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Best Elliptical Machines

Updated July 2023
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Schwinn 470 Elliptical
Schwinn
470 Elliptical
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

A great machine that offers a wide variety of different workout programs and resistance strengths; earns our fitness expert's approval.

Pros

Has 25 different levels of resistance. The LCD screen shows you each workout and how high the resistance will get during the program. Has a time, distance, and calorie tracker. Designed to simulate natural strides. The handlebars can be adjusted.

Cons

The Bluetooth doesn't allow to sync music.

Best Bang for the Buck
Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical Trainer Machine
Sunny Health & Fitness
Elliptical Trainer Machine
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Modern Technology
Bottom Line

Our expert notes that this elliptical machine comes loaded with features that you typically see with the more expensive brands.

Pros

Has 24 built-in programs designed to target resistance and strength. Electro-magnetic resistance system contains 16 resistance levels. Device holder supports listening or streaming devices. Foot pedal made with nonslip textures. Floor stabilizers add further safety on uneven or wooden floors.

Cons

Some users complain that the machine makes a clunking sound while working.

Bowflex Max Trainer M6
Bowflex
Max Trainer M6
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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

Our expert raves about this product because it offers a lot more options for hardcore workout enthusiasts.

Pros

Has 16 different levels of resistance, offering a harder workout for those who want it. This machine is equipped with a variety of exercise programs to help you progress your strength over time. Comes equipped with a phone charger and Bluetooth heart monitor capabilities.

Cons

Some users noticed that it can be a bit loud on higher resistance settings.

Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Machine
Schwinn
430 Compact Elliptical Machine
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High Quality
Bottom Line

A premium-quality elliptical that provides a smooth ride and great features along with a great price tag.

Pros

Bluetooth connectivity to sync with the Schwinn Trainer app and other fitness tracking programs and devices. Great versatility with 29 workout programs and 25 resistance levels. Dual-track LCD displays with in-console speakers. Sturdy and space-efficient.

Cons

Some reports that slight misalignment can cause noises from the wheel.

Cubii Seated Mini Elliptical
Cubii
Seated Mini Elliptical
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Best for Small Spaces
Bottom Line

The compact design and silent technology make this the ideal option for those who spend a long time at a desk.

Pros

Choose between the 8 resilience levels for personal preference. Miniature LCD screen displays progress in calories, strides, and distance. Compact design allows users to transport it to work or different areas in the house. Includes live exercise classes led by professional trainers.

Cons

Heavy, so it may not be easy to change locations on a regular basis.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Consumers
Consulted
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Researched
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Buying guide for Best elliptical machines

Busy schedules, family obligations, and a simple lack of motivation are among the most frequent self-improvement saboteurs. Owning a good piece of gym equipment can significantly increase your odds of staying on track and reaching your personal fitness goals, whatever they may be.

Offering a well-balanced, low-impact workout, elliptical machines are the perfect solution for anyone who's interested in improving their fitness levels and overall well being in the comfort of their own home. If you've made the decision to invest in your health by purchasing an elliptical machine, but have no idea where to start, we're here to help.

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Elliptical machines stand out for their ability to provide a total body workout.

Why choose an elliptical machine?

When purchasing a piece of fitness equipment for your home, one of the biggest challenges can be figuring out which one to choose. Treadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machines, home gyms, elliptical machines, and weight lifting equipment are just a handful of options — and none of them are cheap. Whether due to budgetary constraints or limited space, for many, it’s necessary to stick with a single piece of equipment.

Unfortunately, most exercise machines are designed for specific purposes. Usually categorized by cardiovascular conditioning or muscle building and strength training, exercise machines generally don't offer a comprehensive fitness solution. Moreover, many of these options aren't suitable for those with joint or back problems, and they may end up doing more harm than good if used incorrectly.

Elliptical machines, also known as cross-trainers, are one of the few pieces of gym equipment that just about anyone can use safely. Not only that, but in terms of a well-balanced workout, elliptical machines offer more than most.

If you're still on the fence about which exercise machine best suits your needs, taking a quick look at the various benefits of using an elliptical machine may add a bit of clarity.

Elliptical machine benefits

  • Anyone can use one. Elliptical machines are suitable for just about any age and fitness level.

