11 Best Elliptical Machines (2023) For Home Use + Buying Guide

Get your fitness game back on track by bringing home these versatile machines.

Reviewed by Ashton FerrazzoAshton Ferrazzo, Fitness Professional
By Aditi NaskarAditi Naskar, Diploma In Health & Wellness  • 
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If you have been looking for the best elliptical machines for your home, you’ve reached the right place. We have everything you need to know about choosing the perfect one for yourself. Instead of getting all the bulky gym equipment set at your home, you can invest in elliptical machines. They help you do low-impact cardio and shed excess fat from your arms and legs while keeping a trim waistline. They also offer full-body workouts and are perfect for your regular exercise gear. “Some ellipticals allow for purely lower body movements, while some incorporate handles allowing you to move both your arms and your legs at the same time, for a full body workout. Pick the one that suits your fitness needs,” advises Ashton Ferrazzo, a Fitness Professional. Here is a list of the 11 best elliptical machines to choose from, specially taken for their quality and durability.

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Dual-Mode LED Display:Bowflex Max Trainer M8Price on Amazon
Best For Long Workouts:Schwinn 470 Elliptical MachinePrice on Amazon
Best Anti-Slip Foot Platform:Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical MachinePrice on Amazon
Best Multi-Functional Console:Body Rider Fan Elliptical MachinePrice on Amazon
Best In Budget:Doufit Elliptical Machine
Price on Amazon
Best Pre-Assembled Design:NICEDAY Elliptical Machine
Price on Amazon
Best Adjustable Resistance Levels:NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i Elliptical Machine
Price on Amazon
Best Lightweight Machine:Progear Fitness Elliptical MachinePrice on Amazon
Best Compact Design:Efitment E005 Magnetic Elliptical MachinePrice on Amazon

11 Best Elliptical Machines

1. Best Dual-Mode LED Display:Bowflex Max Trainer M8

4.5
Bowflex Max Trainer Series Bowflex M8 Image: Bowflex

Machine Weight: 148 lbs, Resistance Settings: Up to 20 levels, Stride Length: N/A, Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs

The Bowflex Max Trainer M8 uses modernized personalized coaching facility with an enhanced dual-mode LED/LCD display. It has commercial grade handles with aero bar grips. The machine comes with adjustments for burn rate and resistance levels, sports performance racing pedals, seven preset guided workout programs, along with two additional customized programs, and 20 resistance levels. The Bowflex Max Trainer combines 4-minute workouts (to burn 30 calories per minute) with exercises to strengthen the whole body, core muscles, and glutes. The low-impact workout with an elliptical trainer and the calorie burner stepper helps increase the number of calories burnt.

The larger repositioned console, enhanced color scheme, unique burn rate display, and Bluetooth-compatible heart rate monitor keeps you motivated. These features also help you track your stats and workout progress. The Bowflex JRNY personalized coaching system is your full-time guide to train and motivate you towards a long-term goal. The system adjusts to your needs as you maximize your calorie burn in every workout. This inbuilt app recognizes the milestones you have reached with a detailed analysis. The JRNY app is loaded with online training programs and educational videos that show you the benefits of each workout in detail. Check out this review for a detailed understanding about the product.

Pros

  • Aligned with the new Bowflex Max Intelligence platform
  • Inbuilt programs
  • Integrated with JRNY technology
  • Enhanced dual mode LED/LCD display
  • Magnetic media rack holds smartphone/tablet
  • Repositioned console
  • USB charging port
  • Unique burn rate display
  • Connectivity for up to 4 individual users
  • Heart rate monitor
  • Multi-grip dynamic handles
  • 20 resistance levels
  • Compact foldable size allows to be stored everywhere
  • Easy to assemble

Cons

  • JRNY needs subscription.
  • Not suitable for short people.
  • Poor customer support
Quick Tip
Runners should seek this elliptical machine with non-impact movement as it aids in running. Start pedaling at an even pace at first, making sure that your arms swing with the handles.
Price at the time of publication: $1899.0

2. Best For Long Workouts:Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine

Elliptical Machine1Machine Weight: 164 lbs, Resistance Settings: 25 levels, Stride Length: 20” Precision Path Stride, Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs

