the front transport wheels do enhance the profile’s portability.”

Unlike other silhouettes in the Max Trainer family, such as the Bowflex Max Total 16, the M6 profile uses an LCD display as opposed to an HD touchscreen. Despite this, our tester notes that the available tech is effective enough for high-intensity training. “I think the preset programs are challenging enough, but you still have the option to connect to the JRNY app for more engaging, trainer-led cardio workouts, too,” they add. As such, we rate the programming at 4.8 out of 5.

If you are adamant about having a built-in touchscreen for your elliptical, we recommend opting for a different Max Trainer such as the aforementioned Max Total 16 or Max Trainer M9. Other brands also feature touchscreen-enabled ellipticals, such as the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i.

The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 carries a price tag of roughly $1,299, which isn’t an unreasonable figure when compared to other elliptical machines. However, we rate the overall value at 3.5 out of 5 given its less-than-stellar warranty package. The brand only covers the frame and mechanical parts for 2 years, which is less coverage than offerings we’ve seen with other silhouettes from different brands.

Good for: Those looking for an elliptical that will fit an apartment, condo, or tight space.

Read our full Bowflex Max Trainer M6 Review.

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Best Elliptical for Knee Pain: Sole E25

Pros

Low-impact workout

Integrated tablet holder

Lifetime warranty

Cons

No touchscreen

Large frame

Difficult set-up process

Why We Like It

If you’re looking for a low-impact machine that’s easy on your knees, ellipticals are a solid bet. The Sole E25 is our favorite elliptical for folks with knee pain thanks to the machine’s ergonomic sensibilities (including a 21.5″ stride length, according to our data measurement) and approachable price tag, as well as its ability to deliver high-quality workouts regardless of your fitness level.

This impressive machine also earns its moniker of “Best Elliptical for Home Gyms” thanks to its quiet operation. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, says the Whisper-Quiet Drive System purred seamlessly through the available resistance and incline levels. “I could easily focus on training modules or my TV program without the elliptical drowning out the audio.”

Additionally, the value at hand with the E25 is top notch. We rated this Sole offering a 5 out of 5 for the approachable $1,199.99 price tag, as well as the robust warranty package (another 5 out of 5 grade). Sole supports this machine with lifetime coverage for the frame and flywheel — two components prone to wear and tear — as well as 2-year coverage for parts and wear items, 1-year coverage for labor, and 90-day support for cosmetic items.

We also liked this elliptical for home workouts because of the integrated tablet holder. “This can be a convenient feature for streaming enthusiasts, since the LCD display doesn’t support such programs,” adds our tester. Still, though, we rate the E25 at 4.3 out of 5 for its tech capabilities thanks to its seamless toggling through the available ranges.

While this Sole E25 can be great for a variety of home gyms, we still recommend breaking out the tape measure before ordering a unit for yourself. You’ll need 11.67 square feet to house this machine, and there aren’t any foldable features for more convenient storage. Examples of the best compact ellipticals include the Sunny Health and Fitness Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine as well as the Bowflex Max Trainer M6.

Read our full Sole E25 Elliptical Review.

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Best Elliptical for Beginners: Horizon EX-59

Pros

Five preset workouts

Budget-friendly

Lightweight design

Cons

No incline or decline settings

No warranty coverage for flywheel

Why We Like It

Beginner athletes don’t always need the latest and greatest machines to curate a worthwhile training setup. Oftentimes, a cheaper unit can be just as effective (and much less intimidating) when it comes to getting your feet wet in fitness. For athletes just starting their fitness journey, we recommend the EX-59 from Horizon Fitness. Rather than overload you with a plethora of workouts and settings, this machine keeps things simple with an intuitive display, five preset workouts, and an affordable yet high-quality design.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, rates the EX-59’s value at 4 out of 5. “I think this is a really good elliptical for what the device offers,” they note. “The programs are a little basic for more experienced individuals, but I still feel they have some merit, especially for those just getting started in home gym training.”

What the EX-59 lacks in tech features and dynamic programming, it makes up for with built-in conveniences. We rate the elliptical at 4 out of 5 for the category thanks to its integrated Bluetooth speakers, tablet holder, water bottle holder, and USB port for charging your device mid-workout.

