AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
Getting into a fitness routine isn’t necessarily about getting to the gym at the crack of dawn every day. Increasing your fitness levels is more about consistency and continuing to challenge yourself as you get more conditioned.
Sometimes, rolling out of bed and hopping onto the elliptical is the best way to get one foot in front of the other and begin your workout. That is one huge benefit of having a home elliptical: You make it easier on yourself by removing the commute to the gym. If you work from home and have short 15 to 20-minute breaks between calls, having an elliptical at home is also beneficial.
If you’ve been thinking about getting an elliptical for your home, you’re in the right place, as we’ve compiled a list of the best home ellipticals, as recommended by experts.
What to consider when buying a home elliptical
When speaking with experts, they pointed to size, resistance levels, connectivity and price. “When buying an at-home elliptical, it is important to evaluate the features of the machine to determine whether the quality matches the value,” says John Gallucci Jr., MS, ATC, PT, DPT, the CEO of JAG Physical Therapy and expert in injury prevention, rehabilitation, sports medicine and athletic conditioning.
Size
“Make sure the elliptical fits in your space,” says Gallucci. “A good rule of thumb is 20 inches of free space on at least one side and from the front or the back for safety.” It’s important to measure the space available in your home before you start doing research on the machine. “From there, you can build out a budget to narrow your search and then see what features are important to you,” he adds.
If you’re concerned about space, then you might want to purchase a foldable model, says Nick Kumar, chief exercise officer at Desi Grit. “If you have room, some of the nicer models take up seven feet,” he adds.
Another factor to consider is your height. “Are you on the taller side?” asks Kumar. “If so, then you'll definitely want an elliptical with a longer stride length.”
Resistance levels
“All ellipticals have variable resistance,” says Gallucci. “Make sure that the lowest resistance setting is easy to pedal and that it becomes challenging to pedal at about 75% of the highest setting so that you’ll have room to increase resistance over time.”
Kumar says that while resistance levels might not be a concern for beginners, you will want to increase the intensity of your workout by adjusting these settings as you become more advanced.
Connectivity
To track your elliptical workouts on a mobile app or to link to a health device to record your progress, make sure the elliptical you choose has built-in wireless connectivity or Bluetooth.
“If you’re a beginner and are starting a workout plan or are someone who likes variety in their workouts, look for a machine with built-in exercise programs. Some models have basic plans while others can have custom programs to create your own profile,” says Gallucci.
You will have to decide whether you want a simple elliptical machine or one with advanced connectivity. “Do you want all the bells and whistles, such as virtual workout programs, Apple Watch connectivity for tracking and reliable heart rate monitoring? If so, then you'll have to go for a premium model,” says Kumar.
Price
Consider your budget. “Home elliptical machines vary quite a bit in price, from $300 to $1,600. Commercial elliptical machines usually range between $3,000 and $6,000,” says Kumar.
Our top picks for the best home ellipticals
Best budget home elliptical: Sunny Health & Fitness Air Walk Trainer Classic
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer Elliptical Machine Glider w/ LCD Monitor, 220 LB Max Weight and 30 Inch Stride
When choosing an elliptical machine, keep your budget in mind and remember, you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice quality for price. The Sunny Health & Fitness Air Walk Trainer Classic is less than $100 and offers a built-in monitor that displays your calories burned, count, time and total time working out. “This machine is on the low end of elliptical pricing. It’s lightweight and includes an LCD digital monitor,” says Gallucci.
Specifications:
- Size and dimensions: 25 inches long x 19 inches wide x 57 inches high (15 inches long x 19 inches wide x 61.5 inches high when folded).
- Weight: 35 pounds.
- Weight capacity: 220 pounds.
- Warranty: The structural frame has a warranty of one year; other components have a warranty of 180 days.
- Resistance: No.
- Built-in monitor: Yes.
- Incline: No.
- Stats tracked: Calories burned, count, time and total count.
- Price on publish: $78.