Explore the world at home, enjoy and burn some calories, increase your body strength, stamina, and lose weight with the Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine. It is one of the top-rated elliptical machines with a premium quality build, fluid motion, and innovative features. With the enhanced Bluetooth technology, track your time, distance, calorie goals, and analyze your workout statistics by connecting with the popular app-based tools like Explore the World, MyFitnesspal, UA record, etc. Enjoy 29 preset workout programs in the blue backlit LCD window that consists of 12 profile, 9 heart rate control, 4 custom, 2 fitness tests, and 1 quick-start. You can easily synchronize your workout with the Run Social app and run through 19 locations with 27 routes, through nature and alongside people from all over the world for a real-time experience.

The Schwinn 470 has the ability to make resistance and incline adjustments on the fly. It provides 5 quick keys at your fingertips each for resistance and incline. It has a 10-degree motorized ramp range with quick keys, and 25 levels of Eddy Current Magnetic resistance with 20” of maximum stride length. Its ergonomically placed static handlebars with grip heart rate give you the accurate data with the Telemetry heart rate programs. The larger footplates allow you to place your feet comfortably, and the cushion padding makes long workouts easier. This video review will help you understand more about the product.

Pros

  • Enabled with Telemetry heart rate program
  • Large footplates for a comfortable workout
  • Inbuilt workout programs
  • Built-in USB charging port
  • 4 user capability for multiple user set-up
  • Built-in 3 speed fans for cooling
  • Oversized center mounted water bottle holder
  • Attached with transport wheels
  • 2 integrated levelers
  • Sealed acoustic chamber speakers for a quality sound
  • Easy to assemble
  • 2 blacklist LCD windows
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Stride length suitable only for those with a medium height.
  • Short length elliptical path
  • Noisy pedal paths
  • Poor customer service
Price at the time of publication: $1099.0

3. Best Anti-Slip Foot Platform:Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine

Machine Weight: 68 lbs, Resistance Settings: 8 levels, Stride Length: 11”, Maximum User Weight: 220 lbs

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 is a budget-friendly, lightweight, and easy-to-transport elliptical machine. It is meant for a low-impact cardiovascular training. It builds stamina and burns calories while losing weight. The large anti-slip foot platform with a soft cushion on the pedals provides a smooth upper and lower body workout without a burden on knees, joints, and muscles. The digital monitor, the slip-resistant handlebar, and the compact 11” stride length make workout easy while tracking your time, speed, distance, pulse rate, and calorie burn. With a simple adjustment of magnetic resistance with a micro-tension controller button, you can easily change your resistance level up to 8% and challenge your workout and build more stamina and endurance. The heart rate sensor on the stationary bar helps maintain and monitor your target heart rate.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Transport wheel
  • Magnetic tension system
  • Built-in floor stabilizer to prevent tripping, rocking, and slipping
  • Large, textured, anti-slip foot platform
  • Digital monitor with pulse rate analyzer
  • Onboard stabilizer
  • Easy and compact fold
  • Easy arrangement for home cardio

Cons

  • Basic design
  • No holder for phone or tablet.
  • Not suitable for taller individuals.
  • No noise control technology.
Price at the time of publication: $163.21

4. Best Multi-Functional Console:Body Rider Fan Elliptical Machine

Body Rider Fan Elliptical Machine

Machine Weight: 58 lbs, Resistance Settings: 8 levels, Stride Length: N/A, Maximum User Weight: 250 lbs

If you want a slim waistline and toned arms and legs at home, the Body Rider Fan Elliptical Machine can help. It is a super-compact and affordable elliptical machine with motion handlebars to tone your upper and lower body without adding burden on your joints, muscles, and tendons. The multi-functional console-level monitor shows time, speed, distance, and calories burnt per session. The workout resistance is adjusted to level 8 via an easily operated knob that increases or decreases the friction of the belt on the fan wheel. The Body Rider Elliptical Trainer also comes with an instructional video that helps clarify the best use of the machine. The chain-driven fan resistance allows for a quiet and smooth operation of the machine. Click on the video to find an honest review of the Body Rider Fan Elliptical Machine.

