An elliptical machine can be the perfect addition to your home if you’re serious about working out everyday and staying in shape. If you don’t have the physical stamina to go on daily runs or you suffer from mobility limiting injuries or illnesses that prevent you from working out at a gym, you can still stay active and in shape with a high-quality and user-friendly elliptical trainer.
In order to help you select the best model for your lifestyle and budget, our team spent 31+ hours researching and comparing over 60 different elliptical machines. We then used what we learned to create this buying guide, comparison chart and list of the top seven units.
Best Overall: Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine
The Sole Fitness E35 is, in our opinion, the best home elliptical machine currently on the market. This trainer mimics the motion and stride of a natural run, much like what you would experience if you were to go for a run on your favorite running or jogging trail.
One of the best features of this unit is its long stride length that can be adjusted from 20 to 22 inches depending on the user’s preferences. The machine is also designed to help you keep your heels down firm when using it for optimal biometrics.
Additionally, the Sole Fitness E35 can monitor your heart rate either through its handlebar grip monitor or by using the chest strap, which will help you to avoid overexerting yourself while using the machine. Other nice features of this machine include its fitness monitor with large LCD display, built-in cooling fan and speakers that will let you listen to your favorite tunes while you work up a sweat.
Pros
- Long, adjustable stride length
- Mimics motion of running or jogging
- Enhanced heels-down biometrics design
- Performance Console that allows you to choose from up to 8 different programs
- Oversized 15″ foot pedals
- Excellent Warranty
Cons
- Very heavy
- Pricey
Overall, the Sole Fitness E35 is a terrific daily-use elliptical machine that will give you an excellent full body workout. And although it’s a lot more expensive than most of the other home elliptical trainers on the market, we think it’s well worth the investment if you can afford it. Read reviews on Amazon >
Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine
The Schwinn 470 is another top-notch elliptical machine that combines technology with ease of use. It features several different applications that let you both import and export data to and from your personal devices so you can easily keep track of your fitness regimen even when you’re not using the machine.
The Schwinn 470 also has its own headphone jack that lets you listen to your personal music selection as you work out. It likewise offers 29 different workout programs and four user settings, so you can design a program that works for you and gives you the challenge that you need to get fit. You can monitor your progress on the machine’s two separate LCD displays as well.
The main drawback of the Schwinn 470 elliptical machine is that it can be rather complex to put together, and people who don’t have a lot of experience assembling furniture or appliances, may find it rather challenging.
Pros
- Long 20″ stride length
- 29 programs from which to choose
- Headphone jack for music enjoyment
- Heart rate monitor is built into handlebars
- 25 resistance levels
- Generous Warranty
Cons
- Challenging assembly
- On the more expensive side
All in all, the Schwinn 470 is a great unit that rides smoothly and will give you a nice, varied workout. You also get technological perks like data import and export not found in many other models. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Value: Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer
If you’ve held off on buying an elliptical machine due to your budget, you’ll be glad to know that the significantly more affordable Schwinn 430 offers several of the same features that you’d find on the higher end models.
This unit comes with almost all of the technical perks that you’d expect to find in a top-notch, modern elliptical system, such as its fitness and performance console that lets you monitor your own workout. It also features 13 different feedback displays that lets you adjust your stride and pace to suit your fitness goals.
Additionally, the Schwinn 430 comes with 22 workout programs as well as two user settings and a goal program so that you and anyone else that uses the machine can keep track of how well you’re progressing in your exercise regimen. And like the Schwinn 470, you can import and export the data from the machine to your personal device like your laptop, phone, or computer tablet. Also, with its 20 separate resistance settings, this machine can give users a customized workout and one that will be appropriate for his or her current fitness level.
Pros
- Excellent value for money spent
- Dual track LCD window display
- 13 feedback displays
- 20 different resistance settings
- Good warranty
Cons
- Questionable Schwinn customer service
- Somewhat bulky and heavy
- Questionable Schwinn customer service
If you want an elliptical machine that won’t break the bank and that you can use everyday with ease, the Schwinn 430 is a great pick. It makes working out and staying in shape easy with its technical perks and simple design. Read reviews on Amazon >
4 Nautilus E614 Elliptical Machine
The Nautilus E614 is another good choice if you want a machine that has a lot of technical perks that make exercising fun, easy, and exciting. This elliptical trainer features two LCD displays that will monitor your fitness and workout progress. It also has a USB port which will allow you to export data to your personal device or online to sites like Nautilusconnect.com or Myfitnesspal.com.
Along with being able to monitor your progress on the two displays, you can also make use of the machine’s 22 different workout programs and 20 separate levels of resistance. The Nautilus E614 is also set up so that two people can use the machine’s user profiles, and also features a speaker that lets you listen to your favorite music while you exercise.
The only real downside of the Nautilus E614 is that it does not come with Bluetooth connectivity like other models.
