The Best 8 Elliptical Machines for Full-Body Workouts at Home

Ready to take your health and fitness to the next level? An elliptical machine is just the ticket. We’ve done the research and tested countless ellipticals to bring you the best ellipticals on the market right now.

Elliptical machines are one of the best tools for improved health and physical fitness.

The list of benefits of elliptical machines is long and exhaustive, from being my go-to cardio machine for losing weight thanks to its low-impact nature, full body activation, and versatility (hint: use it backward from time to time).

While the benefits of ellipticals are clear, choosing the right one for your home gym for you can be a little more confusing.

Ellipticals vary widely in feature, function, and cost.

In this guide to the best elliptical trainers, we will break down the top models and brands so that you can buy with confidence.

We will look at the pros and cons of our top picks and list some things to look out for when buying an elliptical.

By the end, you will have a crystal-clear idea of which elliptical is the one to help you along your path to your workout goals.

Let’s jump right in.

We Love Ellipticals

Over the years, we’ve tested and reviewed over 65 different elliptical machines currently on the market for home and commercial settings.

Combined with our team’s decades of experience training clients and using the machines ourselves, we’ve got a pretty good idea of what makes an elliptical trainer quality.

Best Elliptical Machines – Quick Look:

• Best Overall Elliptical Machine – Sole E95 Elliptical
• Best Elliptical for Online Workouts – NordicTrack Commercial 14.9
• Best Adjustable Stride Elliptical – Sole E95s Elliptical
• Best Elliptical for HIIT Workouts – ProForm Pro HIIT H14
• Best Bike Elliptical Combo – ProForm Hybrid Trainer XT
• Best Elliptical Under $800 – Nautilus E616
• Best Budget-Friendly Elliptical – Schwinn 411
• Best Really Budget-Friendly Elliptical – Sunny Health E905 Elliptical

The Best Ellipticals for Home Gyms

Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine – Best Overall Elliptical Machine

⭐ Best elliptical for: people who want a studio-grade elliptical without paying studio-grade prices

Key Specs:

• Price: $1,999
• Flywheel: 27lb
• Stride length: 20”
• Resistance levels: 1-20 levels
• Workout Programs: 12 programs and SOLE+ app compatibility
• Screen size: 13.3” touchscreen
• Incline: 0-20 levels
• Weight capacity: 400lb
• Machine weight: 242lb
• Dimensions: 83” L x 34” W x 70” H
• Warranty: Lifetime on frame and flywheel, three years on parts, one year on labor

The Sole Fitness E95 is our top overall pick for best elliptical machine, and has been so for the past couple of years.

Without gushing too hard, we love it for its incredibly sturdy ride, reasonable price ($1,999), updated 13.3″ touchscreen, workout functionality, and studio-grade construction.

The E95, just like its sibling, the E95s, which we will look at shortly, is built for punishment, with a 27lb flywheel and weighs in at a beefy 236lb. The result is a stride that is smooth and remarkably stable.

Comfort, ergonomics, and posture take precedence when working out, and the Sole E95 nails these with ergonomically designed and cushioned foot pedals that can be manually adjusted to find your perfect foot position and angle.

Custom pedal positioning helps reduce knee pain and that pesky toe and foot numbness that happens from using the elliptical machine for long periods of time.

In terms of performance, the Sole E95 has a power incline (for added difficulty), a 20” stride length that will suit most users just fine, and 20 levels of resistance.

Other creature comforts on the E95 include resistance and incline controls on the handles for quick access, an oversized water bottle holder (you’d be surprised how often cardio machine companies screw this simple thing up), and a media tray for parking your smartphone, tablet of book.

Sole upgraded the E95 with a new, 13’3″ touchscreen, an update from the previous LCD screen. The console also now has a wireless charging platform for your smartphone and you can even mirror your device onto the Sole E95’s screen.

The Sole E95 is compatible with Sole’s online workout programming, STUDIO. While not as feature-rich as competitors like Peloton and iFit, it is significantly cheaper, so you’re covered if online, trainer-led classes are your thing.

The new updated screen comes with third-party streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and others so that you can catch up on your favorite shows while sweating away the calories.

Built like a commercial-grade elliptical but without the commercial-grade price tag, the Sole E95 Elliptical Machine ranks numero uno in our list of the best elliptical machines for home gyms.