Pros

  • Slim compact design
  • Multi-functional console
  • Affordable
  • Easily operated knob for resistance adjustment
  • Quiet and smooth operation
  • Strong-grip motion handlebars
  • Heart rate monitor
  • Includes a video workout guide

Cons

  • Very basic design.
  • Stiff striding pedals
  • No separate phone or tablet holder.
  • No strong cushion on the pedals.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity.
Remember
Keep your knees slightly bent when you are straightening your leg during each stroke. This will ensure intense lower-body workout.
Price at the time of publication: $143.1

5. Best In Budget:Doufit Elliptical Machine

Machine Weight: 26.5 kgs, Resistance Settings: 8 levels, Stride Length: N/A, Maximum User Weight: 250 lbs

The Doufit Elliptical Machine is a great choice that comes within an affordable budget to provide a smooth workout experience. It features a large and smooth wheel that is effective and safe. In addition, the machine has eight adjustable levels of resistance to match different training intensities for everyone in the family. The machine is suitable to exercise arms, legs, calves, hip, abdominal muscle, and waist and is also safe for knee workouts at home.

The machine is equipped with a digital meter and pulse sensors that record your sports data, making your workout experience effortless. It is made of a heavy-duty integrated steel frame and has large and textured pedals that make working out a safe and comfortable experience. The machine can bear up to 250 lbs.

Pros

  • Easy to operate
  • Display LCD screen
  • Pulse sensors to record data
  • Large pedals
  • Adjustable resistance
  • Durable
  • Sturdy to withstand huge weight
  • Ideal for the whole family
  • Silent flywheel
  • Bottle holder

Cons

  • Might feel wobbly
  • Magnets may rust
Price at the time of publication: $249.99

6. Best Pre-Assembled Design:NICEDAY Elliptical Machine

 Machine Weight: 106 pounds, Resistance Settings: 16 levels, Stride Length: 15.5 inches, Maximum User Weight: 400 lbs

The NICEDAY Elliptical Machine is easy to use as it comes pre-assembled up to 90%. The bigger pedals, 15.5″ stride, and physical handlebar offer an exceptional workout experience. In addition, it features a hyper-quiet magnetic drive system that eliminates noise, making it perfect for use at home at any time of the day.

It comes with a 16 lbs flywheel with 16 resistance levels that make it ideal for beginners and professionals alike. The machine has a heavy-duty base that ensures stability to ensure a safe workout. It has a maximum holding capacity of 400 lbs. Additionally, the digital monitor records your pulse, time, speed, distance, and calories for you to keep track of your workout schedules.

Pros

  • Digital monitor
  • Device holder
  • Fits for 4’9” to 6’2” people
  • Heavy-duty base ensures stability
  • 16 resistance levels
  • 20DB low noise
  • 90% pre-assembled design
  • Transportation wheels
  • Physical handlebars
  • Easy to operate

Cons

  • It is more like a circular machine
  • Might make noise after a few uses
Price at the time of publication: $509.15

7. Best Adjustable Resistance Levels:NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i Elliptical Machine

 Machine Weight: 215 lbs, Resistance Settings: 22 levels, Stride Length: Adjustable, Maximum User Weight: 325 lbs

The NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i Elliptical Machine offers 22 adjustable resistance levels to match your various workout needs. It also comes with an adjustable stride and power ramp, allowing users to incline easily and use it in their comfort.

The machine features a 5-inch backlit display that records and views workout metrics, making your workout process easier and accessible. It also has an auto breeze workout fan that keeps you cool and sweat-free through low-impact workouts. The vertical space saver design makes this machine super easy to fold and store.