What we like:
- Elliptical can fold, making it ideal for small spaces.
- Adjustable abdominal pad for comfort.
- Non-slip pedal allows the user to maintain a continuous motion regardless of pace.
What we don’t like:
- Less durable than other options on this list.
- Lack of resistance levels.
- Difficult for taller folks to use comfortably.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
For less than $100, this elliptical does the job and is easy to store. However, if you’re looking for resistance levels, you’re better off with another machine, as this one does not have them.
Get it here: Sunny Health & Fitness Air Walk Trainer Classic
Most versatile home elliptical: BowFlex M3 Max Total Trainer Series
BowFlex Max Trainer M3
Pair a stepper with an elliptical and you’ve got the BowFlex Max Total Trainer Series. It has two workout programs that you can follow on the LCD display. The machine comes with a heart rate monitor chest strap and features eight resistance levels.
Specifications:
- Size and dimensions: 49 inches long x 26 inches wide x 64.6 inches high.
- Weight: 140 pounds.
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds.
- Warranty: 1 year.
- Resistance: Eight resistance levels.
- Built-in monitor: Yes, LCD display.
- Incline: No.
- Stats tracked: Calories burned, heart rate and more.
- Price on publish: $999.
What we like:
- Included heart rate monitor.
- Small footprint saves space at home.
- Elliptical meets stepper.
What we don’t like:
- Only two workout programs.
- No incline.
- High price for what it offers.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
If you love stepping machines and ellipticals, then this might be your new go-to machine, as the BowFlex Max Total Trainer Series combines both of these into one. Note, however, that it doesn’t have an incline and comes with only two workout program options.
Get it here: BowFlex M3 Max Total Trainer Series
Best home elliptical for beginners: ProForm Pro HIIT H14
ProForm Pro HIIT H14
“The ProForm Pro HIIT H14 is a great choice for those who are just starting out,” says Gallucci. This elliptical is compatible with iFit, which offers a range of virtual on-demand classes and programming. It also has 26 resistance levels, which allows users to add resistance easily. The monitor is a smart HD touchscreen and can be connected to Bluetooth devices.
Specifications:
- Size and dimensions: 29 inches wide x 52 inches long x 66 inches high.
- Weight: 150 pounds.
- Weight capacity: 325 pounds.
- Warranty: Frame has a 10-year warranty; parts have a 2-year warranty; labor has a 1-year warranty.
- Resistance: 26 resistance levels.
- Built-in monitor: Yes, 14-inch Smart HD touchscreen with Bluetooth capabilities.
- Incline: No.
- Stats tracked: Calories burned, heart rate and more.
- Price on publish: $1,799.
What we like:
- Thousands of included workouts led by iFIT trainers.
- Touchscreen.
- “Silent Magnetic Resistance” system ensures the machine is quiet.
- Feet don’t have to leave the pedals, reducing the stress on your joints.
- Frame is sturdy and durable.
What we don’t like:
- A subscription to iFIT is required to unlock all features.
- Customer reviews indicate that assembly is difficult.
- On the pricier end.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
You have to pay for an iFIT subscription to access all features. However, one of the main benefits of the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 is its ever-growing library of iFIT workouts, which can motivate and guide beginners.
Get it here: ProForm Pro HIIT H14
Best high-end home elliptical: NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 Elliptical
NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 Elliptical Training Machine
This elliptical has a 350-pound weight capacity. It offers Bluetooth connectivity options, speakers, a fan and a cup holder. “There are 26 resistance options, and the machine is more inclusive than other ellipticals,” says Gallucci. It’s on the pricier end, at close to $3,000, but “the machines from NordicTrack are worth the price point for the features and capabilities,” says Gallucci. As you go up mountains and valleys on your iFIT workouts, the elliptical increases resistance to mimic terrain or workout classes. The built-in monitor is a 10-inch HD smart touchscreen.
Specifications:
- Size and dimensions: 28.8 inches wide x 68.3 inches long x 68.5 inches high.
