The 13 Best Ellipticals of 2023

A quick look at the best elliptical machines

• Best high end: NordicTrack FS14i FreeStride Trainer | Skip to review
• Best affordable: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical | Skip to review
• Most comfortable: Sole E35 Elliptical | Skip to review
• Best for small spaces: Bowflex Max Trainer M6 | Skip to review
• Best hybrid: ProForm Hybrid Trainer XT | Skip to review
• Best for outdoors: ElliptiGO Outdoor Stand-Up Bike | Skip to review
• Best for home use: Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Machine | Skip to review
• Best foldable: Sunny Health & Fitness Air Walk Trainer Elliptical Machine | Skip to review
• Best quiet: ProForm Carbon E10 | Skip to review
• Best for travel: Cubii JR1 Under-Desk Elliptical Machine | Skip to review
• Best for full-body workout: Bowflex Max Trainer M9 | Skip to review
• Best under-desk: Stamina InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer | Skip to review
• Best self-powered: Decathlon EL520 Self-Powered Elliptical | Skip to review

When it comes to exercising at home, there’s no shortage of cardio workout equipment to choose from.

Elliptical machines are a popular choice because they’re easier on your joints than treadmills but still offer a challenging workout.

However, because ellipticals vary greatly in size, features, and price, choosing the right one can be challenging.

How we chose these ellipticals

To find the best ellipticals currently on the market, we considered the following criteria:

• Workout modes and resistance levels. For the best workout possible, we looked for ellipticals with customized workout options.
• Special features. We know it’s the little things that really set an elliptical apart, so we factored in features like cupholders, fans, touch screens, and instructor-led classes.
• Price. Because budgets can vary, we included machines at a variety of price points.
• Warranties. Ellipticals aren’t cheap, which is why we researched the warranty policy for each product.
• Customer reviews. Some things you just can’t know until you try a product. That’s why we spent extra time combing through customer reviews.

The list below is not in rank order, because we recognize that the best elliptical machine for you will depend on your specific needs and desires. To help you with this, we’ve tried to select the best options for a variety of features.

Here are the 13 best elliptical machines of 2023.

Healthline’s picks of the best ellipticals of 2023

Best high end

NordicTrack FS14i FreeStride Trainer

• Price: $$$
• Dimensions: 58.5 × 29.5 × 74 inches (149 × 75 × 188 cm)
• Stride length: 0–32 inches (0–81.3 cm)
• Streaming capabilities: iFit
• Key features: 26 levels of resistance, -10% decline to 10% incline, cooling fan, soft-grip handles, oversized cushion pedals, 14-inch (35.5-cm) touch screen, Bluetooth speakers

If you’re willing to splurge, the NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer is one of the best options, as it’s packed with special features.

This machine boasts a whopping 26 levels of resistance, features -10% decline to 10% incline control, and even auto-adjusts to your stride length for a truly customized experience.

What’s more, its treadmill and stair-climbing settings mean you’re essentially getting three machines in one.

Other notable features include a cooling fan, soft-grip handles, oversized cushion pedals, a 14-inch (35.5-cm) touch screen, and Bluetooth speakers.

As a bonus, your purchase comes with a 30-day membership to iFit, a subscription service with thousands of on-demand workout options.

The membership also includes an option to have your incline and resistance levels adjusted by a personal trainer during your workout.

After your free trial, you can renew your subscription for $180 or $396 per year, depending on whether you choose an individual or family plan.

While this elliptical is one of the most expensive options, it comes with extensive warranties, including 10 years on the frame and 2 years on parts.

Best affordable

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical

• Price: $
• Dimensions: 28 × 17 × 57 inches (71 × 43 × 145 cm)
• Stride length: 11 inches (17.9 cm)
• Streaming capabilities: none
• Key features: 8 resistance levels, pulse monitor, anti-slip handlebars and footpads, transportation wheels, digital monitor (displays time, speed, distance, calories burned, and pulse)

While it lacks features like a touch screen and on-demand classes, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical is a solid option for those on tighter budgets.

The machine features eight levels of resistance, a pulse monitor for tracking your heart rate, and anti-slip handlebars and footpads to keep you secure while you sweat.

This elliptical is also a good option if you have limited space, as it’s more compact than many other models.

Just keep in mind that it has a very short stride length of just 11 inches (17.9 cm). As a result, the machine may not be comfortable for long workouts if you’re on the taller side. It’s also important to note that the weight capacity is 220 pounds, which may not work for some users.

Most comfortable

Sole E35 Elliptical

• Price: $$$
• Dimensions: 82 × 31 × 71 inches (208 × 79 × 180 cm)
• Stride length: 20 inches (50.8 cm)
• Streaming capabilities: Studio (via tablet or other device)
• Key features: unique footpedal and power incline designs, Bluetooth speakers, USB port, integrated tablet holder

The Sole E35 machine features a lifetime warranty on the frame and is designed with comfort in mind.