Pros

  • Space-saving design
  • 22 resistance levels
  • 5-inch display
  • Workout fan
  • Automatic trainer control feature
  • 20 days iFit trainer membership
  • Easy to operate
  • Heavy-duty
  • Durable

Cons

  • Heavy machine
Price at the time of publication: $2399

8. Best Lightweight Machine:Progear Fitness Elliptical Machine

Progear Fitness Elliptical Machine

Machine Weight: 45 lbs, Resistance Settings: N/A, Stride Length: 36”, Maximum User Weight: 225 lbs

The Progear Progear Fitness Elliptical Machine is a lightweight folding machine that targets different muscle groups with less burden on the knees, ankles, and joints. Its exceptional 36-inch full range of motion stride length with 180-degree movement allows a full stretch to your leg muscles, works on your hamstrings, and increases your flexibility effectively. The large LCD screen display, 15” long over-sized foot pedals, and adjustable rear floor stabilizer provide analysis of workout stats. The dual-action workout arms tone the upper body by strengthening arm muscles. The ergonomic and foldable design of the machine make it easy to store in any corner of the room.

Pros

  • Maximum full range of motion stride length
  • 180-degree stretchability to legs
  • Soft cushioned large foot pedals
  • Large screen display to show time, distance, speed, and calorie burn
  • Heart rate monitor
  • Transportation wheels for easy relocation
  • Easy to assemble
  • Easy to operate
  • Perfect for a slow walk and fast run
  • Ensures side leg stretches
  • Non-slippage adjustable rear floor stabilizer
  • Easy to fold

Cons

  • No storage space for water bottle.
  • No USB port.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Very basic design.
  • No digitalized personal training.

9. Best Compact Design:Efitment E005 Magnetic Elliptical Machine

Efitment E005 Magnetic Elliptical

Machine Weight: 63 lbs, Resistance Settings: 8 levels, Stride Length: 11”, Maximum User Weight: 220 lbs

The Efitment E005 Magnetic Elliptical Machine has a compact space-saver design. It provides zero to low-impact workout that is suitable to tone the lower body with less burden on the knees. It also incorporates more upper body movement for a total body workout. The large digital screen regulates time, speed, distance, total calorie burn, and heart rate. The hand sensors built into the stationary bars help monitor and maintain heart rate, build cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, and aid effective fat loss. The easy-to-adjust knob with 8 levels of magnetic resistance help meet your fitness goals and set difficulty levels to increase your stamina. The oversized non-slip footplates, leg stabilizers, and a stable grip ensure proper leg movements in vigorous workouts. A belt attached flywheel ensures a quiet, smooth movement, while the foldable design allows the machine to be stored in any corner of your room.

Pros

  • Compact design
  • Inbuilt phone or tablet holder
  • Large digital screen
  • Heart rate monitor
  • Large foot pedals with cushion
  • Inbuilt leg stabilizers
  • Stable hand grip
  • Adjustable resistance knob
  • Affordable
  • Easy to assemble
  • Easy to carry

Cons

  • Less durable
  • Poor customer service
Price at the time of publication: $309.99

10. Best Non-Slip Grip:Marcy Magnetic Elliptical Trainer

Marcy Magnetic Elliptical Trainer

Machine Weight: 92 lbs, Resistance Settings: 8 levels, Stride Length: 14”, Maximum User Weight: 250 lbs

The Marcy Magnetic Elliptical Trainer is a battery-operated, compact, and low-impact body workout equipment. It has stationary ergonomic handlebars to focus mainly on the lower body. The moveable handlebars with an easy-grip foam focus both on the upper and lower body simultaneously. The built-in large-screen display measures time, speed, distance, calorie burn, and pulse rate. You can change your workout levels from simple to hard by just changing the resistance knob up to level 8. The large spaced pedals with a grip and a soft cushion ensure proper leg movements with no injuries. The machine has inbuilt transport wheels for easy movement.

Pros

  • Large display screen
  • Pulse-rate sensor
  • Non-slippage hand grip
  • Large and wide-spaced foot pedals
  • Easy to adjust resistance knob
  • Separate bottle holder
  • Separate device holder
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to transport

Cons

  • Battery operated
  • Need to purchase the battery separately.
  • Not easy to assemble.
  • Not suitable for tall individuals.
Price at the time of publication: $229.21

11. Pooboo Magnetic Elliptical Machine

 

Machine Weight: 65lbs, Resistance Settings: 8 levels, Stride Length: 13.5”, Maximum User Weight: 390lbs

The Pooboo Magnetic is a heavy-duty elliptical machine with a smooth and quiet operation. It has a 13.5″ full range of motion stride length for an impactful leg movement. It has 8 levels of magnetic resistance that allow you to customize your full-body workout. The large display screen keeps track of the training stats and analyzes time, speed, distance covered, and calories burnt per session.

