The Best Ellipticals

Best image of ellipticals
Photo: Sunny Health & Fitness Legacy Stepping Elliptical Machine, Total Body Cross Trainer with Hyper-Quiet Magnetic Belt Drive, Low Impact Exercise Equipment, Optional Bluetooth with Exclusive SunnyFit App
UPDATED MAY 28, 2023

To help you find the perfect elliptical, we continuously put forth the effort to update and expand our list of recommendable ellipticals. Our team collects, edits and publishes new information, in order to present it to you in an accurate, significant and neatly arranged way.

Our Picks

Sunny Health & Fitness Legacy Stepping Elliptical image
【Legacy Equipment】 The Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Cross Tra...
Body Rider Elliptical image
2-In-1 Trainer: Unlike Ordinary Exercise Bikes, Ours Has Dual Exercise Modes,...
Schwinn 430 Elliptical image
Goal Track capability enables users to set individual exercise goals by track...
Our Choice
Sunny Health & Fitness Legacy Stepping Elliptical image
【Legacy Equipment】 The Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Cross Tra...
Body Rider Elliptical image
2-In-1 Trainer: Unlike Ordinary Exercise Bikes, Ours Has Dual Exercise Modes,...
Low Price
Schwinn 430 Elliptical image
Goal Track capability enables users to set individual exercise goals by track...

8 More Elliptical Alternatives

MULTIFUNCTIONAL DESIGN: With a patented 3-in-1 design, this Trio Trainer can function a...

HASSLE-FREE TRANSITIONS: The innovative design of this Trio Trainer allows for effortle...

FLUIDITY FLYWHEEL SYSTEM: The advanced flywheel system allows the machine to run quietl...

FOOT PEDAL EXERCISER - Our Desk Pedal Exerciser is a compact exercise peddler that prov...

SITTING AND STANDING CARDIO TRAINING - This compact and lightweight mini strider can be...

COMFORTABLE, COMPACT DESIGN - This desk foot pedal exerciser is designed with textured ...

The E35 features fluid natural motion provided by a whisper quiet drive system. Functio...

The E35 also has a power incline feature for additional resistance as well as variable ...

The unique foot pedals were designed in collaboration with a leading physical therapist...

MULTIFUNCTIONAL DESIGN: With a patented 3-in-1 design, this Trio Trainer can function a...

ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Compact fitness bike elliptical has 3 types of handlebar options a...

HASSLE-FREE TRANSITIONS: The innovative design of our Trio Trainer provides effortless ...

DEVICE HOLDER: Keep your favorite media devices close to you during your workout sessio...

RESISTANCE: Challenge yourself with the programmable magnetic resistance when you power...

WEIGHT CAPACITY: Take advantage of the 330 lb weight capacity and its floor stabilizers...

CURVE-CRANK TECHNOLOGY: The curved crank applies constant tension to the X and Y axes, ...

RESISTANCE TRAINING MACHINE: The ergonomic crank allows you to easily and safely adjust...

2-IN-1 HIIT TRAINER: An oval path with synchronized handlebars plus stepper movement pr...

【Hyper-Quiet Magnetic Drive System】We developed the latest technology magnetic system a...

【16LB Flywheel with 16 Resistance Levels】Provides double resistance levels than the ord...

【400 LBS Weight Capacity】The NICEDAY's main frame is made of the 8*5CM extra-thicken co...

Buying Guide

Elliptical trainers are low impact, easy on your joints, and challenge your upper and lower body simultaneously in order to increase muscle tone and create the ultimate calorie burner. In contrast to a traditional treadmill, these machines use a circular motion that mimics walking or jogging. Your feet never leave the cushioned pedals. Use the following information to help you select the best elliptical for your needs.

Budget

Consider your budget first when choosing an elliptical. You will also need to research the features available with different tiers of these trainers. They are offered in basic, standard, and elite models. Basic elliptical trainers for daily home use start around $500. If you are looking for something more advanced with heart rate monitoring, you could be paying around $1,500 or more. The goal is to not pay for features you won’t use.

