If running is no longer kind on your knees, and the gym always just feels a tad too far away, then it may be time to consider adding a piece of low-impact equipment to your home gym.
Over the past couple years, home gyms have taken over the health space. Perhaps your girlfriend opted for the new Echelon exercise bike. Maybe your uncle chose a classic treadmill or your friend went for the trendy rower. Either way, they brought the gym to themselves.
If you’d rather use an exercise bike, treadmill or rower, check out our various linked guides. But considering that you landed on this article, we have a feeling you’re looking for an elliptical machine.
It’s easy to see why you’d be interested in buying your own. After all, they provide a great full-body, cardio workout and can be as elaborate or simple as you (and your wallet) decide.
To help you find your ideal elliptical machine for your home gym, we consulted personal trainer Joao Martins and rounded up our Amazon favorites below. Happy striding!
Expert Recommendations
For answers to some frequently asked questions and expert recommendations, the shopping team spoke with Joao Martins, a NASM-certified personal trainer at Equinox.
What is an Elliptical Machine?
“An elliptical Trainer is a stationary cardio machine where you can walk and run without causing excessive pressure on the joints. Nowadays, most of the Elliptical Trainers come with customized programs where the members can choose from according to their physical condition level and goals,” explained Martins.
Are home ellipticals worth it?
Martins believes that elliptical machines are great options for those with knee, hip, or shoulder injuries because users can walk and run without causing excessive pressure on the joints. “Doing low-intensity or moderate-intensity elliptical workout every day can have a positive effect on hypertension,” suggested Martins. “However, you must consult your doctor if you are taking medicines for hypertension.”
Do ellipticals burn belly fat?
Traditional ellipticals provide an excellent full-body workout, engaging both the upper and lower body. “The synchronized movements of the arms and legs promote efficient calorie burning and cardiovascular conditioning too,” Martins explained. For people that want to lose fat, as well as tone and define, Martins recommends using the elliptical two to three times a week.
How often should you use an Elliptical machine?
“As with any cardio machine, it depends on everybody’s goals,” said Martins. “People that are working out to run a marathon, and want to have a change from a treadmill and want to keep working on their cardio, I would say six times a week.”
Martins noted that spending 20 to 30 minutes on the elliptical will help increase the heart rate, which helps strengthen the heart muscles.
Shop this article by category:
- Best Expert-recommended Elliptical Machines
- Best Smart Elliptical Machines
- Best Budget-friendly Elliptical Machines
Best Expert-recommended Elliptical Machines
Niceday Elliptical Machine
Pros:
- 90% pre-assembled
- Very quiet
- lifelong service promise
Cons:
- Some reviewers saw this elliptical has a smaller range of motion — better for shorter people
You can’t go wrong with the highly rated Niceday elliptical machine. Being that it’s already 90% assembled, you can get riding in just 30 minutes of product arrival. Best of all, it’s hyper quiet, so you don’t have to worry about loud, disturbing noise.
“Really easy to assemble, and the pedals are one of the highlights of this machine, being very large and comfortable,” shared Martins.
Product details: Dimensions: 44 x 26 x 17.25 inches | Stride length: 15.5 inches | Display: HD LCD Displayer with Exactly Data | Number of resistance levels: 16
Schwinn Fitness 430 Elliptical
Pros:
- 22 preset workout programs to choose from
- Eight heart rate controls and two fitness tests
- Quick start option
Cons:
- Some customers said their machine became more noisy after regular use
We love that this Schwinn Fitness elliptical features 22 preset workouts. You can even set a total of nine various profiles on the machine, so everyone in your home can take advantage of this next-level elliptical.
“One of the things that I like the most on this machine is the Goal Track capability that enables users to set individual exercise goals by tracking time, distance and calories to compare with previous workouts,” explained Martins.