Based on suggestions from physical therapists, the pedals slope slightly inward, reducing the strain on your hips, knees, and ankles.

To keep you entertained during your workout, this elliptical comes equipped with Bluetooth speakers, a USB port, and an integrated tablet holder. The device also comes with a trial of Studio, Sole’s subscription service for on-demand classes and fitness community. The trial ranges from 30-90 days (depending on promotions), then costs $19.99 per month.

The machine has mostly positive reviews, but some customers question whether it’s worth the high cost since it doesn’t have a built-in screen.

Best for small spaces

Bowflex Max Trainer M6

• Price: $$
• Dimensions: 46 × 26 × 64.2 inches (117 × 66 × 163 cm)
• Stride length: 15 inches (38.1 cm)
• Streaming capabilities: JRNY app (via tablet or other device)
• Key features: 16 resistance levels, media rack, USB port, LCD screen, Bluetooth heart rate-compatible

Our pick for the best elliptical for small spaces is the Bowflex Max Trainer M6. This trainer stands out from other ellipticals on the market because it offers 16 resistance levels and a blend of sliding and stepping motions for a more intense workout.

The Bowflex M6 comes equipped with a backlit console, a media rack for your tablet or phone, and a USB port for charging your devices.

Each purchase includes a 12-month subscription to the Bowflex JRNY app, which gives you access to instructor-led classes and virtual coaching. After that, the app costs $19.99 per month or $149 per year.

The Bowflex M6 comes with 2 years of protection for parts and 90 days for labor — less extensive than comparable brands. However, you can buy additional protection through the Bowflex Protection Plan.

Best hybrid

ProForm Hybrid Trainer XT

• Price: $
• Dimensions: 24.5 × 70.5 × 60.5 inches (62 × 179 × 154 cm)
• Stride length: 15 inches (38.1 cm)
• Streaming capabilities: iFit (via tablet or other device)
• Key features: 16 resistance levels, heart rate grip sensors, speakers, LCD monitor

The ProForm Hybrid Trainer XT is an elliptical that doubles as a recumbent bike.

Unlike many other two-in-one ellipticals, this machine allows you to adjust the seat, pedals, and handlebar.

It doesn’t skimp on features, offering 16 resistance levels, heart rate grip sensors, speakers, and an LCD monitor for tracking your distance, speed, and estimated calories burned.

However, because this machine’s stride length is relatively short compared with those of other models, it may not be ideal for taller people.

Each purchase comes with a 30-day iFit membership, a 5-year warranty on the frame, and a 1-year warranty on parts and labor.

Best for outdoors

ElliptiGO Outdoor Stand-Up Bike

• Price: $$$
• Dimensions: 75 × 50–58 inches (190.5 × 127–147 cm)
• Stride length: 16–25 inches (40.6–63.5 cm)
• Streaming capabilities: none
• Key features: 3 gears, very adjustable stride length

Looking to take your elliptical workout outside? The ElliptiGO Outdoor Stand-Up Bike is a fun and unique way to work up a sweat.

Unlike a regular bike, the ElliptiGO doesn’t have a seat. Instead, you propel the bike forward by standing and moving the pedals in a gliding motion.

Just keep in mind that the bike is meant for outdoor use and can be bulky to store. If you do want to ride indoors, ElliptiGO offers an accessory called the Fluid 365 Stationary Trainer for $599 that will hold the bike in place.

Best for home use

Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Machine

• Price: $
• Dimensions: 53.8 x 24 x 62.5 inches (136.7 x 61 x 158.8 cm)
• Stride length: 18 inches (45.7 cm)
• Streaming capabilities: Explore the World app (via tablet or other device)
• Key features: 16 resistance levels, compact design, LCD screen, media rack, water bottle holder, heart rate tracking (when connected to a heart rate strap)

Compact workout machines make working out at home easier, and the Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Machine’s design means it won’t take up all your valuable floor space.

While the 411 does not offer a touch screen, it has a media rack for your iPad or smartphone. You can use those devices to connect to the Explore the World app (which costs $9.99–$13.49 per month).

You can’t change the incline, but with 16 resistance levels, you can still dial up the challenge (or tone it down).

Best foldable

Sunny Health & Fitness Air Walk Trainer Elliptical Machine

• Price: $
• Dimensions: 25 x 19 x 57 inches (63.5 x 48.3 x 144.8 cm)
• Stride length: 30 inches (76.2 cm)
• Streaming capabilities: none
• Key features: extended stride, LCD screen, adjustable abdominal cushion, slim foldable design

Looking for something you can tuck away when you’re not working out? The Air Walk Trainer can fold up to half its length for easy storage between workouts.

