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5 Best elliptical machines of 2024
This content should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine or taking any new supplements.
An elliptical machine is perfect for a full-body, low-impact workout that really gets your heart pumping. Home models from brands like Proform, Nordic Track, Bowflex and more have made it easy to get your workout in at home, so when the weather’s terrible, you don’t have a sitter, or you’re short on time, you don’t have to skip your workout.
Unlike running on the treadmill or pounding the pavement with an outdoor run, an elliptical allows you to use gentler, more fluid motions for a workout that improves your cardiovascular health and strength without extra stress on your joints. While they may be mistaken for just a support feature, pushing and pulling the arm handles on elliptical machines can help give you a full body workout, challenging your biceps, back and core as you move through your exercise.
At-home elliptical machines are an investment of money and space, so before you pull the trigger on this new equipment, read our reviews of the best elliptical machines you can buy for your home gym
Elliptical machine overview
Like most other exercise machines and programs, elliptical training can help you stay in shape and improve your health when used regularly. This low-impact exercise can help you maintain and improve your fitness level, whether you’re recovering from an injury, just getting started on a fitness journey, or recovering from a major surgery such as a hip replacement. A small 2023 study found that middle-aged participants who completed moderate-intensity elliptical sessions three times a week for 16 weeks significantly reduced BMI and all metabolic syndrome components aside from HDL cholesterol compared to the control group, who had no changes in their activity.
If you’re deciding between an elliptical vs treadmill, both have their benefits, but an elliptical may be a more versatile machine that can offer similar strength and cardio gains. Home elliptical machines have various features and footprints and can fit into a wide range of budgets. Keep reading to find the best elliptical machine for your home gym.
How we chose the best elliptical machines
To help you choose the best elliptical for your home gym, we evaluated several features of ellipticals on the market, including incline and resistance features, programming and overall value.
- Incline and resistance: Having a variety of resistance levels and the potential for changing the incline can help you customize and create a challenging workout as you progress in your fitness.
- Programs: A variety of programs to choose from to keep your workouts interesting and challenging.
- Value: The cost of the machine matches the features, quality, and durability.
Top elliptical machines
- Best overall: Nordic Track FS10i
- Best budget elliptical: SOLE E20
- Best for small spaces: Bowflex Max Trainer 6
- Best for weight loss: Schwinn 490
- Best for joint pain: Sole E35
Best overall: Nordic Track FS10i
- A 10” HD touchscreen
- Adjustable 10% incline and 26 levels of resistance
- Automatic adjustments
About Nordic Track FS10i
The Nordic Track 10si may have a high price tag of $1,999, but a plethora of features and quality make this elliptical machine an excellent value. With 26 levels of resistance and up to 10% incline, your workouts can continue to become more challenging as you increase your strength and cardio fitness. With the iFit app, you’ll have a massive library of exercises and programs to choose from and watch on the 10” HD touchscreen with the option of auto-adjusting as your trainers change the resistance and incline for you as you follow along.
Why we like it
- Wide range of resistance and incline for a challenging workout
- Connects to iFit for a large library of programs
- A 32” auto adjustable stride
What to consider
A monthly membership fee is required for programs
Best budget elliptical:SOLE E20
- Choose from 16 resistance levels and 20 incline levels
- Under $800
- Seven preprogrammed workouts
About SOLE E20
You don’t need over a thousand dollars for an excellent elliptical workout. The Sole E20 is just $799.99, delivering a smooth, low-impact workout for less. Choose from 16 resistance and 20 incline levels for a customized workout, or choose from seven preprogrammed workouts or one of two you create yourself. While this isn’t a large variety, you can always create your work workout by changing the resistance and incline yourself.
The console has a “reading rack” to hold a book, phone or tablet to stay entertained throughout your workout, or you can use the free SOLE+ app to follow along to recorded fitness classes.
Why we like it
- Under $800
- Multiple resistance and incline levels
- Option to follow along with workouts on a free app
What to consider
- Only seven included programs
- No recording of workouts or goals
Best for small spaces: Bowflex Max Trainer M6
- Cross between elliptical and stair stepper
- Choose from 16 resistance levels
- Preprogrammed workouts or connect to the JRNY app
About Bowflex Max Trainer M6
The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is more than a foot shorter in length than most other elliptical trainers, at just 46”, making it a great option for smaller spaces. This trainer costs $1,299 and features a backlit console, 16 levels of resistance and four grip handlebars to change up your workout. You can sit your tablet or phone on the media rack and follow along to workouts on the JRNY app, costing $11.99 monthly, or choose from five standard pre-programmed workouts.