Sole also backs the E95 with a lifetime warranty on the frame and flywheel, making it likely the last elliptical you will ever have to buy.

My main criticism of the Sole E95 is that it’s built big and heavy, making it harder to move for some people.

The Sole E95 strides like a boss, has tons of immersive training and media options, is built to last, and will give you the most comfortable elliptical training you’ve ever experienced.

✅ PROS	❌ CONS
Commercial-grade elliptical at a residential-grade price ($1,999)	Hard to move
27lb flywheel
Power incline
Adjustable foot pedals for ergonomic stride
20” stride length
13.3” touchscreen display for streaming and online classes

NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 Elliptical

⭐ Best elliptical for: people who get motivated from doing online classes and interactive programming

Key specs:

• Price: $1,599
• Flywheel: 32lb
• Stride length: 17.5-18.7” auto-adjusting stride
• Resistance levels: 1-26 levels
• Workout Programs: 35 preloaded programs and iFit compatible
• Screen size: 14” touchscreen
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Incline: 0-20% grade
• Weight capacity: 350lb
• Machine weight: 210lb
• Dimensions: 67” L x 29” W x 69” H
• Warranty: 10-years on the frame, two years on parts, one year on labor

Over the past few years we’ve seen a seismic shift in terms of how people use cardio machines at home. Gone are the days of plain-Jane LCD displays and bare-bone metrics.

Thanks to brands like Peloton, the era of large HD screens, online classes, and interactive workouts is here.

The NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 Elliptical jumps on this bandwagon in a big way with a 14” HD touchscreen and 30 days free access to iFit, which includes thousands of workouts, classes, and “around the world” maps and courses. With your iFit subscription, you can save up to four user profiles who can access iFit workouts from the NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 or a smartphone or tablet.

The Commercial 14.9 is a beast when it comes to performance, with a MASSIVE 32lb flywheel (biggest I’ve ever seen on a residential elliptical trainer) on a steel frame. I’m 6’5 and 280ish pounds and even when going full throttle on the 14.9, there is zero wiggle or wobble.

This is, for lack of a better word, a brute of an elliptical.

The stride length adjusts slightly according to your natural gait (between 17.5” and 18.7”), you’ve got your choice between 26 resistance levels to match up with your current fitness levels, and the cushioned foot pedals are among the most comfortable I’ve ever used.

Oh, and it’s got a power incline feature to crank up the difficulty mid workout. The power incline ranges from 0-20% for really getting after a challenging workout.

(Note: This can also be controlled by your trainer in online classes with a feature called Automatic Trainer Control—this feature can also be turned off if you prefer to control the pace yourself.)

Performance features aside, the real reason to get after the 14.9 is with the iFit portal, which numbered at 17,000 workouts at the time of writing.

It includes workouts that can be done off the elliptical (yoga, strength training, etc.), so it’s much more holistic than a strictly elliptical training app.

The main beef I have with the 14.9 has nothing to do with the machine itself but in the ongoing membership costs associated with iFit.

One of the perks of investing in cardio equipment for your home gym is that you *should* end up saving money in the long term by canceling your gym membership. Signing up for iFit negates that long-term benefit.

✅ PROS	❌ CONS
32lb flywheel—heaviest for residential elliptical trainers	Only one month of iFit access included with the machine; $39 per month after that
Cushioned foot pedals; comfortable for extended use
Big, shiny 14” HD touchscreen; perfect for classes
Power incline feature
Best elliptical for doing online classes with iFit

Sole Fitness E95s Adjustable Stride Elliptical

⭐ Best elliptical for: multi-user households and people who like adjusting stride length mid-workout

Key specs:

• Price: $2,499
• Flywheel: 32lb
• Stride length: 18-24” adjustable stride
• Resistance levels: 1-20 levels
• Workout Programs: 12 preloaded programs and STUDIO compatible
• Screen size: 13.3” touchscreen
• Incline: 0-20% grade
• Weight capacity: 400lb
• Machine weight: 275lb
• Dimensions: 84” L x 32” W x 71” H

Warranty: Lifetime on the frame and flywheel, three years on parts, one year on labor

While there are less expensive ellipticals with adjustable stride length, including the Diamondback 1060ef Elliptical, the Sole Fitness E95s gets our nod for top pick for elliptical trainers that can adjust stride length.