Pros
- Dual LCD displays
- 22 pre-programmed workout routines
- USB port for exporting data
- long 20″ stride length
- Grip heart rate monitor
Cons
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- 300 pound user weight limit
For those looking for an elliptical trainer that is both user-friendly and comes with all of the technological perks you’d expect to find in a quality machine will be well served with the Nautilus E614. It’s a relatively affordable choice that lets you stay fit without having to join a gym. Read reviews on Amazon >
5 Universal E40 Elliptical Trainer
The Universal E40 is a fairly basic yet still solid machine that can give you the workout you need to stay in shape. It offers 7 different workout programs and 8 separate levels of resistance, allowing you to tailor your workout to suit your needs. It also has a large LCD display that will allow you to easily keep track of your speed, time, distance and how many calories you’ve burned each session.
Another great perk of the Universal E40 elliptical trainer is its grip rate heart monitor that helps you avoid overexerting yourself as you exercise. The unit can also run on batteries, allowing you to use the machine without having to plug it into an electrical outlet.
One of the major downsides to the Universal E40, however, is its rather short warranty, which is only good for three years for the frame and 1 year for parts and services. The machine also does not have an adjustable incline, which could potentially limit your workout, especially if you want to tone and build your muscles to the fullest.
Pros
- 7 workout programs
- Can operate on batteries to save electricity
- LCD display to monitor progress
- multiple resistance levels
- Shorter 17″ stride length may be preferable for shorter users
- Smaller and lighter than most other models
Cons
- Short warranty
- No adjustable incline
- Shorter stride length than other models
- No cooling fan
- Not as sturdy or durable
If you are new to working out on elliptical machines or just want a basic, reliable unit without all of the bells and whistles of the more upscale machines, the Universal E40 is a good choice. Read reviews on Amazon >
6 Best Budget Model: Fitness Reality E5500XL Magnetic Elliptical Trainer
The Fitness Reality E5500XL is a good, affordable option for those of you who are reluctant to shell out big bucks for an elliptical machine. At well under $500, this is one of the cheapest elliptical trainers you’ll find on the market.
The Fitness Reality E5500XL is not only very convenient and easy to use, with a weight of under 100 pounds, it’s also one of the lightest elliptical machines you can buy. Its light weight combined with the fact that it has a relatively compact frame means that you can easily roll it into a closet after use and vice versa.
In addition, most users will find it very easy to use with its backlit LCD display that shows you all of the details of your workout like your time, distance, RPM, pulse, calories burned, speed, and more. This machine makes it easy for you to stay on track with your workout routine, as well as giving you the ability to modify your program as you build up your endurance and agility.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Bright LCD display that shows workout details
- 24 levels of magnetic resistance
- Relatively compact
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Very short warranty
- Some people have found it difficult to assemble
- Computer is prone to getting error messages
- No cooling fan or speakers
- Lacks the smoothness and stability found in the better, more expensive models
The bottom line is that, although there are better machines out there, at its price point, there is no other machine that we would choose over the Fitness Reality E5500XL. Read reviews on Amazon >
7 Best Under-Desk Elliptical Machine: Stamina 55-1610 In-Motion E1000
If you’re more focused on getting a good lower body workout, or want an elliptical trainer that you can use while working at your desk or to take with you to your workplace, you’ll definitely want to take a look at the Stamina 55-1610 In-Motion. This lightweight and portable machine can be placed under a desk or table, and will give you the low impact workout you need to keep your knees, ankles, and feet in good condition.
Additionally, the Stamina In-Motion, which is considerably cheaper than your typical conventional elliptical machine, comes with a built-in electronic monitor that keeps track of details like strides, time, and calories burned. Users will also like its durable steel construction, which means you can rest assured that this machine will last you a very long time.
The biggest drawback of the Stamina In-Motion, however, of course, is that it doesn’t work out your upper body, nor does it keep track of vitals like your heart rate or pulse. So those of you wishing to get a full body workout will have to either get a traditional elliptical or you’ll have to incorporate separate upper body exercises into your routine.
Pros
- Highly portable and compact
- Very inexpensive compared to traditional elliptical cross trainers
- Electronic performance monitor
- Multiple resistance levels
- Well constructed and highly durable
Cons
- Lower body workout only
- No heart rate monitor
- No data import or export features
The Stamina-in-Motion is great for people who work at a desk or students who don’t have the time to hit the gym, as it can allow you to burn calories and get a good lower body workout from the convenience of your desk. Read reviews on Amazon >
Buying Guide: How To Select The Best Elliptical Machine
Customization
One of the most important considerations is how much customization the elliptical trainer offers. Do you want to tailor your workout to suit your fitness needs everyday or do you prefer to use built-in programs that you can easily follow as you exercise?
If you want customization options, you’ll want to consider a machine like the Schwinn 470, which lets you choose from any of the 20+ programs that it offers to users. You can select a program that gives you the level of workout you want for that particular day. You can then choose another program later as your body adjusts to the resistance and exercise.
If you want a basic machine that lets you workout without having to choose a program to go along with each day, you can go with a simpler model like the Universal E40, which you can use to exercise your lower body while getting the cardiovascular workout you need for better health.