While it doesn’t offer incline or resistance levels, it does have a 30-inch (76.2-cm) stride capacity that stands out from other options on our list.

It also has an adjustable abdominal cushion so people of different heights can feel comfortable working out on the same machine. That said, the max weight capacity is 200 pounds, which may not suit all users.

While this is probably not the best elliptical for serious athletes, the low price and easy assembly (users rave about how easy it is to put together) make this an easy, affordable way to begin elliptical workouts.

Best quiet

ProForm Carbon E10

• Price: $$
• Dimensions: 67.75 x 25 x 68.5 inches (172.1 x 63.5 x 174 cm)
• Stride length: 19 inches (48.3 cm)
• Streaming capabilities: iFit
• Key features: 10-inch (17.8-cm) HD touch screen, 24 resistance levels, 20-degree adjustable power incline

Need to keep the noise down while you work out? The silent magnetic resistance on the ProForm Carbon E10 means you don’t have to worry about loud friction noises from your elliptical machine.

The touch screen allows you to stream iFit classes at the best rate on our list. A 3-year iFit family membership is included with your purchase — just note that you’ll need to pay $39 per month to continue after that.

With 24 resistance levels and a 20-degree adjustable incline, this elliptical can challenge athletes of all levels. The adjustable stride length also makes it easy to share with other users.

It is a bit of an investment, but the elliptical comes with a 10-year frame warranty, a 2-year parts warranty, and a 1-year labor warranty.

Best for travel

Cubii JR1 Under-Desk Elliptical Machine

• Price: $
• Dimensions: 23.15 x 17.56 x 10 inches (58.8 x 44.6 x 25.4 cm)
• Stride length: N/A
• Streaming capabilities: Cubii Studio+ (via tablet or other device)
• Key features: LCD screen, 8 resistance levels

What if you could take your elliptical to work with you? The Cubii is small enough to fit under desks, next to couches, and in your car on road trips. It’s meant for use while sitting, which also makes it a good option for doing physical therapy or exercising with an upper body injury.

Although it lacks handlebars, this elliptical offers eight resistance levels and has an LCD screen to help you track calories burned and distance traveled.

It won’t engage your upper body like some ellipticals do, but since you can use it while you’re sitting at work, you might find that you use it more throughout the day.

The Cubii uses magnetic resistance, which means a quiet workout, so you won’t have to worry about disturbing your co-workers.

If you enjoy the convenience of working out on your own but miss the community feel of a group class, you can subscribe to Cubii Studio+ to access over 300 free on-demand workout classes.

Best for a full-body workout

Bowflex Max Trainer M9

• Price: $$
• Dimensions: 49.21 x 30.5 x 65.12 inches (125 x 77.5 x 165.4 cm)
• Stride length: N/A
• Streaming capabilities: JRNY app, Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max
• Key features: 1-year JRNY membership included with purchase, media rack, 10-inch interactive console, HD touch screen, 20 resistance levels, 4-grip handlebars, Bluetooth-enabled for smart devices and heart rate monitors, heart rate armband included

If you want a full-body workout, the Bowflex Max Trainer M9 is a great choice. It’s similar to the M6 (featured above) but includes an HD touch screen you can use to access streaming services and the JRNY app for guided workouts.

With 20 resistance levels, you can adjust it to suit your specific needs and fitness level. What’s more, it integrates with smart devices and heart rate monitors and includes a heart rate armband so you can ensure that you’re getting the most out of your workout.

While a 1-year JRNY membership is included with your purchase, you’ll need to renew your membership after a year to continue to get the most out of the equipment. It typically costs $19.99 per month or $149 per year plus taxes.

Best under-desk elliptical

Stamina InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer

• Price: $
• Dimensions: 24.5 x 17 x 11.38 inches (62.23 x 43.18 x 28.9 cm)
• Stride length: N/A
• Streaming capabilities: none
• Key features: LCD screen, compact design, nonslip foot pedals, müüv app integration, multiple color options, monitor that tracks stats

If you’d like to get some exercise while working or gaming, try an under-desk elliptical like the Stamina InMotion Elliptical Trainer.

Great for small spaces (and smaller budgets), this elliptical trainer can fit under your desk and can easily be moved or stored away. It allows you to work out while sitting or standing, so you can use it with a regular desk or a standing desk.

While a compact elliptical trainer like this one can’t give you an upper body workout like other trainers, it can be an effective way to incorporate more movement into your day.

The small LCD monitor can measure your strides per minute, total strides, exercise time, and calories burned. The elliptical also integrates with the müüv app, a smart audio coaching app that you can use to access personalized workouts.