The build quality of the E95s is simply incredible, with a bombproof 30lb flywheel, max user weight of 400lbs, and a frame weight of over 260lbs for total stability when in use.

The E95s, although designed for home use, easily outperforms many of the commercial machines at my local gym.

But that’s not the main reason we love it…

The E95s has a power adjustable stride that can be changed on the fly from controls on the handles and console. The stride ranges from 18” to 24”, adjusted in half-inch increments, with 12 different stride positions.

Which means everyone in your household, irrespective of height and leg length, can find a stride length that is comfortable and biomechanically superior for quality workouts. Combine this with oversized foot pedals and you are guaranteed a comfortable workout each time you step on the Sole E95s.

The Sole E95s also has a big 13.3” touchscreen for tracking all of your favorite workout metrics, ergonomic foot pedals, and the smoothest ride in the business.

The newly updated screen and console come preloaded with third-party streaming apps (Netflix, etc), multiple user profiles, Bluetooth connectivity, and access to Sole STUDIO app, which has over 3,000 classes and counting.

For people who have multiple users using the elliptical at home, or those who want to switch up stride length mid-workout, the E95s is our runaway choice.

The main con of the E95s is the flip side of all the sturdiness—it’s a big machine with a long footprint and a heavy frame that is difficult to move once set up.

Additionally, the assembly manual isn’t the best we’ve ever seen, so you may want to opt for the in-home assembly option when ordering.

✅ PROS	❌ CONS
30lb flywheel for heavy-duty use	It’s a huge machine—over 84” long
Power adjustable stride (18” to 24”)	Assembly manual could be improved
Ergonomic foot pedals
Updated 13.3″ touchscreen for streaming and online workouts
Tons of workout functionality
Best adjustable stride elliptical on the market

ProForm Pro HIIT H14

⭐ Best elliptical for: People who love doing HIIT workouts and want the added challenge of a stepper + elliptical combo

Key specs:

• Price: $1,499
• Flywheel: 30lb
• Stride length: 10” vertical, 5” horizontal stride
• Resistance levels: 1-26 levels
• Workout Programs: iFit compatible (no preloaded workouts)
• Screen size: 13.3” touchscreen
• Incline: 0-20% grade
• Weight capacity: 325lb
• Machine weight: 224lb
• Dimensions: 52” L x 29” W x 66” H
• Warranty: 10-years on the frame, two years on parts, one year on labor

HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, is an absolute monster regarding fat burning, weight loss, and lighting your metabolism on fire. Unlike steady-state cardio, it has effects long after you leave the gym.

When doing HIIT on an elliptical machine, there’s no machine better suited to the purpose than the ProForm Pro HIIT H14.

It’s more of an elliptical and stepper combo machine, to be honest, but that’s precisely why it is so effective. You get the low impact and stride path of an elliptical with the increased vertical path (i.e., it’s harder) of a stepper.

The HIIT H14 is perfect for the more experienced user looking to get the most of their time on the elliptical machine, with a 14” HD touchscreen that is ideal for classes, a 30lb flywheel (boom!), and 26 levels of resistance.

The HIIT H14 also has a compact design, with a footprint of just 52” x 29”, small enough to work in multi-use rooms like a bedroom or office.

While the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 is not the cheapest elliptical machine on the market, it is the best-priced of its kind. (The Bowflex Max Trainer M9, for example, has a smaller screen and flywheel and costs $200 more than the H14.)

Exercising on the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 is a breeze–literally-with an adjustable cooling fan for staying cool, a screen that can be tilted, and a Bluetooth speaker and connectivity for cranking up the tunes.

The H14 is a machine for more advanced users, so if you have knee problems or are just getting started on your fitness journey, it won’t be the machine for you.

Additionally, there are no preloaded workout programs on the machine, which means you are stuck with an iFit membership if you plan on using the Pro HIIT H14

✅ PROS	❌ CONS
Best elliptical machine for HIIT workouts	Not ideal for people with bad knees
Budget-friendly pricing compared to other similar machines	Probably not best for beginners
Big 14” HD touchscreen for doing classes	No preloaded workout programs
Compact footprint

ProForm Hybrid Trainer XT

⭐ Best for: people with bad knees, entry-level users and people with mobility issues looking for the ultimate in low impact cardio exercise

Price: $599

One of the key benefits of using an elliptical machine for exercise is the low impact nature of the movement. Because your feet never leave the ground there are no joint strikes that can exacerbate knee and hip pain. (See also: Are Elliptical Machines Good for Bad Knees?)