- Weight: 210 pounds.
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds.
- Warranty: Frame has a lifetime warranty; parts have a 6-year warranty; labor has a 3-year warranty.
- Resistance: 26 resistance levels.
- Built-in monitor: Yes. 10-inch HD smart touchscreen.
- Incline: Yes, 20-degree adjustable power ramp.
- Stats tracked: Calories burned, heart rate and more.
- Price on publish: $2,755.
What we like:
- Incline will automatically adjust during iFIT workouts.
- Silent magnetic resistance means this machine is quiet during use.
- Higher weight limit than other machines.
What we don’t like:
- Takes up a lot of space.
- Price.
- Must pay a monthly membership to unlock all iFIT workouts.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 Elliptical's key highlights are its access to iFIT workouts (with a monthly membership for all workouts), smart-incline matching technology that mimics terrain and adjusts during workout classes and magnetic resistance for quiet workouts. The downside is its price.
Get it here: NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 Elliptical
Best basic home elliptical: Gazelle Freestyle
Gazelle Tony Little Pacer Total Body Fitness Workout Exercise Elliptical Glider Supports Up to 250 Pounds with Low Impact Design for Home Gym, Gray
For a basic home elliptical, you will want a glider that allows you to move with little impact on your joints. “The best, cheap machine for at-home (workouts) is the Gazelle Freestyle,” says Gallucci. “It’s moderately priced and not too large,” he continues, adding that the machine can easily fit in apartments. The monitor is small, roughly about the size of a business card. If you don’t mind the noise and lack of resistance levels, then this may be a good option for you.
Specifications:
- Size and dimensions: 43 inches long x 28 inches wide x 53.75 inches high (folded dimensions are 66 inches long, 33.5 inches wide, 10.5 inches high).
- Weight: 39 pounds.
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds.
- Warranty: 1-year manufacturer warranty.
- Resistance: No.
- Built-in monitor: Yes, small digital monitor.
- Incline: No.
- Stats tracked: Speed, distance, time, calories burned and heart rate.
- Price on publish: $199.99.
What we like:
- Includes an exercise manual to work every major muscle group.
- Foldable for easy storage.
- Good product for users looking for a basic elliptical.
What we don’t like:
- No resistance.
- Customer reviews indicate assembly can be time-consuming and difficult.
- Customers report that this machine can be noisy.
- Small monitor.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
If you’re looking for a basic glider without resistance levels, the Gazelle Freestyle may be for you. It can be folded for easy storage. The monitor is small, about the size of a business card.
Get it here: Gazelle Freestyle
Best home elliptical for knee pain: Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer
Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical LT3
This machine differs from most in that the user trains in a reposed position. It’s just like a recumbent bike, according to Kumar. “The Teeter FreeStep greatly reduces stress on your joints and your lower back,” he adds. Gallucci agrees, saying, “I recommend this one as it has a reclined and seated position which is key to eliminating joint stress and lowering back pain.” The user weight capacity is 300 pounds and it offers 13 resistance levels.
Specifications:
- Size and dimensions: 55.25 inches long x 38 inches wide x 52.5 inches high.
- Weight: 110 pounds.
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds.
- Warranty: 3-year structural warranty; 2-year mechanical/electrical warranty.
- Resistance: Yes, 13-level magnetic resistance.
- Built-in monitor: Yes, digital monitor.
- Incline: No.
- Stats tracked: Time, distance, speed and calories burned.
- Price on publish: $849.
What we like:
- Comfortable seat is adjustable for depth, height and recline.
- 90-day guarantee means the user can return if unsatisfied.
- Machine provides low-impact movement for painful joints.
What we don’t like:
- Assembly can be difficult for older adults.
- Some customers with movement impairments report difficulty getting on and off the seat.
- Pedal movements are not as smooth as other machines.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
This elliptical is unique in that it has a recumbent seat, making it ideal for users with painful joints. The seat is adjustable for depth, height and recline.