  • They offer low-impact exercise for joint health. Whether you suffer from arthritis, have osteoporosis, are recovering from knee surgery, or otherwise need to avoid impact, elliptical machines allow you to stay fit without risking injury caused by excessive joint strain.

  • Workouts are quick and effective. With a combination of moving handles and pedals, elliptical machines provide a total body workout by working the upper and lower body simultaneously. The legs, chest, shoulders, arms, and back muscles are all recruited to some degree, making it possible to squeeze in a full workout in as little as 20 minutes.

  • Benefits include cardiovascular health and weight loss. By increasing your heart rate, working out on an elliptical machine effectively burns calories, and by using your entire body you'll burn more calories in less time, potentially resulting in accelerated weight loss.

  • You can sculpt and strengthen muscles. Using an elliptical machine works a large variety of muscles, and you can increase the resistance, adjust the incline, or customize workouts for added intensity.

Expert Tip
Don’t lean on the handlebars. This can negatively affect your posture while using your elliptical. Keep your arms in a relaxed position and your back straight.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Types of elliptical machines

Elliptical cross-trainers are categorized by the placement of the flywheel. The flywheel acts as the drive system, providing movement in response to the pressure placed on the pedals, and may be located in the front, back, or center of the machine.

Front drive

With the flywheel positioned at the front of the machine, usually beneath the console, this design is generally more compact than other models. Not only that, they tend to be more affordable too, making them one of the most popular choices for home use. Using one of these may require a slight forward slant when working out, and the front-drive design produces an up and down pedaling motion similar to that of a stair climber. For a more natural motion, we recommend using a model with articulating pedals that move with your feet.

Rear drive

In this traditional design, the flywheel can be found at the back of the elliptical machine. These types are most favored for commercial use thanks to their even stride and low maintenance requirements. Rear-drive elliptical machines offer a balanced and natural walking or running motion. However, they also tend to be the most expensive and take up considerably more space as well.

Center drive

The most recent addition to elliptical machine drive types, center drive ellipticals have a flywheel located on either side of the machine. While this drive type offers additional stability and a natural range of motion, they generally don't feature an incline option and are often much pricier than other types.

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Expert Tip
Use your upper body strength to work with the resistance provided by the handlebars. Don’t just use them for support.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Hybrid

The perfect solution for those who find themselves torn between an exercise bike and an elliptical machine, hybrid models have a seat, and may be used both sitting or standing.

While many hybrid elliptical machines feature a front-drive configuration, the flywheel is usually situated closer to the pedals for added stability.

At the end of the day, everyone has their own configuration preferences, and it's impossible to say which is “best”.

A great elliptical machine is often one that meets your personal fitness, space, and budgetary needs, without sacrificing quality or safety.

Factors to consider when choosing an elliptical machine

Elliptical machines can be found in a variety of designs, ranging from models that offer basic fitness functionality, to technologically advanced options with every imaginable convenience. Sometimes it's all too easy to lose sight of the qualities that matter most. Keeping the following points in mind when shopping for an elliptical machine can help you stay on track.

Size

First and foremost, consider the size of your available space. To use your elliptical machine comfortably, you'll have to choose one that fits your designated area with room to spare. If you have limited space, a compact front or center drive elliptical machine may be your best bet. For those who simply can't afford to permanently sacrifice floor space, foldable elliptical machines are available. However, to improve their space-saving capability, these often drastically cut back on important features, stride length, and quality of construction materials.

Remember that your height will likely have an impact on the size as well. While the average elliptical machine measures around 6 feet long and 2.5 feet wide, if you're taller than most, a larger machine may be more suitable. Whatever the size, you'll need a minimum of 25 inches of unobstructed space on all sides for safe use.

Flywheel weight

For smooth, comfortable pedaling, a hefty flywheel is essential. Lighter flyweights are likely to produce erratic, jerky pedaling at any pace, making it impossible to reach a rhythmic stride. Not surprisingly, lighter flywheels offer little resistance and require minimal effort to reach higher speeds, which certainly won't bring you any closer to reaching fitness goals. For the most comfortable and effective workouts, aim for flywheels weighing no less than 20 pounds.

Ergonomics

While it's always advisable to try an elliptical machine out before you buy, sometimes this just isn't possible. To ensure optimal comfort and productivity, look for features such as articulating pedals, adjustable stride length, easy-to-grip handles, and a reasonably weighted flywheel for smoother motion. Also, pedals with a narrower stance often feel more natural, and if you're taller than average, don't forget to factor your height in when considering the right size.