For people bouncing back from injury, or who are slowly easing back into exercise, an elliptical can be a real game-changer. Especially when you can combine the elliptical with a recumbent bike, giving you a serious 1-2 punch for low-impact exercise.

No one does this specific combination of cardio machines better than the ProForm Hybrid Trainer XT.

The Hybrid Trainer XT is as the name suggests, is a machine that can be adjusted between elliptical and recumbent bike with the adjustment of a knob (takes about 20 seconds to change between the two modes).

The machine is priced very reasonably ($599) when you consider that you are actually getting two cardio machines for the price of one. The console has 16 total workouts programmed into it (8 for bike, 8 for elliptical) and it can be hooked up to iFit for more workout programs and online classes.

The main downsides with the ProForm Hybrid Trainer XT include a shorter stride length (15”) that will be uncomfortable for taller people and a relatively low max user weight (250lbs).

✅ PROS	❌ CONS
Best elliptical machine for people with bad knees	Low max user weight (250lbs)
Combo elliptical and recumbent bike	Short stride length (15”); not ideal for taller users
Easy to switch between modes
Budget-friendly
Can be paired with iFit for online classes

Schwinn 411 Elliptical Machine

⭐ Best elliptical for: People who want a quality elliptical trainer without breaking the bank

Key specs:

• Price: $699
• Flywheel: Magnetic resistance
• Stride length: 18”
• Resistance levels: 1-16 levels
• Screen: LCD display
• Incline: No
• Weight capacity: 300lb
• Machine weight: 100lb
• Dimensions: 54” L x 24” W x 62.5” H
• Warranty: 10-years on the frame, two years on parts, one year on labor

It’s not a secret that cardio machines can be prohibitively expensive. Over the years we have tested residential and commercial ellipticals that exceeded $5,000 in price (!!!).

And for most of us, that kind of cost is simply not in our wheelhouse.

Fortunately, there are plenty of very budget-friendly elliptical trainers on the market for home gyms, and our favorite is the Schwinn 411 Elliptical Machine.

It costs around $700, is backed by one of the most reputable brand names in the cardio equipment game, and it kicks a surprising amount of butts when it comes to performance.

For starters, it has an 18” stride length, which will be suitable for everyone save for the taller folks, a 300lb max user weight, and is priced way cheaper compared to other ellipticals with similar features.

(The Schwinn 411 is also a huge jump in quality from many of the $200 to $300 cheapo ellipticals you see on Amazon.)

The Schwinn 411 works in smaller spaces, too, with a depth of just 53”, which is far below what is “standard” for ellipticals (70” to 80” is typical for front and rear drive elliptical machines).

The console has all of the basics, including interval programs, quick start, heart rate programs, and has 16 levels of resistance to meet you where you are with your training goals.

The Schwinn 411 display can be paired with many popular fitness apps via Bluetooth, including Schwinn’s “Explore the World” app, which offers global outdoor routes and locations for virtual training.

Using the heart rate contact grips on the fixed handles, the Schwinn 411 can connect to a heart rate monitor (chest strap, for example) of choice for accurate heart rate monitoring.

Finally, for people who need portability from their elliptical machine, even though it’s built on a steel alloy frame, the Schwinn 411 is very lightweight at 100lbs, making it easy to move around or tuck away between workouts.

While I didn’t experience this myself, in several reviews I’ve seen online, people struggled with the resistance on the lowest levels finding that the 411 felt “stiff” on the low levels of resistance.

Also, unlike its big brothers, the Schwinn 430 and Schwinn 470, the Schwinn 411 doesn’t have an incline option.

✅ PROS	❌ CONS
Best budget-friendly elliptical machine for home gyms	Some reviewers have noted high resistance at starting levels
18” stride length	No incline
16 levels of resistance
Compact and space-saving design
Lightweight; easy to move

Nautilus E616 Elliptical Machine – Best Elliptical Under $800

⭐ Best elliptical for: People who want the basics of an elliptical done right for under $800

Key specs:

• Price: $699
• Flywheel: 22lb
• Stride length: 20”
• Resistance levels: 1-25 levels
• Workout Programs: 29 workout programs
• Screen: Dual LCD displays
• Incline: 0-6 levels (motorized)
• Weight capacity: 300lb
• Machine weight: 173lb
• Dimensions: 70” L x 28” W x 71” H
• Warranty: 10 years on the frame, three years on parts, one year on labor

The Nautilus E616 Elliptical is one of my favorite ellipticals of all time and I LOVE the combination of performance features and price.