Get it here: Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer
Best elliptical for small spaces: Schwinn 411 Compact
Schwinn 411 Elliptical
The Schwinn 411 elliptical is ideal for narrow spaces, such as a corner next to your bed or desk. It is only 24 inches wide, so it’s very compact. “If you want more features and something that fits in a fairly small space then check out the Schwinn 411 Compact,” says Kumar. It has a digital built-in monitor, offers 16 levels of resistance and tracks time, speed, distance, calories and heart rate.
Specifications:
- Size and dimensions: 53.8 inches long x 24 inches wide x 62.5 inches high.
- Weight: 100 pounds.
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds.
- Warranty: 10-year warranty for frame, 2-year warranty for mechanical parts, 1-year warranty for electronics, and a 90-day warranty for labor.
- Resistance: 16 levels of resistance.
- Built-in monitor: Yes, digital monitor.
- Incline: No.
- Stats tracked: Time, speed, distance, calories and heart rate.
- Price on publish: $699.
What we like:
- Size is great for small spaces.
- Easy assembly.
- Syncs with a mixed-reality app so you can race around the world with friends.
What we don’t like:
- Older adults report that the lowest resistance level is difficult.
- There have been issues with the quality of the machine rollers.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
This elliptical, with a width of 24 inches, can fit in small and narrow spaces. It offers 16 levels of resistance and a digital monitor that displays time, speed, distance, calories and heart rate. Its user weight capacity is 300 pounds.
Get it here: Schwinn 411 Compact
Best quiet elliptical: Sole E25
SOLE E25 Elliptical
No matter who might be sleeping — the kids, your spouse or even your pet — sometimes, the most important element about an early morning or late night workout is not disturbing others. “The best quiet elliptical is the Sole E25,” says Gallucci. “This machine has a specially designed quiet drive system, which is meant to make the E25 as silent as possible.” It offers 20 incline levels and tracks your calories, heart rate and more.
Specifications:
- Size and dimensions: 70 inches long x 24 inches wide x 70 inches high.
- Weight: 209 pounds.
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds.
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty for frame and flywheel; 2-year warranty for parts, 2-year warranty for wear items, 1-year warranty for labor; 90-day warranty for cosmetic items.
- Resistance: 20 levels of resistance.
- Built-in monitor: Yes, 7.5-inch backlit LCD with Bluetooth connectivity.
- Incline: 20 incline levels.
- Stats tracked: Calories burned, heart rate and more.
- Price on publish: $1,199.99.
What we like:
- Angled foot pedals reduce stress on ankles and knees.
- Pedal movement is smooth.
- More size inclusive than other machines.
What we don’t like:
- Difficult assembly.
- Customers report poor customer service.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The SOLE E25 elliptical was designed specifically for low-impact workouts and with a quiet drive system for nearly silent workouts. It is more size-inclusive than most, with a user weight capacity of 350 pounds.
Get it here: Sole E25
Best easy-assembly home elliptical: YoungFit YF-90 Elliptical Machine
YOUNGFIT Elliptical Machine, Foldable Elliptical Machine for Home, 22 Resistance Levels with Large LCD Monitor Eliptical Exercise Machine (Silver)
This elliptical trainer is designed to be pre-assembled, with an easy installation of just 30 minutes. You can fold and store your elliptical after use, making it ideal for small spaces or to keep the house tidy. The machine weighs only 15 pounds. The YOUNGFIT YF-90 has a magnetic resistance system, leading to quiet workouts. It also has a large LCD monitor that displays your time, speed, distance, calories burned and pulse rate. It also has 22 resistance levels.
Specifications:
- Size and dimensions: 44 inches long x 20 inches wide x 63 inches high.
- Weight: 15 pounds.
- Weight capacity: 330 pounds.
- Warranty: Lifetime.
- Resistance: 22 resistance levels.
- Built-in monitor: Yes, LCD monitor.
- Incline: No.