Product details: Dimensions: 70.1 x 28.2 x 63.2 inches | Stride length: 20 inches | Display: Dual Track 2 LCD displays | Number of resistance levels: 20
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical Machine
Pros:
- Track time, speed, calories and distance
- Portable and non-slip foot pedals
- Budget-friendly
- Available in multiple colors
Cons:
- Some reviewers said the machine slides, and works better when placed against a wall
- Some expressed resistance level was heavier than expected
Another great under-the-desk option is the Sunny Health & Fitness elliptical. Featuring a portable design, it’s fully assembled, includes a floor stabilizer and was made with a space-saving design in mind.
“I am a very big fan of anything that can fight the sedentarism and the work schedule obstacle when it comes to exercise,” explained Martins. “This simple elliptical can make significant changes in busy people life’s. It fits comfortably under most desks, offering the flexibility to exercise in various environments, integrating fitness into your daily routine seamlessly. It arrives fully assembled, letting you started as soon as you take it out of the box.”
Product details: Dimensions: 24 x 19 x 11 inches | Display: Digital monitor | Number of resistance levels: 8
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Trainer Machine
Pros:
- Device holder and bottle holder
- Pulse sensor
- Non-slip foot pedals
- Budget-friendly option
Cons:
- Some people expressed difficulty with the assembly
Break a sweat with this high-impact elliptical trainer. Featuring 24 unique workout modes, no workout will ever be quite the same.
“A very useful tool for nowadays when everyone needs their phone 24/7, this machine has a built-in device holder for your favorite media device. It has 24 customized programs too,” added Martins.
Product details: Dimensions: 55 x 23 x 64.5 inches | Stride length: 15.5 inches | Display: Use the onboard, backlit display to track your speed, time, distance, calories burned, RPM, watt generations, and magnetic resistance level
Best Smart Elliptical Machines
NEW AirGlide 7i Elliptical
Pros:
- Oversized cushioned pedals
- SmartAdjust™ machine learning technology automatically adapts every workout to fit you
- Track calorie, time, heartbeat etc.
- Make goals and chase milestones
Cons:
- Heavier than some competitors and requires detailed assembly
- More expensive
Fitness junkees love NordicTrack for a few reasons — you can take advantage of immersive workouts led by pro athletes and trainers around the globe. If you’re sick of taking charge of your own workouts, let the experts do it for you. With this smart machine, iFIT Trainers can control your incline and speed.
Editor’s Note: Personally, I’ve never been a huge fan of treadmills for working out (I prefer heavier-impact cardio options). However, I have found that Nordictrack’s treadmills offer enough features to make their workouts engaging and challenging. While I consider this more of a splurge treadmill, the personal training aspect makes it worth-while.
Product details: Dimensions: 69 x 25 x 71 inches | Display: 7” Smart HD Touchscreen | Number of resistance levels: 15
ElliptiGO 8C Long Stride Outdoor Elliptical Bike
Pros:
- Fun way to exercise inside and outside
- Multiple colors available — red, green, and black
- Ships nearly fully-assembled
Cons:
- 250lb weight limit
- More expensive
No more boring gym days! We couldn’t help but find a spot for this creative elliptical machine bike hybrid. The stride on this machine adjusts to up to 25 inches, allowing you to tailor your workout to your body and terrain for the most comfortable ride possible. Take it outside for some cross-training or convert it into a indoor elliptical.
Product details: Dimensions: 20 x 1.5 x 60 inches | Display: No Monitor | Number of resistance levels: 8
Schwinn Fitness 411 Compact Elliptical Machine
Pros:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Set, track and monitor progress with app-based tools
- 50 plus global routes and 29 workout programs
- Adjustable ramp
Cons:
- Some reviewers shared that resistance was heavier than expected
Much smaller than most ellipticals is this Schwinn Fitness compact machine. Beyond the compact size, you can also look forward to a built-in media rack and water bottle holder. Shoppers also appreciate the smooth motion and quiet construction.
“It’s very quiet, well constructed and offers about as much resistance as larger gym ellipticals yet also has a very smooth action (both when using forward and backward motion),” one reviewer shared.