It’s the best elliptical trainer under $800—and it’s not even close.

It has a robust 22lb flywheel and a powered incline—two things no other elliptical at this price can claim. The E616 also has a 20” stride length and a respectable 300lb weight capacity.

The console and display on the Nautilus E616 is fairly basic, but to be honest, that only adds to the charm for me.

Call me old-fashioned, but there are times when I have no interest in logging on to an online training platform (Peloton, iFit, STUDIO, etc) and sifting through thousands of classes to find the right one for me.

Some days, I want to just jump on the elliptical, hit manual, and get to work.

The Nautilus E616 is perfect for these types of no-frills workouts. The elliptical has a ton of workout options, 29 in total, and you can set up multiple user profiles and custom training programs.

It also features a motorized incline–a feature rarely seen at this price range–with six levels of incline to crank up the difficulty of your workouts.

Note: If you like the Nautilus E616 but want just a few more bells and whistles, its big brother, the Nautilus E618, is also an excellent option with a heavier flywheel (30lb), longer stride length (22”) and adjustable foot pedals for a couple of hundred dollars more. Read my review of the Nautilus E618 here.

✅ PROS	❌ CONS
No-frills display; best for people who want to get on and go	Honestly, don’t really have any beefs with this machine
Best elliptical machine under $800
22lb flywheel
20” stride length
Motorized incline (6 levels)

Sunny Health E905 Elliptical Machine

⭐ Best elliptical for: Shorter and entry level users looking for a compact and lightweight elliptical machine

Key specs:

• Price: $249
• Flywheel: Magnetic resistance
• Stride length: 11”
• Resistance levels: 8 levels
• Workout Programs: Manual
• Screen: LCD Display
• Incline: None
• Weight capacity: 220lb
• Machine weight: 60.8lb
• Dimensions: 28” L x 17” W x 57” H
• Warranty: 3-years on the frame, 180 days on parts and components

Sunny Health is one of the most popular low-budget makers of fitness equipment, with a wide range of workout gear, such as budget squat racks, dumbbells, and yup, elliptical machines!

The Sunny Health E905 is about as budget-friendly as it gets, retailing for less than $200. The E905 has an extremely small footprint (28” x 17”) which is about 35% that of a standard elliptical.

Using magnetic resistance with a micro-tension controller (the Sunny Health E905 doesn’t have a flywheel), the machine offers eight levels of resistance. The fixed arms on the machine have pulse grips for heart rate monitoring.

The elliptical has a very basic digital display (like, it’s a stopwatch kind of basic), and because it is so compact and light, it’s a breeze to move around when not in use.

The Sunny Health E905 is going to be the perfect elliptical smaller users as it has a stride length of 11” (shortest on the market, BTW) and a max user weight of 220lbs.

As you can guess with those kinds of specs, the Sunny Health E905 is not for larger or more experienced users who will benefit from a sturdier design and increased stride length.

And one thing that kinda grinds my gears about this machine is that there is no tray for parking my smartphone or tablet while working out.

But for shorter people looking for a portable and no-frills elliptical, the Sunny Health E905 is a great option.

✅ PROS	❌ CONS
Ultra-compact design; footprint is just 28” x 17”	Low max user weight capacity
Eight resistance levels	Short stride length; only suitable for shorter people
Easy to assemble	No tray for smartphone/tablet
Very budget-friendly
Anti-slip foot platforms

What to Consider Before Buying an Elliptical Machine

When buying an elliptical machine for your home gym, there are a few important factors to keep top of mind.

Here are the most important things to think about when shopping around for the calorie-busting elliptical of your dreams:

Price 

Set a realistic budget for your elliptical purchase to narrow down options.

Prices can vary significantly, with commercial-grade ellipticals, such as those made by Star Trac and Life Fitness, costing well over $5,000.

There are plenty of excellent ellipticals for less than $2,000 that give you a gym-quality elliptical workout without the gym-quality price tag.