The functionality also extends to the different handlebar pairs at the top of the machine. Our tester appreciates the inclusion of fixed handles, which can make it easier to get onto and off the machine. “I do recommend opting for your best heart rate monitor with Bluetooth connectivity if you want to track your pulse during training, though,” they add. “While the EX-59 does have pulse sensors, the accuracy can be way off-target.”

We also noted that in our objective data gathering, the real-feel weight of the Horizon EX-59 was 42 pounds when tilted. That’s roughly half of the felt weight of the other ellipticals we tested. Because of this, we’d recommend this machine as an option for anyone who may need to move this elliptical around solo or doesn’t have the ability to move equipment solo.

Lastly, this machine does offer a warranty for certain components, including lifetime coverage for the frame itself. However, there is no support for the flywheel, so we rate the warranty coverage at 4.5 out of 5. For coverage of this vital component, we suggest looking at the Sole E25 which offers lifetime support for the frame and flywheel along with 2-year coverage for part and wear items, 1-year for labor, and 90 days for cosmetic items.

Good for: Those new to using ellipticals who want an accessible entry to the cardio world.

Read our full Horizon EX-59 Elliptical Review.

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Best Elliptical for Streaming: NordicTrack X16 Elliptical

Pros

Compatible with iFIT platform

16-inch touchscreen tilts for off-elliptical viewing

Impressive weight capacity of 375 pounds

Cons

Cumbersome, heavy profile can be difficult to move

iFIT membership is an extra monthly charge

Changing strides for treadmill or stepper workouts can be awkward

Why We Like It

There’s a reason that the best home gyms often feature built-in touchscreens compatible with streaming services. Studies report that following along to video-driven exercise instruction can result in positive confidence levels surrounding training. (9) For achieving a stream-ready setup, we recommend the new X16 Elliptical from NordicTrack.

While we’ve yet to personally test this particular elliptical cross-trainer—the brand states that the free-striding nature of the pedals can support elliptical, treadmill, and stepper machine movements—we have tested similar profiles like the NordicTrack FS10i. In reference to the FS10i trials, our tester, a certified personal trainer, states, “I like the ergonomics of this gliding motion, but I do recommend taking it slow when getting used to the movements. Plus, I’d reserve this for elliptical or stepper workouts, since I associate treadmill running with actually leaving the platform. To me, the experience is too dissimilar to call it a true 3-in-1 machine.”

Of course, though, the big selling point of this X16 Elliptical is its compatibility with iFIT. This digital training service offers over 16,000 trainer-led workout programs across different disciplines like HIIT, yoga, strength, and (of course) cardio. There are also updated streaming capabilities for your favorite entertainment platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

“I also really enjoy the automatic trainer control feature available through the app,” adds our tester in reference to the iFIT programming. “You can focus on your progress as the machine automatically toggles your resistance and incline.” As such, we score the dynamic programming at 5 out of 5.

The NordicTrack X16 Elliptical weighs in at 289 pounds, which limits its portability. While we score this elliptical trainer at 2 out of 5 for portability, we do praise its durability. The X16 Elliptical earns a 4.5 out of 5 durability score thanks to its steel construction and 375-pound user weight capacity. Be mindful, though, that this resiliency does come at a cost — the near-$2,500 price tag makes the X16 Elliptical one of the most expensive profiles in this guide (not counting the additional subscription fee for iFIT).

Good for: Those who enjoy cardio time that doubles as screen time.

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Best Budget Elliptical: Sunny Health and Fitness Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine

Pros

Budget-friendly

Easy assembly

Lightweight and portable

Cons

260-pound weight capacity

Not ideal for taller athletes

Foot pedals made of hard plastic with little cushioning

Why We Like It

We get it — exercise equipment isn’t always the most wallet-friendly topic of discussion. While most ellipticals will run you around $1,200, there are some units that fall below that market yet can still fill your space with worthwhile, low-impact training potential. The Sunny Health and Fitness Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine is one such machine (and one of our favorites amongst the best budget home gym equipment), coming in at nearly $400 — less than half the average cost.