Size and Style

Some elliptical machines are compact while others are foldable with wheels. Some models will have none of these features. Rear drive elliptical trainers are large and hard to transport due to the flywheel being located in the back of the device. Front drive machines, with the flywheel in the front, will be easier to move and store with a more compact size. Modern designs have a center drive construction. This creates a foldable, more compact machine.

Resistance, Brake, and Flywheel

The resistance and brake system along with the flywheel are important factors to think about before buying an elliptical. These items control the durability, how loud the trainer is, and the over-all feel of the machine. Look for elliptical trainers that have eddy current brake systems that operate with magnets to create the resistance. These electronic magnetic systems allow you to control the resistance with a simple press of a button while manual brake systems operate with a tension knob that won’t allow for resistance level adjustments.
The weight of the flywheel should also be considered. Basic and standard models have a flywheel weight of approximately 15 pounds while elite trainers have weights well over 17 pounds. The stride is smoother with a heavier flywheel. Look for elliptical machines that have “silent magnetic resistance” or “quiet drive systems.” These ones will be quiet and smooth with a more natural feel.

Console

The main thing to look for with the console is the number of workout programs offered. Most provide between 8 and 28. Elite trainers may have wireless heart rate monitors linked in with these programs. Just about every elliptical machine will have some kind of heart rate monitor in the handle bars, but they are not all wireless.
Entertainment options range from standard speakers to Android or Apple compatibility. Most elliptical consoles are now LCD screens. Look for backlit screens if you will be using it in a dimly lit area. Screen sizes range from the average 6 inch to elite model’s 10 inch displays. In addition, you may find extras such as cup holders, accessory trays, reading racks, and built in fans.
Customizable Features

Customizable features available on some elliptical machines include adjustable pivoting pedals, adjustable stride, and adjustable incline. These are terrific if multiple people will be using the same trainer. Elite machines may also offer automatic or electronic adjustments. If you can find one with adjustable pedals, this feature can alleviate the strain on your lower back. Adjustable pedals eliminate the need to lift your foot to match the stride. Some machines have pedals that pivot which will match your natural stride while the cheaper models only have fixed pedals.

Warranties

The warranty offered with an elliptical trainer is often a nod towards the machine’s quality. Warranties vary, but most will have a lifetime warranty on the frame. Parts and labor warranties often depend on the trainer’s cost. Basic models usually offer a 90 day warranty while elite version can go as high as a three year warranty. Look for warranties offered on the brake system as well. This type of warranty can be listed separately, but many times it is included as part of the frame.

Recommendations

If you are in the market for a high-end, home elliptical trainer, the Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine offers plenty of special features at a cost of approximately $800. It allows you to monitor 13 different display feedbacks on an LCD window system with 29 programs and four user settings. You can keep up on your fitness goals with the Schwinn Connect data export and goal tracking system. The Schwinn 470 gives you 25 levels of resistance to work with as you improve your performance. The stride length is 20 inches with a 10° ramp range offering six positions. With so many settings and adjustments, this machine is ideal for multiple users or anyone looking for a trainer that will grow with them as their fitness level advances. It is large at 187 pounds, but transport wheels make it easy to move.

Those that simply want a basic elliptical machine without any bells or whistles will be satisfied with the Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer. This quiet and smooth chain driven fan wheel machine offers dual action handle bars in its simplistic design. Although basic, this elliptical provides a decent upper and lower body workout. A user guide and workout video is included in the $109 cost. It does not come with wheels, but with a weight of 58 pounds, it is not too heavy to move when necessary.
For something completely different, you may want to try the Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer. The compact size and shape of this machine makes it unique. It only offers a lower body workout, but this compact, lightweight machine is small enough to fit perfectly under a desk. You can use it at home or work for a low impact workout that protects the knees, back, ankles, and hips. You may not expect it, but this elliptical does offer electronic monitoring and it can track your exercise time. For a price of $80 you are getting a sturdy, steel constructed trainer with non-slip pedals.