It also comes with an i-pad holder where you can put your phone and easily watch something while working out. The heavy-duty flywheel ensures a quiet and smooth workout. The movable dua; handlebar lets you exercise your full body effortlessly. In addition, the transportation wheels make the machine portable and easy to use.

Pros

  • Large display screen
  • Wide range of stride length for easy movement
  • Perfect for building stamina and endurance
  • Heavy flywheel for a noise-proof operation
  • One-touch control
  • Separate bottle holder and mobile holder
  • Transportation wheels for easy movement

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $96.59

These are the 11 best elliptical machines available on the market. You can use any of them and reap the benefits of a low-impact workout at your home. The next section will guide you on how to use an elliptical machine the right way to avoid injuries.

How To Use An Elliptical Machine The Right Way

  • Increase the time and speed every week and try for at least a 30-minute workout.
  • Keep your feet flat on the pedals while striding back and forth. Improper placement may burden your knees and ankles.
  • Do not use handlebars to support your weight. Instead, use them for proper upper and lower body movements.
  • Alter your intensity time, starting from low-intensity to high-intensity interval training.
  • Your knees should not lock in at full stride. Adjust the pedals so that your knees are not overextended.
  • Use the elliptical in the reverse to strengthen your legs and glutes.

Here are the benefits of using an elliptical machine.

Benefits Of An Elliptical Machine

  • Depending on the intensity and speed of your workout, an elliptical machine helps burn calories and offers a solid workout session.
  • The large pedals never leave your feet. They are easy on the joints and help in easy mobilization without straining them.
  • You can increase endurance and improve your aerobic capacity by changing the resistance settings.
  • An elliptical trainer works to tone both your upper and lower body simultaneously.
  • Due to its ability to help burn more calories, it can aid fat loss in a shorter time.
  • The machine allows you to work on specific muscle groups by simply changing the resistance levels.

An elliptical machine is indeed beneficial. But before you make a purchase, it is important to understand what you need to look for in one.

How To Choose The Right Elliptical Machine

  • Check the elliptical resistance. It should be designed to challenge your workout.
  • It is more fun if you have a lot of variations. Check the number of preset programs. Ensure it covers a lot of them.
  • An easy to read console helps you to analyze your stats in a better way.
  • If you can afford it, you may go for a machine with wireless connectivity. This allows for interactive sessions.
  • The handgrips should be configured so that you don’t need to strain or stretch to reach them through the entire range of your stride.
  • Check the heart rate sensor on the stable handlebar.
  • The heavier the flywheel, the more stable the elliptical, generally. A flywheel weighing at least 25 pounds would be your best bet.
  • The best elliptical trainer should be a space saver and easy to fold.
  • The best elliptical trainer should have an adjustable incliner to challenge your workout sessions.
  • Ensure the machine has transportation wheels. This allows for easy movement.
  • The price of the machine must be within your budget. You do not have to go overboard.

Elliptical machines can help you complete your cardio exercises with ease. These machines come with many preset workout programs that can guide you throughout your exercise. You should purchase elliptical machines that come with heart-rate monitors and have multi-grip handles. However, for your home gym, you should steer clear of elliptical machines that aren’t easy to assemble and have a difficult usage system. Moreover, people with short or medium height should choose their machines as per their height requirements.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Aditi Naskar, holds a diploma in health and wellness and loves to write about fitness. She has curated this list of the best elliptical machines after carefully checking the pros and cons of the most popular options available on the market. She has compiled this list after thoroughly going through a wide range of products, their specifications, effectiveness, cost, and user reviews and feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the elliptical burn belly fat?

Yes, an elliptical helps burn calories and reduces belly fat.

Are home ellipticals worth it?

Yes. Home ellipticals help improve your heart, lungs, and muscles while increasing stamina and balance, and burning calories.

Does an elliptical machine increase height?

No, elliptical machines do not help increase height.

Can I use an elliptical machine if I have shin splints?

Yes, it is safe to use an elliptical machine if you have shin splints.

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