Product details: Dimensions: 28.2 x 63.2 x 70.1 inches | Stride length: 20 inches | Display: DualTrack blue backlit LCD system | Number of resistance levels: 25
Schwinn Fitness 470 Elliptical
Pros:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Set, track and monitor progress with app-based tools
- 50 plus global routes
- 29 workout programs
Cons:
- On the more expensive side
- Some reviewers suggest the calorie monitor may be off
With Bluetooth connectivity, users can set, track and monitor progress with the help of app-based tracking tools like Explore the World, MyFitnessPal and more. Not to mention, the app-based scenes transport fitness gurus into a whole new realm.
“Unit is quiet and stable; nice array of functions given the price point; many levels of resistance so you can easily tailor your workout — also, despite some reviews to the contrary, the lower levels of resistance are not the least bit hard when operating this equipment (at least not on my machine),” one buyer noted.
Product details: Dimensions: 28.2 x 63.2 x 70.1 inches | Stride length: 20 inches | Display: DualTrack blue backlit LCD system | Number of resistance levels: 25
Best Budget-friendly Elliptical Machines
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine
Pros:
- Magnetic resistance with micro-tension controller
- Anti-slip foot platforms
- Hand pulse monitoring system and calculated time, speed, distance, and calories
- Very budget-friendly
Cons:
- Shorter range of motion (best for smaller people)
- Challenges with assembly
If you have a smaller space or are looking for a compact option, this is the elliptical for you. Even though it’s slim, it still brings incredible offerings such as full-motion arm exercisers, transportation wheels, non-slip foot pedals and more.
Shoppers love the convenient size of this elliptical: “I needed an elliptical exercise machine that didn’t take up a whole lot of space in my apartment and could give me a decent workout on bad weather days. This little cookie fit the bill for me. It’s small compared to gym-size ellipticals but sturdy.”
Product details: Dimensions: 28 x 17 x 57 inches | Stride length: 11 inches | Display: Digital monitor | Number of resistance levels: 8
Elliptical Glider
Pros:
- Joint-friendly deesign
- High-density foam handlebars
- Nonskid foot platforms
Cons:
- 250lb weight limit
- Not as challenging of a workout
While not a traditional elliptical, a joint-friendly glider provides the ideal blend of cardio and strength training in one workout. This machine engages both upper and lower body muscle groups without putting pressure on the knees. Customers describe it as “smooth and enjoyable” and some say they have lost weight, too.
Product details: Dimensions: 43 x 28 x 53.75 inches | Stride length: 18 inches Display: Basic fitness computer | Number of resistance levels: hydrolic resistance cylinders
Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine
Pros:
- Tracks calories burned, strides pedaled, distance traveled, and more
- Budget-friendly
- Very compact — saves space
- Straightforward assembly
Cons:
- Less of a strenuous workout than some other machines
Maybe you can’t leave your desk on a busy day. If that’s the case, opt for the Cubii seated elliptical. It makes incorporating fitness into your daily life a breeze and is easily portable.
People say that this small machine has upgraded their fitness game, monumentally: “It has absolutely changed my life at work (front office assistant tethered to a desk for 10-hour shifts) and helps me burn an average of 800 more calories a day than before I started using this product.”
Product details: Dimensions: 24.6 x 12.8 x 12.5 inches | Display: LCD display | Number of resistance levels: 8
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer
Pros:
- Nonslip pedals
- Foldable design
- Adjustable abdominal cushion
- Best deal under $100
Cons:
- On the lighter side — not a strenuous workout
- Some reviewers said this machine can get wobbly
An elliptical that also works your abs? Yes, please! The 30-inch stride also maintains a continuous motion without interruption.
While reviews have been mixed, most people agree that ease of assembly was a huge motivating factor in buying this piece of workout equipment. “What I like most about this Glider is how easy it was to assemble, as I only had to attach the chest pad, handles, and battery-operated monitor. What I did not like is that it is very lightweight, so takes some getting used to, to keep it stationary.”
Product details: Dimensions: 25 x 19 x 57 inches | Stride length: 30 inches | Display: Digital monitor
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