Top Rated Ellipticals

If you're looking into finding the best rated elliptical, you should probable check out the Sunny Health & Fitness Legacy Stepping Elliptical. We looked at various sources of reviews and found this one to have the best mix between review count and average rating stars.

Sunny Health & Fitness Legacy Stepping Elliptical

The Lowest Price We Could Find

Often, going for the best price is a simple but good option. With a price of $129.00 (last checked this morning), we do not list any other elliptical cheaper than the Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider. Just remember that it's not always the best option to go for the cheapest one.

Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider

The Elliptical With the Most Reviews

With at least 3642 reviews and counting, the Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider might be another option to consider. This large amount of reviews signalizes that many people are using it, with most of them beeing satisfied.

High Quality Ellipticals

It's quite rare that the saying "You get what you pay for" turns out incorrect. If you have the money on the sideline, feel free to choose the most expensive item from our list: The Mobifitness Elliptical currently sells for $1499.99.

Mobifitness Elliptical

The Elliptical With the Most Clicks

If you trust us and our users, feel free to check out the Sunny Health & Fitness Legacy Stepping Elliptical. Our statistics say that it is the most favorite Elliptical from the list above.

Our Bestseller

If you're still undecided, I would recommend that you go with the masses and choose the top selling elliptical: The YOSUDA Compact Elliptical is the hottest bestseller in this category right now.

YOSUDA Compact Elliptical

Elliptical Reviews

There are no reviews on ellipticals, yet.
Be the first to write a review, or check for additional reviews in the Further Reading section below.

Further Reading on Ellipticals

New: Our editorial list of additional articles. We decided to gather informartion all around the internet and present you a list of helpful, external links to interesting reads about reviews, pros & cons and similar products.
Elliptical Reviews for 2018 - Best Elliptical Machin...
Elliptical reviews, our top picks of the best elliptical machines, and our in-depth guide to the best brands and models of home elliptical trainers in every price  ...
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The 4 Dumbest Forms of Cardio | T Nation
Since its inception in the mid 90s, the elliptical has become one of the most popular The Alternative: Total Body HIIT 1-2 Times Per Week.Videos2:34How To Do Elliptical Exercise Without Elliptical Machine For Smaller EZ TIPS 101YouTube ... ...
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Treadmills vs Elliptical Trainers - Best workout - H...
There has been considerable controversy on which offers a better workout, treadmills or elliptical trainers. Learn about pros and cons of both. ...
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Cardio Exercises as Good as the Elliptical Machine |...
Elliptical machines are effective for cardio fitness and lower-body Running, cycling and aerobics are suitable alternatives to elliptical machine workouts.People also askWhich exercise machine is best for losing belly fat?What is the bes... ...
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Pros and Cons of the Elliptical | POPSUGAR Fitness
Pros and Cons of the Elliptical. You control the pace by moving your legs slower or faster. By increasing the resistance of the foot pedals you can make your workout more challenging for your legs and booty. You can also get an arm and u... ...
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3 Alternative Ways to do Cardio Without Using an Ell...
By Sara MNoveWorkouts. 0. For a long time, your typical cardio workout seemed relegated to the treadmill, rowing machine, elliptical, or stair climber. But as effective as these machines can be, they can get pretty boring, pretty quickly. ...
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Research

Do you want to know more about ellipticals? Check out the links below to gain knowledge about the whole topic of elliptical products.

Useful Videos

2018 Best Buy Ellipticals By the Experts

Save $1100 on the NordicTrack FS9i Freestride Trainer, click here: elliptical.discount Read our Expert Best Buy Reviews here: ...

Disclaimer: This video was not made by us, but we found it interesting enough to embed it here.

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