Elliptical machines have undergone significant advancements, boasting enhanced specifications and integrated technology that contribute to their ergonomic design. This design is crucial for maximizing workout quality and intensity by engaging both upper and lower body muscles. The result is a comprehensive, full-body cardiovascular workout that simultaneously protects the structural integrity of your joints. This dual benefit positions ellipticals as a highly advantageous piece of fitness equipment for home users. As 2025 approaches, individuals seeking the ideal elliptical machine for their home fitness regimen are often met with a plethora of options. This guide aims to simplify that decision-making process by presenting top-rated elliptical machines and offering a comprehensive overview of key considerations for prospective buyers.
Our Picks for the Best Ellipticals of 2025:
Best Overall Elliptical: NordicTrack FS10i
The NordicTrack FS10i stands out as a versatile, multi-functional fitness device, ingeniously combining the functionalities of a treadmill, elliptical, and stair stepper into a single unit. This innovation provides users with the flexibility to diversify their cardio routines without the need for multiple machines. A key feature is its 32-inch adjustable stride, which dynamically adapts to the user’s leg movements. For instance, when used in stair stepper mode, leg motion is primarily vertical, whereas in elliptical mode, the stride shifts to a more horizontal, back-and-forth motion.
This machine integrates with the iFIT interactive training platform, accessible via a 10-inch HD touchscreen, which requires a $39 monthly subscription. iFIT offers a vast library of studio and global workouts led by professional trainers. During these sessions, trainers can digitally control the incline, adjusting it up to 10 percent, and can select from 24 resistance levels to modify workout intensity. For users preferring manual control, one-touch buttons are conveniently located next to the touchscreen, allowing for immediate adjustments to incline and resistance. The FS10i’s ability to seamlessly transition between different exercise modalities and its immersive interactive training capabilities make it a leading choice for a comprehensive home cardio experience.
Best Elliptical for Weight Loss: Sole Fitness E95
For individuals prioritizing weight loss, the Sole Fitness E95 emerges as a compelling option. Achieving weight loss goals necessitates a balanced approach of diet and exercise, and the E95 is designed to effectively support this endeavor. Its appeal is amplified by its complimentary fitness app and integrated streaming services, which serve as powerful motivators for consistent workouts. The Sole+ companion app, included free with the purchase of the E95, offers access to over 3,000 trainer-led workouts and classes that can be utilized both on and off the elliptical.
Beyond its robust app integration, the E95 enhances the workout experience with built-in streaming services, allowing users to enjoy content from platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu while exercising. This feature addresses the common challenge of workout monotony, making longer sessions more engaging. The elliptical features cushioned foot pedals engineered for comfort, significantly reducing stress on knees and ankles during extended use. These pedals are adjustable to accommodate individual gaits, with a default inward angle of two degrees promoting a natural foot placement. The E95 offers 20 resistance levels, allowing users to progressively challenge themselves, with easy-to-access buttons on the handles for quick adjustments. Sole’s proprietary drive system is designed for quiet operation, ensuring a peaceful workout environment. For users who wish to enjoy their audio content or classes through the machine’s built-in speakers, a convenient tablet holder is provided for easy device placement. The combination of motivational digital content, ergonomic comfort, and adjustable resistance makes the Sole E95 a potent tool for weight loss journeys.
Best Elliptical for Joint Pain: Sole Fitness E35
The Sole Fitness E35 is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a low-impact, joint-friendly cardio solution. Its design prioritizes a smooth and comfortable riding experience, making it particularly suitable for those managing joint pain or recovering from injuries. Setup and operation are straightforward, providing an accessible entry point into home fitness without the need for a gym membership.
The E35 features a ramp-like design that facilitates easy mounting and dismounting, allowing users to begin their workout with minimal effort. This design contributes to a full-body workout while minimizing strain on the back and joints. It offers 20 resistance levels, catering to a wide range of fitness levels and allowing for progressive training. Additionally, the machine comes with 10 pre-loaded workout programs and free access to the Sole+ fitness app, empowering beginners to commence their training immediately. With a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds, the E35 is a robust option for many users. Comfort features include built-in fans to keep users cool during exercise and a user-friendly, fully adjustable console that ensures an ergonomic workout posture. The combination of its gentle motion, user-friendly interface, and supportive features makes the Sole E35 a standout choice for individuals prioritizing joint health.
Best Elliptical Machine for Small Spaces: Bowflex Max Trainer M6
For fitness enthusiasts with limited living or workout space, the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 presents an ideal solution. This machine ingeniously merges form and function, occupying a significantly smaller footprint than many traditional cardio machines. Its dimensions are approximately 46 inches long, 26 inches wide, and 64.2 inches high, making it a more compact alternative to standard treadmills and other large cardio equipment. While its 15-inch stride length may be less suitable for exceptionally tall individuals, it efficiently supports users weighing up to 300 pounds.