Space

Elliptical machines can take up a lot of room. For people short on space, look for a front or center drive elliptical or a cross training elliptical which combines a stepper and elliptical for a smaller footprint. Rear drive ellipticals take up the most space.

Measure out the area dedicated for the elliptical machine and remember to add room to access and fully utilize the elliptical.

Foldability

Folding ellipticals are an excellent choice for multi-use rooms and saving space.

While there aren’t many on the market—see this guide to the best folding elliptical machines for our recommendations—there are some, including the Horizon Evolve 5 and YOUNGFIT Folding Elliptical.

People who want the low-impact benefits of an elliptical without the huge footprint should opt for a folding elliptical. 

Ergonomics

When choosing between the top-rated ellipticals on the market, consider the ergonomics of the machine. Elliptical ergonomics factor in pedal angle, pedal size, handles, and an adjustable console that can be tilted.

Ellipticals with adjustable ergonomic features, such as adjustable foot pedals and multiple handle grips, promote proper technique and help you find the ideal position for your body while exercising.

Training programs

The best ellipticals have pre-programmed workout options and features. Workouts such as interval training, or exercising for time, or using a heart rate monitor for HR training.

Choose an elliptical that has your preferred types of training loaded into the machine so that you can focus on motoring towards your fitness goals.

Screen Size

The display on the elliptical provides a more immersive and enjoyable workout experience.

The screen should be clear and bright so that you can easily view your workout data, track progress, stream shows, or follow along with your favorite personal trainer as she guides you through an elliptical workout.

Ellipticals with screens are a great way to remain engaged and motivated when exercising.

Immersive Training

Many elliptical brands now include the option of immersive and virtual training.

NordicTrack and ProForm use iFit, Sole Fitness has SOLE+, Bowflex has JRNY, and so on. Immersive training is great for fitness tracking, doing trainer-led classes, striding through maps and locales around the world, and so on.

Most of these apps also feature strength training and other non-elliptical workouts for full-body cross-training.

However, these forms of virtual and media-rich training have an added cost, ranging from $15 to $29.99 per month.

Stride Length

Stride length on an elliptical is the distance between the two pedals when your legs are fully extended on the elliptical.

The right stride length promotes a more natural movement, maintains proper body alignment, and is simply more comfortable, particularly for taller users.

Here is a quick reference guide to choosing the proper stride length:

HEIGHT	STRIDE LENGTH
5’4” and under	11” to 16”
5’5” – 5’10”	16” to 20”
5’11” and up	20”+

Ellipticals with adjustable stride lengths, such as the Sole Fitness E95s, can change the machine’s stride according to user preferences, making them the best ellipticals for home gyms with multiple users.

Incline

Ellipticals with incline offer a more challenging workout, which is perfect for people who want to burn more calories faster.

Ellipticals with incline are either adjusted manually or powered by a motor, with incline levels ranging from 6-degrees to 20-degrees.

Choosing an elliptical with incline features is a great way to make your workouts more difficult and keep things fresh.

Weight capacity

Choose an elliptical machine that has a weight capacity that matches or exceeds your body weight. Doing so reduces excess strain on the machine, extending the life of the elliptical machine.

 An elliptical designed to accommodate your weight will also run more smoothly. (See also: The Best Ellipticals for Heavy People)

Ellipticals for home gyms top out at 400lbs, with the Sole Fitness E95, Sole Fitness E95s, and Life Fitness ellipticals featuring weight capacities of 400lbs.

Brand reputation

Look for an elliptical made by one of the more reputable elliptical brands.

The top elliptical machine brands include Sole Fitness, NordicTrack, Life Fitness, ProForm, Bowflex, Nautilus, Schwinn, and Sunny Health.

Each of these brands is reputable and offers high-quality elliptical machines with solid warranties and customer service.

Assembly

Properly assembling your new elliptical is important as it ensures the machine functions properly. Ellipticals arrive partially assembled, with most elliptical brands offering in-home assembly.

Browse the assembly manual of the elliptical prior to purchasing to get a sense of how long or difficult the assembly process will be.

Warranty

The warranty on an elliptical provides peace of mind and assistance in the event of issues or defects with the equipment.

Warranties vary by brand, with Sole Fitness offering the best warranty in the business, with lifetime warranties on the frames and flywheels of their elliptical machines.

Some elliptical brands also offer extended warranties for an added cost.