Best self-powered elliptical

Decathlon EL520 Self-Powered Elliptical

• Price: $
• Dimensions: 57.5 x 24.8 x 62.6 inches (146 x 63 x 159 cm)
• Stride length: 15.35 inches (38.98 cm)
• Streaming capabilities: none
• Key features: wheels for easy movement, hand sensors for heart rate monitoring, self-powered machine, media shelf to hold a phone or tablet, water bottle holder, pedal locking system

If you want to work out in a space where you don’t have an electrical outlet, opt for a self-powered elliptical machine.

The Decathlon EL520 Self-Powered Elliptical is powered by your own movement, making it possible to exercise outdoors, in the middle of a room, or anywhere else. Plus, the built-in wheels make it easy to move your trainer from one spot to another.

Although you can’t stream classes or shows on this self-powered elliptical, it has a handy media shelf where you can store and use your phone or tablet. It also monitors your heart rate via hand sensors.

The EL520 has a 2-year warranty for parts and labor and a 5-year warranty on metallic pieces.

Quick comparison

Here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare:

* ^L = LCD display, ^T = Touchscreen display, ^D = Digital monitor

Note that the prices above reflect the current market list price and may vary by retailer.

How to choose the best elliptical

Ready to buy an elliptical? Here are some factors to consider:

• Space. How much room do you have for an elliptical? Do you have space for additional equipment, or do you need a multipurpose machine?
• Your exercise needs and desired features. How many resistance and incline levels do you want? Are you fine working out on your own, or do you prefer instructor-led classes?
• Warranties. An elliptical is a pricey investment, so you’ll want to check what’s covered under the warranty and for how long.
• Customer reviews. Especially if you’re ordering online and can’t try it out for yourself, look for a product that’s rated highly by consumers.

Frequently asked questions

Are home ellipticals worth it?

If you use a home elliptical frequently enough, it’s worth the investment. For many people, a home elliptical is worth buying as it can be easier to fit a quick workout in at home than it is to go to the gym. Consider creating a regular exercise routine to ensure you get your money’s worth.

If you’re not sure whether you enjoy using an elliptical, consider trying one out in a gym or at a sports equipment store before making a purchase. If you prefer to use a variety of gym equipment, a gym membership might be more worthwhile.

Are front- or rear-drive ellipticals better?

Personal preference plays a large role in choosing between the two elliptical styles.

Front-drive ellipticals tend to be cheaper and more compact, but having the flywheel in the front can also limit stride length a bit. This can affect taller individuals whose legs need extra stride room.

Rear-drive ellipticals tend to flatten exercise movements and have a more natural feel. They also tend to be quieter and have fewer moving parts, which can mean less maintenance. These ellipticals may not offer the same range of incline options as a front-drive elliptical, though.

What muscles do ellipticals strengthen?

Elliptical machines can offer a full-body aerobic workout. An elliptical workout can strengthen your glutes, hamstrings, quads, chest, back, biceps, triceps, and core muscles.

Have a specific area you’d like to focus on? By changing the incline and resistance, you can focus on specific lower body muscle groups such as your quads or calves. Moving the pedals in reverse allows you to focus on your hamstrings and glutes (1).

If you stand up straight and release the handlebars, you can even work on core strength and balance.

Are ellipticals safe?

When used appropriately, ellipticals can be a safe way to get a low impact workout. In fact, using an elliptical can be less stressful on your knees, hips, and back than running or using a treadmill (2).

Before beginning any new exercise routine, it’s important to check with a healthcare professional. They can advise you on any specific personal health concerns that would make working out on an elliptical unsafe.

What brand is the best elliptical?

It depends on your personal preference, as all ellipticals have their own unique features and benefits. However, if you’re looking for a high quality elliptical brand, all the brands mentioned above are worth considering.

Is the elliptical machine good for losing belly fat?

No specific workout can help you lose belly fat faster than another. However, if you want to burn calories, elliptical machines can offer a high intensity workout without impacting your joints as much as, say, a treadmill.

Working out on an elliptical machine can improve your core muscles, which won’t necessarily help you lose belly fat, but can help you strengthen your abdominal muscles.

What single machine is better than an elliptical?

A treadmill has some benefits over an elliptical: It can be more effective for burning calories and improving strength. However, the elliptical is easier on your joints, especially your knee joints, offering lower impact workouts.

If you’re looking to get something specific out of your workouts, it might be best to discuss it with a physiotherapist or personal trainer, as they can give you personalized advice on which machines to use.

The bottom line

Elliptical machines are a low impact way to get your heart rate up at home (3).

With many options to choose from, you can use this list as a starting point to find the elliptical trainer that best fits your lifestyle. Remember to check with a healthcare professional before beginning any new exercise plan.