This sleek, compact machine can be ideal for athletes paying close attention to their finances, but the available workouts are also great for a slew of training-focused individuals, too. There are eight levels of magnetic resistance to choose from, and the stepper-like plane of motion can also be an efficient way to improve knee strength, according to studies. (6) I’ve previously used this machine and feel that you’re plenty capable of generating some sweat-inducing workouts with the available resistance range. I rate the workout experience at 4 out of 5; however, athletes who feel most motivated by interactive programming and instructor-led classes will prefer one of the iFit-compatible models, like the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i.

I also appreciate how Sunny Health & Fitness kept this machine’s footprint to a minimum through the vertical orientation, rating it 4.5 out of 5 for the category. This unit takes up just 7.64 square feet of space — a sliver of the average 12- to 13-square-foot profile of other ellipticals — and the 95-pound wheeled frame is easy to move in and out of position before and after training. “I’ve stored this machine in a corner of my living room with no real issues,” notes our one expert tester.

That said, however, you will need to make some sacrifices in some key areas like durability to achieve such a minimalist, lightweight design. The Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical can only support athletes up to 260 pounds, which falls shy of the average 300-pound weight capacity. We rate the durability at 3.5 out of 5 and suggest different profiles such as the Sole E25 or NordicTrack AirGlide 14i for larger athletes.

Good for: Those who want an elliptical without shelling out thousands of dollars.

Read our full Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber Review.

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Best Under-Desk Elliptical: Cubii Move

Pros

Easily fits under desk

This under-desk elliptical is only 17.6 pounds

Tracks stride count, mileage, duration, and calories burned

Cons

Doesn’t offer full-body training

No handle on the frame

Only one year of warranty coverage

Why We Like It

If you’re crunched for time and space, the best under-desk ellipticals can allow you to train while tackling work endeavors like emails, digital meetings, and more. The Cubii Move is one of our favorites from the category thanks to its lightweight design, available resistance levels, and quiet demeanor.

Our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor, scores the overall experience at 3.79 out of 5. “Naturally, you’re not going to get the full-body engagement of other muscle groups with this pedal-centric profile,” they note, “But for some midday training, you simply can’t beat it.”

The Cubii Move is lightweight at just 17.9 pounds, making setup a breeze before logging onto your Zoom meetings. Plus, our tester notes that there’s virtually no assembly process outside of opening up the packaging and removing the elliptical trainer from its shipping box. As such, we score this under-desk silhouette at 5 out of 5 for both setup and portability.

Tech is limited with this elliptical given the small dimensions, but the Cubii Move does have a small LCD display across its face. “I liked the six levels of manual resistance, and the LCD monitor is a nice way to keep tabs on your calories burned and mileage,” adds our tester.  However, there’s no way to view the stats outside of creaking your neck to look under your desk. Other under-desk ellipticals like the DeskCycle2 feature a detachable display for easier viewing.

We also rate the value of this under-desk elliptical at 3.75 out of 5. The Move is definitely a fun way to stay active throughout the day, but some may not want to spend nearly $160 on a machine that’s more of a novelty than a home gym staple. Plus, the 1-year warranty is shorter than the 10-year average we’ve found in other ellipticals, but what can you expect from such a small device?

Good for: Work-from-home warriors looking for creative ways to move during the day.

Read our full Cubii Move Review.

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Other Ellipticals We Tested

While our round-up list features all our favorite ellipticals, there are plenty others that we tested. Here are a few others we tried and some of our testers’ thoughts.

• NordicTrack FS10i: This machine is incredibly space-friendly and can be folded up vertically.
• Stamina Inmotion Elliptical: This machine is incredibly light and small but it doesn’t have a handle for easy transport. There’s no way to change the stride length, either, and it’s pretty small.
• NiceDay Elliptical T11: You don’t need to plug this in, which is a huge bonus and it’s pretty light and small. However, the tech capabilities are basic with no dynamic programming.
• Gazelle Pacer: This machine had essentially no customization options. It doesn’t have any incline or resistance adjustability. However, this is an extremely inexpensive machine.

