Best Elliptical Machines 2024 – Forbes Vetted

Best Elliptical Machines 2024 – Forbes Vetted

Having an elliptical machine at home has the potential to revolutionize the way you work out. A great option for low-impact (yet still effective) exercise, an elliptical machine targets your upper and lower body muscles without putting stress on your joints. We think the Bowflex Max Trainer M9 is the best elliptical machine because it’s a cross between an elliptical and a stair stepper, plus it has a large touchscreen that’s bigger than most others on the market. If your priority is tracking down the best elliptical machine for a small space, we recommend the ProForm Pro HIIT H14, which provides a quality workout in about half the footprint of most elliptical machines.

But like with any piece of home gym equipment, there are basic factors to consider first such as size, portability and price range. (If you’ve already got a fair amount of equipment in your home gym, footprint is especially important to consider.) Our gear experts took all of these points into consideration and researched dozens of options to find the best of the best. The following six recommendations are the best home elliptical machines that excel in each of these areas. And for more ways to move at home, check out our guides on the best compact ellipticals and under-desk treadmills.

  • Best Elliptical Machine For Home Overall: Bowflex M9 Max Trainer
  • Best Budget Elliptical Machine For Home: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical
  • Best Elliptical Machine For Beginners: Decathlon EL 500 Connected Elliptical Trainer
  • Best Elliptical Machine For Sensitive Joints: Sole Fitness E35
  • Best Under-Desk Elliptical Machine For Home: Stamina Inmotion E1000
  • Best Compact Elliptical Trainer For Small Spaces: ProForm Pro HIIT H14

Dimensions: 49.2 x 30.5 x 65.1 inches | Weight capacity: 300 pounds | Stride length: 15 inches | Warranty: 3 years | Stats tracked: Time, calories burned, heart rate, resistance and distance | Incline range: N/A

Pros:

  • Smaller footprint for easy storing
  • A cross between an elliptical and a stair stepper
  • Includes a large 10-inch HD touchscreen to follow fitness journey

Cons:

  • Can be loud at higher speeds

We love the Bowflex’s Max Trainer series because it combines qualities of an elliptical and stair stepper. The result is a machine with 20 levels of resistance that delivers full-body, low-impact exercise with an intense calorie-burning workout. Because the M9 is vertical rather than horizontal, it also takes up less space—an extra plus for people with smaller home gyms.

We also like the 10-inch color HD touchscreen as most ellipticals offer a smaller, less vivid screen. It keeps you informed about your exercise progress and is compatible with the JRNY app—that’s Bowflex’s own subscription service for personalized exercises. You get a free two-month trial with your purchase—and up to four users can work out with their own profile and progress metrics. We also like the matching workout mat, a must for protecting your floors and adding stability to your workouts.

What our editors say: “There’s a lot to love about the Max Trainer M9, but it’s versatility is a big selling point. With 20 resistance levels, four handlebar grip positions and a 10-inch display, there’s plenty of opportunity to focus on progression,” says gear editor Cam Vigliotta. “Kick things off with light resistance and tune into your favorite show if you’re starting your fitness journey from scratch, and increase the intensity while following a dedicated fitness class as you get stronger. Over time, you’ll find different ways to engage with the M9, ensuring it serves you for years to come.”


Dimensions: 28 x 17 x 57 inches | Weight capacity: 220 pounds | Stride length: 11 inches | Warranty: 3 years | Stats tracked: Time, speed, distance, calories burned, RPM and pulse rate | Incline range: N/A

Pros:

  • Includes such safety features as anti-slip pedals
  • Lightweight and easy to move
  • Makes little to no noise when in use

Cons:

  • Compact stride length
  • Very light on performance features; not recommended for cardio pro’s

If you’re shopping on a budget, we recommend taking a look at the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic. Currently priced at around $250, the portable SF-E905 shows that good quality doesn’t always come with an expensive price tag. This magnetic elliptical enables you to adjust the resistance up to eight levels by simply twisting the controller to customize your workout. The easy-to-read digital monitor lets you keep on top of your effort by displaying the duration, speed, distance, calories and your pulse via the hand sensors on the machine’s arms. 

We appreciate how the large, anti-slip pedals, paired with stabilizers on the base, add a level of safety, while wheels enable you to effortlessly move the elliptical around with a simple tilt and roll. No need for any heavy lifting whether you’re storing it away or breaking it out for another sweat session.