The M6 is equipped with 16 resistance levels, a USB charging port, a water bottle holder, and Bluetooth connectivity for heart rate monitoring. Its multi-grip moving handles incorporate pulse contact grips for real-time heart rate tracking. A unique feature is its burn rate display, which quantifies calories burned per minute, allowing users to set and monitor activity level targets throughout their workout. The M6 also offers integration with the JRNY digital fitness platform, which provides tailored workouts, on-demand classes, real-time coaching, and personalized programming. A complimentary JRNY membership is included with the purchase of the M6, allowing users to access these features via their own device, which can be placed in the machine’s magnetic media holder.
While the Bowflex M6 offers a compact and feature-rich solution, it’s important to note that assembly can be time-consuming, with reviewers indicating it takes several hours. Bowflex offers in-home assembly for an additional fee, which is a recommended option for those who prefer a professionally installed unit. The warranty is a point of consideration, offering two years on the frame and parts, which is shorter than the typical 10-year frame warranty offered by many competitors. This shorter warranty period underscores the importance of proper assembly and maintenance.
Best Under Desk Elliptical: Cubii Go
The Cubii Go is a revolutionary compact elliptical designed to bring fitness into everyday activities, particularly for those who spend significant time at a desk. This portable elliptical fits discreetly under a desk and is engineered for on-the-go use with its integrated wheels and retractable handle. Unlike under-desk treadmills that require standing, the Cubii Go allows users to pedal comfortably while seated, making it suitable for use during meetings, work, or leisure activities.
Its large flywheel enables users to select from up to ten resistance levels, providing a customizable workout intensity. An illuminated display projects workout statistics, and the accompanying Cubii app allows for detailed tracking of workout data. The portability of the Cubii Go is a significant advantage, with built-in wheels and a double telescoping handle facilitating easy transport. User feedback on the Cubii website indicates a high satisfaction rate, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. While overwhelmingly positive, some reviews have mentioned minor criticisms regarding stability and design. However, four-star reviews consistently praise its effectiveness and ease of use, solidifying its position as a top-tier under-desk fitness solution.
Most Comfortable Elliptical: Niceday Smart Elliptical CT11
For individuals new to ellipticals or those seeking a particularly comfortable and user-friendly experience, the Niceday Smart Elliptical CT11 is a noteworthy contender. It features large pedals and a robust steel construction, supporting users up to 400 pounds. The machine is designed to accommodate a wide range of users, from 4’9” to 6’4” in height, though the 15.5-inch stride length might feel somewhat limited for taller individuals. A significant advantage for less mechanically inclined users is that the CT11 comes 90 percent pre-assembled, streamlining the setup process.
The Smart Elliptical CT11 boasts a magnetic drive system engineered for exceptionally quiet operation, with noise levels reportedly below 20 decibels – comparable to the sound of rustling leaves. This feature ensures a tranquil workout environment, ideal for home use. The elliptical offers 16 levels of resistance, suitable for a spectrum of workouts, from light activity to more demanding leg and glute exercises. It is compatible with Kinomap and digitally records key metrics such as speed, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. On Amazon, the Niceday Smart Elliptical CT11 garners an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, with nearly 3,000 reviews. While largely positive regarding performance, some customer feedback has pointed to noise levels and suitability for taller users as minor drawbacks.
Who Should Buy an Elliptical?
Elliptical machines are an excellent choice for individuals seeking a low-impact, total-body cardiovascular workout adaptable to any intensity level. As Samantha April, P.T., D.P.T., U.S.A.-W. explains, "You’re using both your arms and your legs to propel yourself, and you can adjust the resistance based on what works for you." They are also particularly beneficial for individuals with balance issues. April further notes, "Someone may use an elliptical over a treadmill if they’re looking for something that’s a little more controlled and they want to move with the machine and keep their feet stationary versus a treadmill where they’re required to move."
However, ellipticals may not be the ideal solution for those with extremely limited home gym space. "If space is a concern inside of your home gym, ellipticals take up a pretty fair amount of space, so it’s important that you’ll actually have the space to accommodate that," April advises.
How to Use an Elliptical
Elliptical trainers offer a versatile platform for various workout types, ranging from gentle, steady-state sessions to high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
Getting Started
Before beginning any workout, it is essential to perform a warm-up, including deep breaths and stretching. Once prepared, place your feet on the pedals and grasp the handles. Initiate movement by mimicking a walking motion with your feet.
Basic Workouts
While users have the freedom to set their own pace, a standard baseline for elliptical workouts is 15-20 minutes. As endurance and comfort levels increase, users can gradually increase their speed, resistance, and incline, if their machine offers variable incline settings.
Interval Workouts
Matt Petrillo, C.S.C.S., director of adult fitness at The Annex Sports Performance, recommends incorporating low-intensity interval training (LIIT) for effective elliptical workouts. This involves selecting work intervals of 30-90 seconds and rest intervals of 30-60 seconds, ensuring that the work period is consistently longer than the rest period.
