Elliptical machines have been around for a while now. While they look a little dated, they have a wide range of benefits for the average person. If you are looking into buying an elliptical in the near future, check out these ellipticals that should work for you.
You only need to know a few simple facts about elliptical machines before you choose one for yourself.
Are you shopping for a classic elliptical with a large amount of features? Or, maybe, you’re looking for a smaller cardio option for light use right in your own house.
Follow along to find out what features are the most important when deciding on a model.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical | Best Overall |  |
| Body Champ 3-in-1 Exercise Machine | Budget Pick |  |
| SOLE, E25 Elliptical | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical
Pros:
- 65’ elliptical arc provides a more natural motion,
- Wide variety of workout options,
- Comfortable, self-healing contoured foot pedals,
- Eight-inch Stride Length,
- Maximum user weight capacity of 300 pounds,
- Targeted training guides,
- Large backlit LCD screen with LCARS (Lots of Colorful, Animated, Readout Stuff)
Cons:
- The price might seem a bit steep for those looking at budget friendly home gyms.
- Overall this machine can be a great choice for various levels of athletes, or for anyone that wants just a few extra features to round out their existing home gym.
- The FreeStep Recumbent can be used as an elliptical, an upright bike, or a recumbent bike, and all features are fully adjustable.
- The electronic console can be set up to look the same no matter which mode you chose.
- The stride can be set from 17 inches to a more traditional 20 inches, while adjusting the arm bars by up to five different heights.
2. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Trainer Machine w/Device Holder
Pros:
- Heart rate monitoring and phone holder
- Quality materials
- One-year warranty
- Easy assembly
Cons:
- Speed is not very good at the highest
- You can feel the mechanics underneath
- Can't fold it
This is one of the most popular elliptical on the market and it's not hard to see why.
It is an elliptical bike that is low price, and offers plenty of features. It has the quality needed to get the job done. It's still compact and lightweight enough to bring to the gym and the workout can be endless since it's 110 lbs.
This is a good buy if you don't want to spend on a premium weight loss or toning system. You will be able to lose weight, tone up, and get in shape.
3. Schwinn Compact Elliptical Machine
Pros:
- Easy assembly
- Well-built design
- Simple and straightforward for beginners
- Quiet when in use
- Good quality for the price
Cons:
- Only accommodates one person at a time
- Some say the monitor is hard to read
- Foot straps are not standard sized
- Pedal straps are difficult to adjust
The Schwinn 140 is a compact elliptical machine that gives you an efficient workout at home. It can be either freestanding or placed on a rack or base for stability. It is an entry-level elliptical with a basic computer display of time, distance, calories burned and pulse. It is easy to assemble and operate.
The best part about this elliptical is that it works really well for additional exercises besides elliptical workouts. Many people also use it as a skipping rope, a crunches platform and also for stretching.
The only possible downside is that the footbar can be too short for taller people.
4. Body Champ 3-in-1 Exercise Machine
Pros:
- Easy assembly. It took about 45 minutes to assemble and everything was in the box labeled correctly so I didn't need to guess what went where.
- The computer is super easy to move to any location on the machine. *The stride is really long which makes it so the whole shape and size is perfect for almost any home. *The digital display is easy to read and large. It also allows you to display different information like time elapsed, calories burned, distance, etc. There are two different ways to exercise on this machine. You can use the handlebars for an upper body workout or you can just use your feet and lower body.
- The machine has a built-in cooling fan which is a really nice addition. *There are 8 levels of resistance but it’s easy to change between them. I really like that you can move the seat forward and backward and swing the arms in and out so you can find the right fit for you. *Great price for such a quality machine that multitasks.
Cons:
- The pre-programmed work outs are very basic and just follow an aerobic pattern so the exercise is similar from one day to the next.
This elliptical has a lot going for it. The assembly was a breeze and only took about 45 minutes. The parts were all labeled and in the right box so I didn't need to guess where to put everything.
5. TUNTURI C25-F Front Competence Series Elliptical Crosstrainer
Pros:
- Wide console with simple and clear display
- Large and soft pedals
- Smooth and quiet operation, which is ideal for apartments
- No-Mar step, Dual pedals with adjustable foot straps
- Nine pre-set workouts suitable for both beginners and advanced users
- Wide training area with dimensions of 137 x 47 x 140 cm
Cons:
- Type of resistance is basic
- Sometimes it is hard to hit the buttons of the console
This product is a great fitness tool for the family and it is the best elliptical for the money. The machine offers both comfort and convenience for your daily fitness routines. It is easy to use and you can use it dependably for a longer time. It is also ideal for homes that have limited space.
The product is easy to assemble. After that, the machine is lightweight, easy to move and stable. It is also easy to adjust.