The Best Ellipticals, Compared

Looking for a quick reference point for key specs and stats across the best elliptical machines? Use this handy chart to compare price, dimensions, resistance ranges, and more for each elliptical featured in this guide.

Elliptical	NordicTrack AirGlide 14i	Bowflex Max Trainer M6	Sole E25	Horizon EX-59	NordicTrack X16 Elliptical	Sunny Health and Fitness Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine	Cubii Move
Price	$1,799	$1,299	$1,199.99	$999	$2,499	$399.99	$159.99
Resistance Levels	26	16	20	10	26	8	6
Incline Range	-5-15%	None available	0-20%	None available	-10-10%	None available	None available
Stride Length	17.8”-288.5” auto-adjustable	N/A	20”	18”	32” auto-adjustable	9”	12.25”
Product Weight	244lbs	136lbs	209lbs	145lbs	289lbs	94.8lbs	17.6lbs
Weight Capacity	300lbs	300lbs	350lbs	300lbs	375lbs	260lbs	250lbs
Product Dimensions	69” L x 25” W x 71” H	46” L x 26” W x 64.2” H	70” L x 24” W x 70” H	74″ L x 25” W x 64.5″ H	58.5″ L x 29.5″ W x 74″ H	44″ L x 25” W x 64″ H	21.7″ L x 19.7” W x 9.7″ H
Metrics Tracked	Calories burned, heart rate, distance, pace, speed, resistance level, incline	Distance, heart rate, calories burned, time	Calories burned, pulse, speed, incline	Calories burned, distance, heart rate, program level, speed, time, watts	Calories burned, heart rate, distance, pace, speed, resistance level, incline	Calendar, calories, clock, distance, pulse, RPM, speed, temperature, time, scan	Workout time, stride count, mileage, calories burned
Display Size	14”	N/A	7.5”	4.5”	16”	9”	N/A
Warranty	10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor	2-year frame, 2-year mechanical parts, 90-day labor	Lifetime frame, lifetime flywheel, 2-year parts, 2-year wear items, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items	Lifetime frame, 1-year brake, 1-year parts, 1-year labor	10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor	3-year, 180-day manufacturer warranty	1-year

How We Tested and Chose the Best Ellipticals

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best 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.

• Resistance: Elliptical machines with multiple levels of resistance can be ideal when trying to practice progressive overload, one of the best ways to support muscle growth and improve fitness performance. (2) For this round-up, we searched for ellipticals offering no less than 5 varying levels of resistance, with heavier flywheels and comfortable tracks to support intense training.
• Assembly: Getting your elliptical up and ready for your first workout shouldn’t be as challenging as a Rubik’s cube. We prioritized machines equipped with simple, easy-to-follow assembly instructions as well as those offering professional setup packages—a service we recommend for larger, bulkier machines or those with extensive parts and components.
• Footprint and Height: In testing, we found that the average elliptical clocks in with a footprint of less than 13 square feet — a smaller space than your average loveseat, which takes up around 15.31 square feet of your floor plan. (3) We’ve made note of each unit’s individual dimensions and height (all of the ellipticals in this guide can fit under the standard ceiling height of 8 feet, or 96 inches), to give you a solid sense of how much space to plan for. (4)
• Portability: We understand that ellipticals aren’t necessarily the best portable home gyms on the market given their unique shape and design, but we did want to make sure that maneuvering these machines around your training space can be done as efficiently as possible. We made sure to focus on silhouettes with portability features like low product weights and front transport wheels. We also called out which machines may be best suited for a singular location given their mass or cumbersome profile.
• Durability: Like any piece of gym equipment, you’ll want an elliptical that can withstand regular use without fail or fault. In addition to focusing on high-quality materials like steel and construction qualities including proper welds and bolt mechanisms, we also examined and listed each elliptical’s listed user weight capacity, as this can be a quick and simple metric to help illustrate just how durable each profile is.
• Stride Length: According to Sunny Health and Fitness, an ideal stride length for most athletes, and one we looked for in testing these ellipticals, sits at roughly 20 inches. (5) Since everyone’s gait is dependent on their height and personal comfort levels, we’ve included each elliptical’s stride length in our findings to paint as clear a picture of the workout experience.
• Warranty: When we pick different machines, we like to prioritize brands that offer a fair warranty. All the ellipticals on this list are plenty durable, however, we still like to keep our readers covered with a solid warranty.
• Programming Options: We made note of which ellipticals offered engaging, varied workouts across their design, either via preset sessions or compatibility with some of the best fitness apps. While every athlete has specific training interests, having a library of available workouts can help spice up your routine from day to day — and ultimately block any potential burnout or boredom.
• Price: The question, “how much do ellipticals cost?” is likely the first inquiry you’ll set out to answer when looking to purchase a machine for your at-home training space. From our findings, we’ve determined that the average elliptical machine costs roughly $1,200, so we made efforts to find profiles with similar price points along with a handful of options both below and above this median.
• Customer Service: We also aim to recommend products from high-quality brands that won’t leave you hanging if things go awry down the road. All of the elliptical machines featured in this round-up are offered through brands with stellar customer service departments.
• Customer Reviews: As much as we try, we’re not the only voices worth listening to when it comes to opinions on the best ellipticals. Our research also relied on posted customer reviews across multiple retail sites to get a better feel for how these profiles perform in different environments and settings.