- Stats Tracked: Time, speed, distance, calories burned and pulse rate.
- Price on publish: $379.
What we like:
- Quiet workouts.
- Light weight makes it easy to store.
- Quick assembly.
What we don’t like:
- No incline.
- Doesn’t offer a Bluetooth connection.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The YoungFit YF-90 elliptical machine offers a quick setup and promises assembly in under 30 minutes. It has 22 resistance levels and tracks your time, speed, distance, calories burned and pulse rate.
Get it here: YoungFit YF-90 Elliptical Machine
Best under-desk home elliptical: Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider
Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider
You can use this elliptical from your desk chair, while standing or even from your couch. The Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider is very small and allows you to move while working. “I recommend this one as it’s versatile and compact, delivering a great workout for a small piece of equipment,” says Gallucci. It’s just 17 inches wide and has a user weight capacity of 250 pounds, but it doesn’t have a built-in monitor and does not offer incline levels.
Specifications:
- Size and dimensions: 24.5 inches long x 17 inches wide x 11.38 inches high.
- Weight: 24 pounds.
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds.
- Warranty: 1-year warranty for frame; 90 days for parts.
- Resistance: Adjustable resistance.
- Built-in monitor: No.
- Incline: No.
- Stats tracked: No.
- Price on publish: $132.39.
What we like:
- Comes with free access to an audio coaching app that includes workouts and music.
- Small size and light weight make this machine easily portable.
- Good option for busy users who need to exercise while working.
What we don’t like:
- Short warranty coverage.
- No monitor or stat tracking.
- Customers report that it can be noisy.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
If you’re looking to move your legs while working from your desk, the Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider may be a solution for you. If you’re looking for an intense workout, this will not be your best option.
Get it here: Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider
How we selected the best home ellipticals
Our selections were made by listening to the advice of our knowledgeable experts, as well as conducting thorough research and ensuring that every one of our picks has positive customer reviews, particularly in terms of ease of use, longevity and preference.
If you found this guide useful, be sure to also check out our guides to the best rowing machines and the best treadmills.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is buying an elliptical worth it?
Yes, buying an elliptical is worth it for a specific type of workout. “If you are someone looking to get a cardio workout without going to the gym, an elliptical is definitely worth it,” says Gallucci. “Ellipticals provide a full-body, low-impact workout, making it suitable for those returning to exercising after an injury or for beginners. It's also ideal for those who aren't fans of running, cycling or rowing machines,” he adds.
Are there disadvantages to using an elliptical?
“There is no wrong way to get your body moving and get cardio in,” says Gallucci. “The elliptical is a good choice, but it depends on your workout goals. A disadvantage to using ellipticals is that these machines are no-weight bearing machines. That means they are low-impact, reducing the (good) stress on your body. Although they provide great cardio for people who have stronger muscles and joints, selecting a treadmill might be a better choice.”
Which muscles does the elliptical work?
The elliptical uses the whole body. “The elliptical has a unique design that engages the body comprehensively. With both the upper and lower body engaged while using the handlebars, the elliptical works out the leg muscles in addition to arms, glutes and core,” says Gallucci.
Is the elliptical better than cycling?
Both machines provide an excellent cardiovascular workout, notes Gallucci. “It depends on what you’re looking to achieve with your workout and what your fitness level is. One main difference is that, in general, an elliptical provides a total-body workout, whereas an exercise bike is mostly just a lower-body workout,” he says. Gallucci urges users to vary their workouts and include other types of movement: “Both machines can be utilized in different ways and may not be the only component of your workout that day.”
Do ellipticals help lose belly fat?
Ellipticals can help you lose overall body fat, as can any regular cardio exercise, although as with any type of exercise, you can’t target specific areas of the body to lose fat from. If you want to target the core muscles, however, Gallucci recommends the following: “While exercising on the elliptical, you are engaging your core muscles. For best results, you must make sure that your posture is erect, your gait is symmetrical and your core muscles are actively pulled tight.”
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.