Why we like it
- Use on its own or with the low-cost JRNY app
- Smaller footprint than most ellipticals
What to consider
- A shorter stride length and less of a running motion than most ellipticals
- No incline options
Best for weight loss: Schwinn 490
- Incline options from -5% to 15% and 25 resistance options
- Nine programmed workouts or use the JRNY app
- Multiple handlebar options
About Schwinn 490
The Schwinn 490 elliptical machine includes nine preprogrammed workouts along with the option to go from a negative five percent decline to a 15 percent incline for a workout that’s as challenging as you need for just $1,299. You also have the option to connect to the JRNY app for just $11.99 per month to take advantage of the wide variety of workouts included. The footprint is more compact than some ellipticals, with just a 20” stride length. It’s a foot shorter than the other Schwinn models. Using this machine with the JRNY app also lets you track your workouts to stay motivated on your weight loss journey.
Why we like it
- Connect to a low-cost app for additional workouts and tracking
- Easily go from a five percent decline to a 15 percent incline for more challenging workouts
- A foot shorter in length than many other models
What to consider
Only nine preprogrammed workouts if not using the app
Best for joint pain: Sole E35
- Choose from 0-20 incline levels
- Special ergonomic pedals for less stress on knees and ankles
- Pairs to the free Sole+ app
About Sole E35
While elliptical machines are a better choice for joint pain than treadmills or other forms of high-impact exercise, the Sole E35 has extra features for additional comfort and support. The foot pedals were designed by physical therapists and feature a two-degree inward slope that can be adjusted to three different positions to reduce pressure on knees and ankles.
Adjust the incline from 1-20 or choose from six programmed workouts. You can also choose from three different hand positions to vary your upper body workout. For additional workouts and tracking, just pair your smart device to the machine to take advantage of the free Sole+ app.
Why we like it
- Can change incline 0-20
- Special foot pedal features for comfort
- Three handlebar options
What to consider
- Only six pre-programmed workouts
- No resistance options
How to choose an elliptical machine
Purchasing an elliptical for your home gym is no small investment, but it can be a game changer for your fitness. These machines run from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars and include a variety of features that may or may not be important to you. Think about your space for the machine, what special features are important to you and your budget.
- Space: Elliptical machines require a large footprint in length and height. Depending on how big of a space you have, you can choose from one with a large stride length or one that acts more as a climber and elliptical combo.
- Special features: From program variety to the ability to adjust your incline and resistance, how much variety do you want in your workouts? Some machines connect to apps with built-in touchscreens that can auto-change your resistance and incline, while others only offer a few built-in programs or manual adjustments.
- Budget: Elliptical machines run from a few hundred dollars to a thousand or more. How often will you use your machine, and what’s the investment you’re willing and able to make?
Methodology
To compile this list, our writers and editors reviewed top products on the market, compared specs and features and created a short list of the top ellipticals on the market. Then, we used product descriptions, reviews and user ratings to find the best machines for each category. Note that we do not test every product but base our lists on our research, user reviews and expert opinions.
FAQ
What elliptical do gyms use?
Gyms often use commercial elliptical machines that offer a wide variety of programs, resistance levels and inclines. App connectivity isn’t often found on these machines, but the ability to select between multiple preprogrammed workouts is a common feature.
What is the average lifespan of an elliptical?
A quality elliptical machine should last at least 10 years. During this time, you may need to complete routine maintenance on your machine, such as cleaning and lubricating the pedal supports and arms.
Do ellipticals help lose belly fat?
While ellipticals can’t target belly fat exclusively, they can help you burn calories and fat overall and strengthen your core muscles.
References
Ali Mohamed Ali Ismail (2023). Metabolic syndrome components response to the conducted 16-week randomised-controlled training trial on an elliptical trainer, European Journal of Physiotherapy, 25:3, 147-153, DOI: 10.1080/21679169.2021.2022756 Retreived from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21679169.2021.2022756
Bosch, A. N., Flanagan, K. C., Eken, M. M., Withers, A., Burger, J., & Lamberts, R. P. (2021). Physiological and Metabolic Responses to Exercise on Treadmill, Elliptical Trainer, and Stepper: Practical Implications for Training. International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism, 31(2), 135–142. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2020-0155 Retreived from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33477112/
Hasebe, Y., Akasaka, K., Otsudo, T., Hall, T., & Yamamoto, M. (2022). Effects of incorporating elliptical trainer exercise during rehabilitation on physical function and self-reported outcomes after total hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of physical therapy science, 34(3), 230–235. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.34.230 Retreived from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8918105/