Ultimately, choosing the right elliptical machine for your home gym can greatly enhance your fitness journey.

By considering factors such as space, budget, features, and user reviews, you can make an informed decision and find the best elliptical machine that aligns with your fitness goals and provides a convenient and effective workout experience in the comfort of your own home.

The Best Elliptical Machines – FAQs

Are elliptical machines worth it?

Elliptical machines are an investment, there’s no doubt about that. The cost of ellipticals can be through the roof when you start looking into higher-end machines.  

If you are going to actually use it, then yes, an elliptical machine is 100% going to be worth it. The convenience of having a cardio machine at home, with no drive to the gym, no line or wait list for the machine, pays for itself quickly.

Plus, the quality with which residential elliptical machines are made nowadays, easily rivaling the build quality of commercial ellipticals at your local gym, which means you don’t have to sacrifice on ride quality either.

What is the best inexpensive elliptical machine?

Depends how cheap you want to go.

The Sunny Health E905 is a quality “cheap” elliptical that is perfect for shorter people and costs less than $200.

For an elliptical machine that starts to rival the machines you see at your local gym, the Schwinn 411 is a good starter elliptical.

And if you want an even sturdier machine, the Nautilus E616 has a heavy flywheel and a reasonable price tag of $799.

Which is better for home exercise—a treadmill or elliptical?

Treadmills and ellipticals are both excellent choices for cardio and weight loss, but ellipticals hold the edge when it comes to muscles worked and injury prevention when it comes to elliptical vs. running.

Elliptical machines work both your upper and lower body (or just your lower body), while treadmills only work the lower body.

Ellipticals are also low-impact, unlike treadmills, which means you can avoid stress injuries and joint pain that are inherent with running.

What muscles does an elliptical machine work?

The muscles worked on an elliptical are primarily in the lower body, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes and calves.

Elliptical machines are different compared to other cardio machines like stationary bikes and treadmills in that they engage muscles in the upper body, too, such as the chest, shoulders, back, and arms.

Is the elliptical cardio or strength?

The elliptical machine primarily falls under the category of cardiovascular exercise. Elliptical workouts are low-impact and aerobic in nature, elevating the heart rate and improving cardiovascular fitness.

To build muscle and strength, consider adding strength training exercises to supplement the elliptical for a full-body workout regimen that builds muscle and fitness.

Is the elliptical good for belly fat?

The elliptical machine works your stomach and is a great choice for reducing overall body fat mass.

Elliptical workouts are low-impact, which means you can do them for longer and more often, highly versatile (use it backwards or with incline, for example), and are an excellent cardio machine for doing high-intensity interval workouts.

How long does it take to see results on an elliptical machine?

How long it takes to see progress on an elliptical machine varies depending on several factors, including your starting level of fitness, workout intensity, frequency, duration and overall lifestyle habits.

As with any kind of exercise routine, consistency is key. With regular elliptical workouts and a good diet, you will start seeing noticeable results in cardiovascular endurance, muscle toning, and weight loss within a few weeks.

Remember that results vary, so it’s important to be patient and consistent as you progress with your elliptical machine.

The Bottom Line

The elliptical machine is one of the best all-around cardio machines for weight loss and building cardio.

And fortunately for us, there have never been more options for buying an elliptical for our home.

To recap:

⭐ The Sole Fitness E95 is our #1 overall pick thanks to its unbelievably smooth ride, ergonomic foot pedals, and heavy flywheel.

The NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 is the go-to elliptical for people who love doing online classes and workouts with its 14” HD touchscreen.

The ProForm Pro HIIT H14 is the perfect elliptical + stepper combo for more experienced users who love doing hardcore interval training.

Pick your weapon of choice, get your cardio on, and stride your way to accomplishing your health and fitness goals in the comfort of your own home!

More Elliptical Guides and Reviews

Didn’t find the elliptical you were looking for?

We’ve published a TON of resources to help you find the perfect elliptical machine for you and your goals:

The Best Ellipticals with Adjustable Stride for Home Gyms. Looking for an elliptical with an adjustable stride length? Here is a look at the best ellipticals with adjustable stride for home gyms.

The Best Ellipticals Under $800: Studio-Grade Ellipticals on a Budget. Elliptical trainers don’t have to cost a fortune to give an awesome workout. In this guide to the best elliptical trainers under $800, we list the top options on the market right now so you can buy with confidence.