Work Intervals
During the work interval, the objective is to elevate your heart rate to as close to 120 beats per minute as possible at the start of each round. By the end of the work period, the target is to reach a heart rate between 150-160 beats per minute.
Rest Intervals
Petrillo states that during the rest period, the goal is to lower your heart rate back to approximately 120 beats per minute. For individuals without a heart rate monitor, Petrillo suggests an alternative strategy: "Simply go at the fastest sustainable pace you can while only breathing through your nose during your work periods."
Depending on an individual’s fitness level and available time, this work/rest cycle can be repeated for 15-30 rounds. Petrillo emphasizes that "This type of workout helps build our aerobic system, which can greatly improve our cardiovascular and overall health."
How We Chose the Best Ellipticals
Our selection process for the best elliptical machines involved a comprehensive evaluation of dozens of models. We meticulously analyzed several critical factors to ensure our recommendations meet diverse user needs and fitness objectives. These factors included:
What to Look For When Choosing an Elliptical Machine
Flywheel
The flywheel, a heavy rotating component within the machine, is integral to providing stability and momentum during pedaling. A heavier flywheel generally translates to a smoother, more fluid ride and often indicates a higher-quality machine.
Resistance
A wide range of resistance levels is essential for varying workout intensity and facilitating training progression. Since ellipticals operate on a fixed track, increasing speed has limitations. Therefore, ample resistance options are crucial for challenging workouts as fitness levels improve.
Incline
While not a mandatory feature, incline capabilities on an elliptical add a valuable layer of training variability. Adjusting the slope engages different muscle groups and alters workout intensity without solely relying on speed or resistance adjustments. An increased slope demands greater effort from the user to maintain speed, thereby elevating heart rate, analogous to walking uphill versus on flat terrain.
Stride Length
Stride length, defined by the distance the pedals move apart during operation, significantly impacts the comfort and natural feel of the stride. A shorter stride can feel restrictive for individuals with longer legs, while an excessively long stride may feel awkward for those with shorter legs. There isn’t a universal ideal stride length; it is highly dependent on individual leg length and overall height. Most ellipticals offer a 20-inch stride length, which is suitable for the majority of users.
Size
For individuals with limited space in their homes or home gyms, selecting a compact elliptical is paramount. It is advisable to measure the intended workout area before beginning the search to ensure the chosen machine will fit appropriately.
Tech and Features
For users who value technology and seek advanced features and conveniences, it is crucial to identify an elliptical that aligns with their specific technological requirements. Creating a list of essential technology specifications and desired features before starting the selection process can help streamline the search and narrow down options.
Cost
Understanding your budget is a fundamental step when purchasing any home exercise equipment. Ellipticals are available across a wide spectrum of price points, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, accommodating various financial plans.
Final Thoughts
Elliptical cross-trainers offer a highly effective means to enhance cardiovascular fitness and overall strength. The coordinated movement of the pedals and handlebars provides a comprehensive full-body workout, engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously.
FAQs
Should I get an elliptical or a treadmill?
Treadmills and elliptical trainers are both excellent for aerobic exercise. The choice between them largely depends on individual fitness goals, current fitness levels, and any existing injuries or conditions affecting joints or muscles. A full-size elliptical provides a total-body workout, engaging the arms and shoulders alongside the legs, calves, and glutes. Due to the continuous contact of the feet with the pedals, ellipticals are lower impact than treadmills, making them a preferable option for individuals experiencing joint pain or lower-body injuries. Treadmills are more suited for those focused on building endurance and leg strength, particularly runners and walkers. The learning curve for an elliptical may be steeper due to its more complex movement patterns compared to the straightforward motion of running or walking. Other factors, such as cost and noise level, can also influence the decision, with treadmills generally being more expensive and noisier than ellipticals.
Can you lose belly fat with an elliptical?
While it is not possible to target fat reduction in specific body areas, consistent exercise on an elliptical, when combined with a calorie-controlled diet, can contribute to an overall calorie deficit, leading to fat loss throughout the body.
Which elliptical is best for weight loss?
Consistency and accountability are paramount for successful weight loss. The most effective elliptical for weight loss is the one that an individual uses regularly. Features that enhance motivation and focus are important. However, it is crucial to remember that proper nutrition plays an equally significant role as a consistent workout schedule.
Is the elliptical a full-body workout?
Yes, the elliptical works both the upper and lower body, targeting the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, arms, and core muscles.
Is using an elliptical better than walking?
Both walking and using an elliptical are forms of cardiovascular exercise. Ellipticals typically allow for a greater calorie burn due to varied intensities, resistance options, and preset workout programs. Furthermore, ellipticals are generally easier on the joints than walking, offering a beneficial alternative to the impact associated with walking on hard surfaces or treadmills.
How long does it take to see results while using an elliptical?
The timeframe for observing results from any form of exercise is contingent upon individual goals and the level of effort invested in workouts.