What our editors say: “Ellipticals like the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic are a great way to sneak in a quick workout and promote daily movement,” says Vigliotta. “Its simplicity and compact size make it a great option for small spaces or casual exercise if you’re feeling a bit stagnant.”


Dimensions: 48.8 x 26.8 x 61 inches | Weight capacity: 285 pounds | Stride length: 12.6 inches | Warranty: 2 years (parts and labor), 3 years (metallic frame) | Stats tracked: Calories burned, distance, time, speed, heart rate and cadence | Incline range: N/A

Pros:

  • Wallet-friendly price
  • Basic functionality that’s great for beginners

Cons:

  • Squeaks
  • Requires some assembly

We like the fuss-free EL500 Smart Elliptical from Decathlon for beginners who need to focus on basic, daily movement. The EL500’s screen displays for your calories burned, time, distance, speed, heart rate and cadence. Cycle through nine training programs with 18 total levels, six of which are designed to burn calories, another six for getting in shape and a final six for improving endurance. At the end of the day, that’s really all you get in the way of features, but for a beginner-friendly elliptical, that’s all you really need.

Decathlon is the Ikea of the outdoors and fitness world, so while the EL500 requires some assembly, it comes with a detailed guide and video that helps you put it together on your own in less than 30 minutes. The 15.5-pound flywheel delivers a smooth pedal stroke, and the elliptical features wheels on the front that make it easier to move from one room to the next.

What our editors say: “Complete with a simple display, nine training programs and the ability to keep track of six personal health metrics, the Decathlon EL500 provides a basic feature set without the bells and whistles,” says Vigliotta. “The French company is better known overseas for its assortment of great products at wallet-friendly prices, and I only wish the US market was quicker to catch on. Priced accordingly at around $500, you’re not selling the farm to maintain your fitness.”


Dimensions: 82 x 31 x 71 inches | Weight capacity: 375 pounds | Stride length: 20 inches | Warranty: 5 years (electronics and parts), lifetime (frame) | Stats tracked: Distance, time, level, incline, calories burned, pace and pulse | Incline range: 0 – 20

Pros:

  • Reduces ankle and knee stress
  • Extra low-impact workout; great for seniors

Cons:

  • Bare-bones display
  • Pricier option than others on this list

The Sole Fitness E35 has a feature not a lot of other ellipticals can claim: Foot pedals designed in collaboration with physical therapists. The oversized pedals have adjustable foot beds and a two-degree inward slope that reduces ankle and knee stress—a fairly common complaint among other ellipticals. The overall design of the E35 eliminates strain on your knee, hip and ankle joints, turning an ordinarily low-impact workout into essentially a no-impact workout, regardless of which of the 20 resistance levels you choose.

The 7.5-inch display has built-in Bluetooth speakers for connecting your phone or tablet (which has its own handy mount), along with a USB port for powering or charging your device while you workout.

What the reviews say: “I am in love,” raves a reviewer. “I’ve been using the elliptical regularly, 30 minutes twice a day (hoping to build up until I can do an hour in one go). It is very stable and the ride is extraordinarily smooth. The stability is really key for me as I’m over 60 and pretty sedentary, plus I work in front of a computer all day. After using the Sole Fitness E35, I think my balance is even improving.”


Stamina Inmotion E1000

Dimensions: 24.5 x 17 x 12 inches | Weight capacity: 250 pounds | Stride length: 7 inches | Warranty: 1 year (frame), 90 days (parts) | Stats tracked: Time, total strides and calories burned | Incline range: N/A

Pros:

  • Lightweight and highly portable
  • Can be used while sitting or standing
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Can take awhile to catch your balance when standing
  • Some reviewers mention it can get noisy

For those looking to increase their activity level while working, this lightweight and compact elliptical is great whether you’re standing or sitting. A dial on the front of the elliptical enables you to increase or decrease the resistance level. A small LCD display shows your total strides, number of striders per minute, calories burned and exercise time so you can pat yourself on the back at the end of your workday (and workout).

The non-slip pedals operate in both a forward and reverse direction to target different muscle groups in your lower body. Available in five different colors, the under-desk elliptical includes free access to müüv, the smart audio coaching app, and you can usually find it on sale.

What the reviews say: “I spend much of my day at a standing desk, so I wanted the option to have a standing machine with an occasional seated option. I am very impressed with the Stamina Inmotion elliptical,” says one buyer. “It’s not whisper quiet—it does sound a little like, well, an elliptical. But it’s not an issue in my closed office.”