Stride length

Frequently overlooked, the correct stride length is essential to a comfortable and effective workout.

Measured as the distance from the heel of the back pedal to the toe of the front pedal when fully extended, your optimal stride length will be determined by your height:

  • 16” to 18” will accommodate users of a height up to 5’3”.

  • 18” to 20” generally suits those measuring between 5’3” to 5’7”.

  • 20” to 22” or greater is required for taller individuals.

If you're purchasing an elliptical machine for multiple users of varying heights, either choose an elliptical machine with variable stride length or aim for the highest fixed stride length possible. While you may pay more for adjustable stride length, it's well worth the added versatility.

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Expert Tip
For added variety, go backward on the elliptical too. This allows you to strengthen other muscle groups that are not fully engaged when you move the pedals forward.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Workout customization and adjustable settings

Every elliptical machine features adjustable resistance, but not all have a customizable incline. The ability to adjust your workout intensity will not only keep things fresh and interesting, but it will also ensure that your fitness levels are continuously improving. The best elliptical machines will allow you to adjust intensity levels directly from the console, without having to stop your workout to manually change settings.

High-tech features and convenience

Many modern elliptical machines have a range of desirable technological features. USB ports and built-in speakers can make exercising more enjoyable, while wireless connectivity and compatibility with your favorite fitness apps will help keep track of your workouts, and monitor your progress. Just remember that while extra features and shiny bells and whistles are enticing, these should always serve to optimize your workout, rather than act as a distraction.

Price

The cost of an elliptical machine is influenced by several factors including size, features, brand, and overall quality.

$100 to $500

This price range generally offers basic models with sparse features and lower weight limits. To help ensure decent quality and durability, it's advisable to opt for a budget model from a reputable manufacturer.

$500 to $1,500

A number of decent options for home use may be found within this price bracket. These should include all the most essential features, and sometimes a few extras.

$1,500 to $3,000

For home use, most ellipticals in this price range offer an excellent balance of quality and convenient features.

$3,000 and higher

When it comes to commercial-grade elliptical machines, there are no budget shortcuts to high-quality, durable materials. An elliptical machine that costs upwards of $3,000 will not only be the most durable, but will undoubtedly have the most features and versatile user application as well.

Tips for getting the most out of your elliptical machine

When using an elliptical machine, there are a few handy techniques that can be used to maximize your workout potential.

  • Consciously tightening your abdominal muscles will help strengthen your core, and ensure you maintain proper form.

  • Many models have stationary handles situated between the moving handles. Forget these exist! Opt for a total body workout instead by using the moving handles.

  • Challenge yourself by increasing resistance levels. Weight loss, as well as fitness gains, will stall as your body adapts.

  • Mix it up! Alternating between shorter, more intense bursts of pedaling for around 60 seconds, followed by a slower steady pace for 90 seconds has been shown to burn more calories.

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If you're a beginner, it may be a good idea to start with a more affordable model. You can always upgrade to a more comprehensive option once you're confident that you'll be putting it to good use.

FAQ

Q: Are elliptical machines better than treadmills?

A: This is a common question, and it means different things to different people. For those who seek joint-friendly exercise, elliptical machines are better than treadmills. If you're a runner in need of realistic indoor training conditions, a treadmill is by far the most suitable option. In terms of energy output and calorie burn, the results are almost identical, with treadmills having a very slight edge over elliptical machines.

Q: Why is the heart rate monitor giving me inconsistent readings?

A: When using touch-sensitive handle grips, ensure that you grasp them firmly for an accurate heart rate reading. In some cases, using a chest strap may be more effective. If you're already using one of these and getting erratic readings, check that the chest strap is centered and in direct contact with your skin. Applying a little water to your chest can provide better contact with the transmitter. If this doesn't work, or your display is blank, your heart rate receiver may be incorrectly installed or disconnected. We recommend referring to the user manual or contacting the manufacturer for product-specific assistance.

Q: How can I better target my glutes when working out on an elliptical machine?

A: If you want to focus on your glutes while getting your cardio out of the way at the same time, choose an option with adjustable incline levels, or increase resistance. Your pace may slow a little, but your glutes and legs will be working harder.

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