Benefits of Ellipticals

Below are a few of our favorite perks associated with elliptical trainers.

• Reduced Joint Impact: “For many populations, including older people, I recommend low-impact exercises like using the elliptical,” says Dr. Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD. “This type of exercise is gentle on the joints but still has great cardiovascular benefits.” Similar to training with the best recumbent bikes and exercise bikes, your feet are in constant contact with the pedals when using an elliptical, meaning there’s no room for gravity to take hold and give your feet, joints, and posterior chain a sense of shock upon impact. (1)(7) As a result, ellipticals can be a comfortable training method that doesn’t tax your body as much as other disciplines like running.
• Higher Caloric Burn: According to studies, a 155-pound athlete, on average, can burn up to 324 calories during a 30-minute elliptical workout. (8) That’s roughly the equivalent of a 30-minute sparring session in a boxing ring, and more calories than you’d burn when running on the best treadmills at a 12-minutes-per-mile pace. (8)
• Smaller Footprint: The average footprint of an elliptical sits between 12 and 13 square feet. In contrast, the average treadmill can consume upwards of 23 square feet of your floor plan. As a result, ellipticals can be a more approachable machine for athletes living in tight quarters.

Different Types of Ellipticals

Like the best exercise bikes, there isn’t a singular silhouette tied to high-quality elliptical machines. Below is a brief rundown of the common types of ellipticals available today and how you can differentiate between the profiles as you round out your personal elliptical buying guide.

• Front-Drive Ellipticals: As one option for standard ellipticals, these elliptical machines have the flywheel placed at the front of the frame, resulting in a somewhat up-and-down stride plane. While this motion can offer some added muscle activation, front-drive ellipticals oftentimes do not offer adjustable incline, which may be to the dismay of some athletes.
• Rear-Drive Ellipticals: As the other standard elliptical option, rear-drive ellipticals place the flywheel at the rear of the frame, which results in a more natural walking motion across a flat surface. These models are better equipped for adjustable incline, but can be larger in size than other options making them less suitable for those training in confined spaces.
• Hybrid Ellipticals: These crossover silhouettes combine the fluid, low-impact nature of an elliptical machine with the vertical climbing orientation of a stair stepper. Hybrid trainers can be space-saving profiles, too, given that there’s no need for lengthy tracks to support a horizontal stride.
• Under-Desk Ellipticals: As the smallest ellipticals available, the best under-desk ellipticals feature a compact profile capable of sitting underneath your workspace. While their design does eliminate any upper body engagement, they can be a helpful way to keep your fitness goals intact while multitasking throughout the day. Under-desk ellipticals can also be referred to as “recumbent” ellipticals as your feet sit out in front of you while you remain seated during exercise.