Each model on the market offers different levels of customization. You can keep your own needs in mind when choosing an elliptical machine that suits your current workout needs the best.
Technology
As you can tell from the reviews, elliptical machines comes with varying levels of technological features. You can find models like the Nautilus E64 that come with upwards of 20 different programs as well as LCD monitors that show details like your calories burned, speed, RPM, and more.
These machines also let you plug in your personal music player so that you can listen to your tunes. You can also use a USB cord to import and export your workout data to fitness websites or your personal devices.
You can also find bare bones elliptical trainers like the Stamina-in-Motion lower body elliptical trainer that lets you workout your ankles, feet, and knees without all of the technological bells and whistles found with other models. In most cases, the more basic machines tend to cost less than models that have more technology features like LCD screens, customization features, and other perks. You can keep this factor in mind to choose a model that gives you the level of technology you are comfortable using in your own workout regimen each day.
Size
The elliptical machine that you choose should fit comfortably inside your home. If you choose a trainer that is too large to fit in your house, you essentially have wasted your own time and money.
Before you shop for an elliptical, you should consider the size of the trainer that will work best for the space allotted for it in your home. You want it to fit through the front door, of course. However, you also want it to fit well inside the room in which it will be used without taking up too much space or making moving around the room difficult.
Likewise, you must consider the machine’s weight. If you choose a heavier model, you may need someone’s help getting it into your home or putting it together. If you are going to be moving and handling the machine alone, you may need to consider a lighter weight model rather than one that is too heavy for you to move by yourself.
Type of Workout
How much of your body do you want to work out with your machine? Do you want to tone your arms and shoulders along with your legs, knees, and hips? Or are you more interested in keeping your lower body in good shape without worrying about your upper body?
The answers to these questions should come into play as you shop for an elliptical. If you are just interested in working out your legs, knees, and ankles, you may do well with just a lower body machine like the Stamina-in-Motion, which you can take with you anywhere and place under a desk, table, or chair.
However, if you want to work out your entire body, you’ll definitely want to invest in a machine like the Sole Fitness E35 or Schwinn 430. These machines come with upper body workout mechanisms that give you a modest yet practical arm and shoulder workout to keep the upper body toned and in good shape.
When it comes to choosing an elliptical machine, you want one that will be worth the money you pay for it as well as one that will suit your precise physical needs. If you do not plan on working out your upper body, there is no need to invest in a machine that has the upper body workout handles and features for that purpose. Likewise, if you want to tone your arms, shoulders, and more, you should not waste money on a machine that just work out your lower body.
Price
Price is definitely one of the foremost considerations that should come into play as you shop for an elliptical. These trainers come in a variety of price ranges from very affordable to very expensive. You can find these machines for sale for just a few hundred dollars or upwards of $2000 or more.
As noted, the higher priced models tend to be those that come with a host of technological features like dual LCD displays, headphone jacks, varying levels of workout programs, and magnetic resistance levels. The less expensive models are those that may come with seven or fewer programs and no tech features like a headphone jack or heart grip rate monitor.
Nonetheless, if you are not interested in the more complex and tech-savvy models, you may prefer to save the money and invest in a lower cost machine. The ones that cost less still come with practical warranties that cover parts and services.
However, if you are wanting a gym-worthy workout or want to take your fitness to the next level, you may find it better to invest the money for one of the top-end models on the market. You get features that show you how many calories you have burned as well as how fast and for how long you have exercised each day.
Comparison Chart
Our Top Pick
$$$$$
20″-22″ (Adjustable)
Yes
Yes
20 Levels
Yes
215 lbs., 83″L x 27″W x 58″H
375 lbs.
Lifetime Frame, 5-yr. Parts
Best Value
$$$
20″
Yes
Yes
20 Levels
Yes
180 lbs., 70″L x 28″W x 71″H
300 lbs.
10-yr Frame, 2-yr Mechanical
Best Budget Model
$$
18″
Yes
Yes
24 Levels
No
93 lbs., 58″L x 24″W x 66″H
270 lbs.
1-yr Limited
Best Under-Desk Elliptical
$
N/A
Yes
No
Multiple Adjustable Levels
No
28 lbs., 21″L x 14″W x 14″H
N/A
1-yr Frame, 90-day Parts
Top Rated
$$$$
20″
Yes
Yes
25 Levels
Yes
186 lbs., 70″L x 28″W x 63″H
300 lbs.
10-yr Frame, 2-yr Mechanical
Very Good
$$$
20″
Yes
Yes
20 Levels
Yes
167 lbs., 70″L x 28″W x 71″H
300 lbs.
10-yr Frame, 2-yr Parts
Good
$$
17″
Yes
Yes
8 Levels
Speakers Only
110 lbs., 56″L x 24″W x 65″H
275 lbs.
3-yr Frame, 1-yr Mechanical
Top Rated Under-Desk
$$
N/A
Yes
No
8 Levels
No
27 lbs., 23″L x 11″W x 9″H
N/A
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