Dimensions: 29 x 52 x 66 inches | Weight capacity: 325 pounds | Stride length: 10 inches vertical, 5 inches horizontal | Warranty: 10 years (frame), 2 years (parts) | Stats tracked: Time, speed, calories burned, RPM and resistance | Incline range: Not stated

Pros:

  • Compact and easy to move
  • Works your entire body
  • Immersive and varied training options
  • Preprogrammed workouts available with WiFi connection
  • Sturdy and durable

Cons:

  • Assembly is reportedly difficult
  • Not for casual workouts
  • Subscription required for full functionality

If you are looking for a compact and versatile cardio machine that can give you a full-body workout, you might want to check out the ProForm Pro HIIT H14. We like that this machine is a hybrid of an elliptical and a stepper, which is great for working your upper and lower body simultaneously.

The machine features a 14-inch smart HD touchscreen (the largest on our list) that lets you access iFIT, a subscription-based service that offers thousands of interactive workouts led by professional trainers. You can also swivel the screen to follow along with floor exercises or yoga.

The elliptical machine has 26 resistance levels and a 30-pound flywheel that provide smooth and quiet operation. The Pro HIIT H14 is designed for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which can help you burn more calories and improve your cardiovascular fitness in less time. However, we don’t think this machine is ideal for casual or leisurely workouts, as it requires a lot of effort and coordination. 

What the reviews say: “When you use the H14, it’s shockingly quiet,” says one reviewer. “If you’re looking for a machine that can be used in a shared space without disturbing others, this is a great option.”


Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, we have built a robust library of gear reviews and recommendations. Our fitness section contains reviews on all of the equipment you could possibly need for a home gym, including the best weight benches and the best adjustable dumbbells.

  • Forbes contributor Korin Miller, a coauthor of this article, covers the latest in wellness, home and lifestyle, including reviewing and testing new products. She recently wrote about mattresses for side sleepers and air purifiers for pet owners for Forbes Vetted.
  • The other coauthor of this article, Christine Colby, has been testing and reviewing products and covering lifestyle and shopping beats for four years. As a commerce editor for Forbes Vetted, she helps writers shine and ensures our content is the most useful and accurate it can be.
  • Gear editor Cam Vigliotta oversees all of our fitness and gear content, including all our guides on home gym equipment. He holds a degree in kinesiology from the University of Massachusetts and loves testing products in a variety of settings, whether he’s skiing, running, hiking or camping.
  • We regularly review our recommendations and make sure they’re still the best of what the at-home elliptical market has to offer. This article was last updated in October 2024 by Colby, who also added useful specs to each product description and expanded the FAQ section.

How We Chose The Best Elliptical Machines For Home

In order to recommend the six best elliptical machines, we relied on our expert testing insights, researched what’s available from top brands, compared specs and features, and consulted consumer reviews.

  • We relied on firsthand testing expertise from our fitness experts, which provided three of our six recommendations.
  • We looked at top-rated ellipticals from reputable brands like Bowflex, Decathlon and Sole Fitness, among others.
  • We examined key features like the incline and resistance adjustability of each elliptical, as well as each machine’s connectivity, customizable training modes, size and noise level. We prioritized ellipticals with a wide range of features, ample adjustability, a compact size and quiet operation.
  • We pored over hundreds of ratings and reviews to confirm that all of our favorite machines have overwhelmingly positive customer feedback.
  • We considered different lifestyles and budgets to make sure our recommendations were well-rounded and can accommodate a variety of users.

What To Consider When Buying A Elliptical Machine For Home

All ellipticals provide a low-impact cardio workout, but the right one for you depends on your size, fitness level and available home gym space. Here’s what to consider when the time comes to invest in one of the best ellipticals.

Price

Like with most workout equipment, home elliptical machines vary in price. While you can find options under $1,000, they may not have advanced features or many features at all—these models tend to be more bare bones. This may work for you if you’re a beginner or are operating on a tight budget, but if you’re looking for a mid-range machine with a decent amount of features, expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500. High-end, commercial-grade ellipticals usually go for at least $2,000, but can cost up to $5,000.

Weight Capacity

Ellipticals are excellent cardio machines for people of all fitness levels. Heavier users looking to begin or continue their workout journey should be aware of weight maximums so they can safely workout and preserve the longevity of their machine. In general, most ellipticals can support between 200 and 400 pounds.