It is sturdy and safe to use. The cross trainer is also very comfortable. It is perfect for your lower body and back. The seat is padded as you can adjust the handlebars and foot pedals. Plus, there are dual pedals with resistance-free bottom straps to support your feet.
6. SOLE, E25 Elliptical
Pros:
- 24 resistance levels for each pedal.
- 25-degree ramp
- Features Low impact design.
- 24 programs.
- Great warranty (3 yrs parts and 90 days labor).
- Super comfortable seat.
- Very good built quality.
Cons:
- Expensive (but it is really good quality).
- Heart rate monitor is flawed (compared to other expensive ellipticals).
- Nothing comes with it: no water bottle holder, no tablet holder, and no other fancy accessories.
- User manual is not helpful.
Fitness Equipment.
Overall, this is a high quality elliptical. It is very sturdy and well built, and the machine is quite quiet. This elliptical is assembled using the tools that come in the box. To assemble it and to connect it to electricity, you will need a Philips screwdriver.
It is designed for low-impact training and is very smooth. In fact, it is so quiet that I prefer to use it early in the morning, just when everyone else is still asleep.
7. V-450X Standard Stride 18” Programmable Elliptical Exercise Cross Trainer
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Adjustable resistance
- Smooth and quiet operation
- Adjustable stride
Cons:
- Doesn’t include a heart rate monitor
- Tricky to find the best settings for your comfortable resistance
- At over 300 lbs., this is a very heavy piece of equipment
- Somewhat more expensive
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly elliptical, you’ll probably want to consider this model. It is reasonably priced and has a low-profile design that allows you to reposition it in a hallway rather than needing to clear out space for an entire machine. This model can adjust the tension electronically, so you can change it on the fly depending on how you feel.
The V-450X is easy to assemble and includes a workout library with instructions for a variety of features.
8. ProForm 150I Elliptical
Pros:
- Great exercise compared to treadmills and other cardio machines.
- Lightweight and easy to move in and out of storage.
- Easy to assemble.
- Very quiet.
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Not for very tall people.
- You can hear the belt moving and the pedals in motion.
In the past years, the elliptical has been gaining popularity in the market of fitness equipment with their rehabilitation studies and their low cardio impact when they are being used. The elliptical machine is the machine with variable motion. When you use this machine as your workout equipment, you will be able to burn calories throughout your session and you are sure to have a low impact when using it.
The ProForm 150I Elliptical has a basic design but it can still help you burn your calories whenever you like to add this to your home workout. This machine is light and it weighs around 54.5 pounds. The machine is very compact in size as well, it’s around 35.5 x 24.5 x 62 inches.
9. NordicTrack E 7.5 Z Elliptical
Pros:
- Monitor system is excellent.
- Very durable.
- Comfortable.
- Easy to assemble.
- Monitor system can be sensitive and sometimes cuts out.
The machine has a wide range of motion and is made of aluminum. It is designed for an optimal workout in a small workout space. The machine is available in silver/black as well.
The machine can be hard to move.
Simple yet effective, this piece of equipment has a solid design with an effective elliptical motion. Unlike other machines on the market, you can easily fit it into a small space.
10. Exerpeutic 1000XL Heavy Duty Magnetic Elliptical
Pros:
- Large, long stride makes it easy to use.
- LCD screen displays time, RPM, distance, etc.
- Strong construction
- Affordable for anyone on a budget
- Heavy-duty flywheel; quiet operation
- Simple assembly
- Great warranty
- Easy to store
- Smooth motion
- Wireless resistance (on models with belt driven magnetic resistance)
Cons:
- Pedals are not adjustable indoors.
- Self pulse sensors are prone to malfunction
The Exerpeutic 1000XL is a low cost, full-range motion elliptical, that is ideal for a serious full body workout, with minimal stress on your joints. The 1000XL has a 1-degree angled footpads that reduce stress on your joints, and a natural, smooth elliptical motion.
It has an adjustable stride thats 8" to 20-1/2", with an extruded aluminum base and a heavy-duty steel frame that is built to last and supports up to 275 lbs.
11. Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer
Pros:
- The LCD monitor keeps track of your progress
- You can save the data of workouts for later
- Easy to track progress
- The stride is wide enough for both tall and medium height users
- The price is reasonable
Cons:
- Quality is average
- Not as sturdy as other elliptical in the same price range
The second of our best elliptical without console is the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer. It has twenty preset workout programs that allow you to vary your activity and keep things interesting. You can save data for a future workout so you’ll always know what the last couple workouts you completed were.
The best elliptical without console has a decent LCD display that tracks distance, calories burned, speed, and time. The machine is also compatible with iFit to help keep you motivated and to monitor your progress. The built in speakers on this machine are a nice touch as well.
The Nautilus E614 has a sixteen inch stride that should be ample for users of both tall and medium height. It supports up to two hundred pounds which should be ample for almost any short-term user.
12. Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer
Pros:
- Very easy to assemble
- Good for low-impact workouts
- Simple operation
- Lightweight
- Comfortable to use over long periods of time
- Good for tracking performance data
Cons:
- Non-slip pad wears out quickly.
The Horizon Fitness EX-59 is a simple and low-key elliptical machine that nevertheless has everything you need to get a thorough workout at home. It has a fluid motion and a good range of motion while also featuring an innovative "go slow" feature.
This elliptical can easily keep pace with almost any gym-level elliptical.
With 16 resistance levels, it can accommodate workouts for beginner and intermediate users. The LCD display tracks more than just distance traveled during your sessions and sports a large backlit display. The EX-59 also tracks number of strides taken, minutes of workout, speed, strides per minute, calories burned, and heart rate.
13. Kettler AXOS Cross P Elliptical Trainer
Pros:
- Easy-to-read monitor
- Large supported area
- Cardio workouts available
- Smooth stride
Cons:
- Smooth stride could create some joint pain for some users
- Requires assembly
Kettler is a great company with a history dating back to the early Eighties. For over 30 years, Kettler has made a commitment to provide top quality products to consumers. This company understands the demand for high-quality, lower-priced items and has met the demand with high-end products that produce results.
This elliptical is a good piece of equipment for a lower-budget. It has almost everything you need to get in shape and lose weight. It won’t hold up as well as a Sole Fitness or a True, but it is nearly-identical to the Sole E25. If you’re looking for a budget elliptical, this is the way to go.
The Kettler is easy to adjust, easy to use, and will give you a great workout. It’s got a little bit of a foot-forward design, so it might not be the most comfortable for people with bad knees or previous knee injuries.
14. AFG 5.3AE Elliptical
Pros:
- Great smooth ride.
- Excellent display panel.
- Quiet and smooth operation.
- Easy to assemble.
- Great warranty and customer support.
- Low impact machine.
- Nice sized stride.
- Adjustable stride.
- Great value.
Cons:
- Manual ramp starting system.
- No Bluetooth or Resistance.
- No arm attachments.
- Takes up a lot of floor space.
This AFG elliptical has a nice impact absorbing deck, along with arm attachments that allow for additional muscle toning. The unit is quiet and smooth no matter where you are going on the deck. Since it has dual action arms, you can enjoy a great upper and lower body workout.
This product is well built and you can tell the company stands behind its products as there is a five year warranty on labor and a lifetime warranty on parts. This is one of the best elliptical machines for your money. It has a great price and offers a great value when compared to the competition.
The AFG 5.3AE is a fabulous value, and an excellent choice for a home gym.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best inexpensive elliptical machine?
The BH Fitness SF-RW5506 Elliptical is a low-cost, effective elliptical machine that is relatively quiet and has a few nice features. It has a pretty low maximum user weight of 350 pounds, but that’s plenty for most people. It has eight different workout programs and a 15-inch stride, and the new magnetic resistance system is said to reduce noise.
Overall, if you’re not a fitness pro and just need a great inexpensive elliptical machine, this is a winner.
What is the best elliptical trainer for home use?
Today, elliptical trainers are some of the most sought after home gym equipment. This is a good fitness machine for a wide variety of uses because it offers a low-impact workout that simulates a run.
The elliptical has been dubbed a “running simulator” and it is a great cardio machine. It is generally a low-impact machine because you pedal with your feet and the range of motion is fairly small. This makes it a popular choice for people who cannot do country road running because of joint, bone, or other medical complications.
What is the best used elliptical to buy?
Save and get a quality used elliptical machine and be happy for many of years. Also, it helps save the environment too. Make sure to check the overall condition of the machine and to check it thoroughly and make sure you are getting what you need, you can always hire a technician if you need, take your time and find a good used elliptical machine to bring home.
How much should I spend on an elliptical?
If you currently own a machine, the chances are that it is one of the low to mid range models. If this is true, then you may wish to consider purchasing a second hand elliptical and in that case, you will need to weigh up the cost of the elliptical against the cost of a new machine.
If you want the best machine, and don’t have very much space, then it may be a good idea to visit the product pages of elliptical machines that come under many different price ranges.
Conclusion
Exercise ellipticals are a type of exercise equipment that people who are looking to slim down and strengthen their entire bodies should consider. Ellipticals are also a good workout tool for people trying to increase their cardio endurance, as the machine is easy on your joints and muscles.
If you’re thinking about buying an elliptical to help you stay in shape without leaving home but you can’t decide which one to buy, we are here to help you make that decision. We have done plenty of research into ellipticals and created a list comprising 15 of our favorite ellipticals that won’t break your bank.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical | Best Overall | |
| Body Champ 3-in-1 Exercise Machine | Budget Pick | |
| SOLE, E25 Elliptical | Upgrade Pick | |