What to Consider Before Buying an Elliptical

When you’re thinking about buying an elliptical machine, there are a few factors to consider outside of your available space and budget. Naturally, these components are still important, but below are some additional items that should be top of mind before confirming your order.

Stride Length

The stride length of your elliptical can determine how lengthy your gait is in a given revolution. According to Sunny Health and Fitness, the average athlete standing between 5 feet 3 inches and 6 feet should fit comfortably in a 20-inch stride. (5) Of course, not every elliptical will offer such measurements, especially those with a more vertical orientation that combines the aesthetics of an elliptical with a stair climber.

When thinking about your machine’s stride length, take your height into consideration. If you’re taller than 6 feet, it may be best to err on the side of caution and shoot for an elliptical with a longer range of motion. Athletes shorter than 6 feet can have more accommodating options, but in the end, your personal comfort is the best indication of a proper fit.

Footprint and Stability

“People interested in an elliptical for home use will be pleased to find that ellipticals come in a wide range of sizes and styles,” says BarBend expert contributor and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto. On average, an elliptical trainer takes up between 12 and 13 feet of space. These measurements can vary, though, so it’s important to break out your tape measure and confirm your available space before deciding on a machine. 

Your machine’s footprint can also dictate its overall balance during workouts. The best compact exercise equipment can certainly be space-saving, but is that perk worth it if your full-body workouts have you swaying uneasily with each stride? As such, it’s best to seek out an exercise machine that’s compact enough for your needs yet sturdy enough to support your frame and exercise intensity without fail.

It can also be wise to search for an elliptical with portable conveniences like a wheeled base or rear handle for enhanced maneuverability. This can be especially vital if you plan to use your given area for multiple scenarios — an elliptical in the living room is fine, but are you really going to be happy with your setup if you can’t move your machine out of the way when not in a training mindset?

Durability

Your elliptical machine’s durability should also be top of mind when going through the purchasing process. Rather than doing a deep dive into each material used across the build, one of the easier ways to determine your pick’s structural integrity is by looking at the listed weight capacity. Capritto notes, “Budget-friendly ellipticals are likely to have a lower weight capacity, while luxury options may have a weight capacity of 350 to 400 pounds.”

As a general rule of thumb, it can be wise to seek out an elliptical that can comfortably support your body weight. If you’re unable to find a profile with a listed weight capacity to your liking, the best ellipticals for heavy people could be a potential solution.

Workout Features

While there’s nothing wrong with hopping onto an elliptical and going about a manual workout, every now and again, we all need to revamp our training routine. This can be accomplished through preset workouts built into the console of your elliptical, or by access to a digital platform loaded down with streamable sessions and classes. Be sure to look for an elliptical that supports your training needs and wants in either of these methods.

If you opt for an elliptical with streaming capabilities, you should also consider any extra fees or subscription costs associated with the digital platforms. On average, the best online workout programs operate on a monthly billing cycle with prices ranging between $20 and $50. Don’t forget to account for this added expense when thinking through your budget.

Price

Like other pieces of cardio equipment, ellipticals can vary in prices. Some budget-conscious profiles can cost $500 or less, while other, more feature-rich designs can come close to $2,000. In our research, we’ve found that the average cost of a high-quality elliptical sits around $1,200, so this can be a good starting point for your purchase journey. Naturally, though, be sure to be mindful of your budget throughout the process and opt for a machine that fits your space and your wallet comfortably.

Levels of Resistance

Different ellipticals offer different resistance levels. If you’re an athlete who loves a high-intensity workout and are looking to build strength, you’d probably benefit most from an elliptical with many resistance levels. For those who simply want a low-impact cardio machine that won’t get daily use, you can opt for a simpler elliptical.

Best Ellipticals FAQs

References

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5. 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
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7. Egaña, M., & Donne, B. (2004, June). Physiological changes following a 12 week gym based stair-climbing, elliptical trainer and treadmill running program in females. The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15470311/
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9. Davergne, T., Meidinger, P., Dechartres, A., & Gossec, L. (2023). The effectiveness of digital apps providing personalized exercise videos: Systematic review with Meta-analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10375281/