Type: Standard, Recumbent And Mini

Most of the elliptical machines for home use fall in the standard category. These machines require you to stand upright, and primarily target the glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps and calves (lower body), as well as the triceps and rhomboids (upper body). Recumbent ellipticals (and recumbent exercise bikes), on the other hand, allow you to sit down for a lower-impact workout that targets similar muscle groups. These machines are generally recommended for seniors and individuals with back or joint pain. Lastly, mini ellipticals can be used standing or sitting, and are small enough to use under a desk or in a more petite home gym.

Source

When in doubt, we recommend sticking with a well-known brand or retailer. Generally speaking, ellipticals from Bowflex, Decathlon, Sole Fitness, ProForm, Sunny Health & Fitness or any of the other brands listed above are a safe bet. Keep in mind, though, if you purchase the machine from Amazon rather than the manufacturer, its warranty and return process may look a little different.

Stride Length

The stride length of an elliptical machine is an under-appreciated spec that has a substantial impact on your comfort level while using it. Specifically, stride length is relative to height: Shorter users are generally more comfortable with a shorter stride length, but it can make tall users feel restricted.

According to Sunny Health & Fitness, as a general rule, users between five feet tall and five-foot-three should aim for a 14- to 16-inch stride length, while those closer to six feet tall should seek machines with a 20-inch stride length. Even so, it all comes down to personal preference. If you want some flexibility, look for an elliptical machine that features an adjustable stride length.

Resistance

This depends on your fitness and experience level, not to mention how you plan to use your new machine. For instance, if you like to engage in challenging exercises for years to come, consider an elliptical that offers a lot of resistance levels—like the Bowflex M9 Max Trainer or the ProForm Pro HIIT H14, which have 20 and 26 levels respectively. If you plan on using it for less intense workouts, a machine like the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic with 8 levels is just fine.

Size

A “home gym” means something different to everyone you ask—everything from a corner of the living room to an entire finished basement qualifies as a home gym. If you’ve got a dedicated space for exercise equipment, then a high-tech, heavy-duty machine may be the way to go. But if you lack square footage, check out compact or foldable ellipticals that collapse and roll out of sight when they’re not in use.


Ellipticals Vs. Treadmills

Ellipticals and treadmills are both effective at-home cardio machines that can help you burn calories and improve cardiovascular health. However, when it comes to deciding which one to buy, it’s important to consider your personal needs and limitations.

If high-impact exercise is tough on your joints, an elliptical is likely best. These machines minimize the stress felt on the ankles, knees and hips while still providing a robust full-body workout. Also, the same can be said if you want to mix up your indoor workouts and do something different than what you’d typically do outdoors.

For anyone who wants a strict focus on walking, jogging or running, we recommend a treadmill over an elliptical. (Check out our guides on the best treadmills for running and the best walking treadmills.) Treadmills are a bit rougher on joints than an elliptical, but some come with features like a cushioned deck, which can help absorb your movements and reduce strain.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Type Of Elliptical Is Best?

For most people, a standard elliptical that targets both the upper and lower body is ideal because it’s a more effective, full-body workout. Our best overall pick, the Bowflex Max Trainer M9, targets the entire body by combining elements of a stair stepper with an elliptical.

What Elliptical Machine Is Best For Weight Loss?

The best elliptical machines for weight loss are ones that target your full body and include a wide range of resistance levels. The more muscles a machine targets and the harder you work (i.e., the greater the resistance level), the more calories you’ll burn.

However, weight loss involves more than just exercise. Cardio is a great way to burn calories, but it won’t help you lose weight if you’re eating more calories than you’re burning (including active calories during exercise and calories burned from your resting metabolic rate). To determine your basal metabolic rate, we recommend using a calculator that considers individual factors like height, weight, age, sex and your weekly activity level. This tells you the number of daily calories your body burns outside of exercise.

What Muscles Do Ellipticals Work?

Most elliptical machines target the muscles of your upper and lower body, without applying too much pressure to your joints. While most of the best elliptical machines provide a full-body workout, some, such as under-desk models like the Stamina Inmotion E1000, are designed to exercise only your lower body. You can expect any elliptical machine to exercise your glutes, hamstrings, quads and calves. Those that work out your upper bodies as well target your triceps and rhomboids.

What Is The Best Level Of Elliptical Machine?

Elliptical machines are available in a wide variety of sizes and come with differing arrays of features and settings. When deciding what kind to invest in, you should start by figuring out what your budget is and how much space you have available for a new piece of home gym equipment. If you’re not sure what your fitness level is or are new to using an elliptical machine, you might want to start with one that’s great for beginners, such as the Decathlon EL 500 Connected Elliptical Trainer.

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