The elliptical machine is the best option for an easy cardio workout. Running on roads or even the best treadmill can be painful for many people due to the force it puts on the knees and hips. Using an elliptical trainer machine forces the body to move in a gliding pattern rather than picking up the feet and placing them on a hard surface.
As certified personal trainers, and fitness enthusiasts, we evaluate and rate these products based on our extensive equipment testing methodology, which includes factors such as:
- Workout performance: How does the machine feel while in use?
- Programming: Is there a range of workouts to choose from?
- Value: Is the machine worth the price?
- Durability: Is this an elliptical that you can rely on for years to come?
Best Elliptical Machines
Sole E35 Elliptical
The Sole E35 is an excellent choice for a budget-conscious consumer looking to add an elliptical to their home workout area. The Sole E35 operates in both forward and reverse, providing a complete body workout and a unique way to work a variety of muscle groups.
Pros:
- Heavy flywheel offers smooth, quiet motion
- 20 incline levels let you target different muscle groups
- Simple console lets you get on and go
- Lifetime frame warranty, 5-year warranty on electronics and parts, 2 years on labor
- Compatible with Studio, Sole’s programming app
Cons:
- Large, tall footprint
- Non-adjustable stride length
- Studio app requires a monthly fee
The Sole E35 is heavy-built, it comes with an easy-to-use digital display, smooth ride, and quiet operation. Unique foot pedals on Sole E35 are designed with an inward slope, which is said to decrease stress on the knees and ankles. E35 have extras like a built-in cooling fan, water bottle holder, and tablet holder.
The E35 has some notable upgrades compared to their previous model E25, and a better warranty, but your workouts will be similar to those on the E25, which is a thumbs up.
Sole E35 Elliptical
This machine currently has a 4.3-out-of-5-star rating on Amazon, based on 318 reviews. It has 85 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on the Sole website.
Those who rated the machine highly praised its durability and quietness.
“I love this machine; I’m glad I didn’t go with a cheaper model or brand,” Amazon reviewer Danielle wrote. “It’s heavy, built like a tank. The assembly was simple, but it is necessary to carefully follow the assembly instructions.
Others did experience problems with the assembly process, as well as other issues, such as noisy pedals
NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical
NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical provides incline and decline training, a flexible stride length, and a 14-inch touchscreen display for iFIT engaging programming. If you want to break a sweat while being guided and motivated by iFIT trainers and coaches, the AirGlide is for you.
Pros:
- Automatic trainer control with iFIT
- 30-day iFIT trial included
- Large, cushioned pedals
- Bluetooth speakers
- Quiet drive system
Cons:
- Expensive price tag
- iFIT trial requires your credit card
- iFIT requires monthly membership fees
Bowflex Max Trainer M8
The Bowflex MaxTrainer M8 is based on the popular Max Trainer’ M7 model. The MS features enhanced dual-mode LCD/LED screens, multi-grip dynamic handles, enobars, 20 resistance levels, and a premium media rack The Max Trainer’s unique burn rate display motivates you by setting targets to help you achieve your goals – short bursts of effort followed by longer periods of rest – so you workout smarter, not harder.
Pros:
- Stair-stepping design targets muscle development
- Compatible with JRNY
- Ideal for HIIT workouts
Cons:
- No interactive touchscreen
- Pretty basic display
- Expensive
Bowflex has released several Max Trainer ellipticals over the years, each improving on the previous one. Today, they have the M6, M8, M9, and Max Total. Aside from a price increase, the most significant difference between the M9 and the Max Total is a large, 10-inch color touchscreen and a few additional resistance levels.
If you are looking for a complete gliding machine, this is not the one. The Max Trainer line is more like a stair stepper with a short stride. Make no mistake: it will still burn your quads and leave you breathless. However, it does not simulate running in the same way that some ellipticals do.
ProForm Hybrid Trainer
The Proform Hybrid Trainer combines a recumbent exercise bike and an elliptical, so your legs are in front of you. This relieves stress on your knees and reduces the impact they receive during a workout.
Pros:
- No interactive touchscreen
- Pretty basic display
- Expensive
Cons:
- No interactive touchscreen
- Pretty basic display
- Expensive
Recumbent bikes are ideal for people who require an ergonomic seating position and the ability to move their legs. They won’t provide much of a cardiovascular workout. However, on this hybrid trainer, the elliptical serves that purpose.
The console on this machine is a simple LCD display. Also there is no media shelf where you can place your phone or tablet to watch a show, no cooling fans, and no Bluetooth speakers. However, the LCD display rotates down for easy access when biking and up.
You can also choose from 14 preset workouts, including 7 elliptical and 7 bike. You get a 30-day free trial of iFIT when you buy this Hybrid Trainer.
Horizon EX-59 Elliptical
The Horizon EX-59 is an affordable elliptical with an 18-inch stride length and five preset programs to choose from. What it lacks in technological capabilities. This elliptical has a locked-down feel for a low price.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 18-inch stride length
- Lifetime frame warranty
- 10 resistance levels
Cons:
- Lighter flywheel
- User weight capacity is on the lighter side
- No touchscreen display
- 10-inch step-up is high
- No incline options
- No flywheel warranty
Niceday Elliptical Machine
I wasn’t expecting much from this machine, which costs less than $600, but I was pleasantly surprised by how good it felt during my testing period. I did a 15-minute interval workout, cycling through all of the resistance settings, pedaling forward and backward. This is a machine that is mostly just okay, but it’s ideal if you want a simple and quiet elliptical.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 18-inch stride length
- Lifetime frame warranty
- 10 resistance levels
Cons:
- Lighter flywheel
- User weight capacity is on the lighter side
- No touchscreen display
- 10-inch step-up is high
- No incline options
- No flywheel warranty
It is made of steel rather than plastic (as is the case with most budget cardio equipment), making it not only more stable but also more durable than other budget ellipticals. It has a fantastic weight capacity of 400 pounds. However, I gave it a 3.5 out of 5 for durability because there is a lot of shifting side to side while exercising.
It also has magnetic resistance rather than friction resistance, which is common on low-cost equipment in an effort to save money. Because of the steel construction and magnetic resistance, you’ll be able to keep this machine in your home gym for a much longer period of time, giving you a much better value for money.
But is it worth purchasing in the first place? Honestly, if you just need an elliptical and don’t want anything fancy, we’d say yes. Yes, you’ll only have a basic LCD display, no water bottle holder, and a flywheel weighing only 16 pounds, but there’s a lot to like about this machine.
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical
It can be difficult to find a good budget Elliptical that is still of high quality. I’ve been using cheap cardio machines, and they’re awful. They don’t feel solid, and they break down easily.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Machine surprised me with its smooth workout. It’s a rear-drive elliptical, which means the wheel is at the back of the machine rather than the front. Rear-drive machines feel more natural than front-drive machines, but most people don’t notice the difference.
Pros:
- Easy-to-follow built-in workouts
- Under $600
- Machine is smooth and doesn’t shake
- 16 levels of resistance
Cons:
- Warranty is below the industry standard
- Unclear assembly instructions
- Short stride length of just 15.5 inches
Of all the best ellipticals on the market in this price range, I prefer this one because it has 24 built-in workouts, which is a lot for a machine that does not come with an app. It is also lightweight, weighing only 105 pounds, but with a weight capacity of 330.
However, this is a motorized elliptical, not a flywheel. The issue here is that a motor may be more prone to failure or require more maintenance. However, you receive what you pay for.