I can remember a time when you only ever saw a handful of elliptical machines in the gym because hardly anyone ever used them.
Nowadays, however, they are one of the most popular cardio machines because an increasing number are starting to appreciate the benefits of these machines. So much so that more and more people are choosing to buy one of these ellipticals for their home.
In case you are unaware of these benefits, an elliptical machine delivers a low-impact cardio workout that works your entire body because it engages your arms, legs, chest, back and shoulders, as well as your core muscles.
Therefore an elliptical machine workout will clearly help with toning, but it will also help with fitness and weight loss as well because you can burn as much as 500 – 900 calories during a one hour workout (depending on bodyweight, intensity and a few other factors).
The price of one of these exercise machines varies quite considerably because you can buy one for as little as $100 – $200, for example, or you can pay as much as $3000 – $4000 for a top-of-the-range model.
However here are some of the best elliptical trainers for home use that are available to buy in 2024 in all price categories, starting with some of the top-end commercial-grade machines and finishing with some of the top low-cost machines that are well worth considering:
Top-Of-The-Range Elliptical Machines
Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine
There is one stand-out machine that continues to receive rave reviews and is more than good enough for commercial or home use, and that’s the Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine.
This gym-quality machine has a very quiet belt drive system that can run forwards or backwards, and has an impressive 34-pound flywheel at the front that delivers a really smooth workout.
There are 20 power incline levels, adjustable up to 30 degrees, to accommodate people of all fitness levels, and it is ideal for both men and women of all shapes and sizes because it has a 20-22 inch maximum stride length and a 400-pound weight limit.
In addition, it has some impressive features, such as a good quality 9-inch LCD display, a built-in heart rate monitor, 10 workout programs and custom foot pedals that can be adjusted to fit your stride, with a 2-degree inward slope to reduce ankle and knee stress.
Plus it also comes with a built-in cooling fan, a Bluetooth sound system and a water bottle holder.
So although this is one of the most expensive ellipticals, it is arguably the best one to buy because it delivers a smooth and quiet workout, and is a strong well-made machine that is built to last and is designed to be as comfortable as possible.
→ Click here to buy the Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine
→ Click here to read a full review
Also Available:
→ Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine – this is a cheaper (but equally impressive) version of the E95 model that shares many of the same features, but this one has a smaller 29 pound flywheel, a slightly smaller LCD display (7.5 inches) and a marginally lower weight capacity (375 pounds).
Octane Fitness XR4X Elliptical Trainer
The E95 and E35 models from Sole Fitness are well worth considering, but another top-end model that is ideal for home use is the Octane Fitness XR4X Elliptical Trainer.
This too has a commercial-grade construction to ensure that it will last for many years, but you will see that it has a recumbent design to enable you to tone up your upper and lower body, lose weight and improve your fitness whilst sitting down in a nice comfortable seat.
Recumbent exercise bikes have really grown in popularity in recent years, but this recumbent elliptical from Octane Fitness will burn even more calories and activate more muscles than a recumbent bike.
It has 20 levels of resistance that will provide a real test for people of all fitness levels, and comes with 6 built-in programs to add some variety to your workouts and 3 workout boosters to target certain areas of your body and benefit from high intensity interval training.
Therefore when you consider that this machine has been designed to be as comfortable as possible with its fully adjustable cushioned seat and optimal leg position, this elliptical is the perfect combination of strength, performance and comfort.
→ Click here to buy the Octane Fitness XR4X Elliptical Trainer
→ Click here to read a full review
Mid-Range Elliptical Trainers
ProForm Smart Strider 735 E Elliptical Trainer
If your budget can’t quite stretch to a top-line model, you might want to think about investing in one of the mid-range ellipticals that are available, such as the ProForm Smart Strider 735 Elliptical Trainer, for example, which is quite a lot cheaper than the two models above.
This is a strong and sturdy machine that has a commercial-grade construction, and offers a range of workout options for people of all fitness levels.
For example, there are 20 digital resistance levels and 22 workout programs that have been devised by a personal trainer, and if you really want to push yourself harder and work different muscle groups, you can adjust the incline up to 10 degrees.
Plus this machine makes use of the latest fitness technology to open up a world of workout possibilities. That’s because it can connect to the iFit module to provide you with a lot more custom-built workouts and enable you to use different routes and different terrains from all over the world using Google Maps, where the incline will automatically change throughout the route.
It is also worth mentioning that this elliptical comes with a few other useful features, which includes some built-in speakers that can hook up with your iPod or iPad, as well as a two-speed fan, and is one of the few ellipticals that can be folded up into an upright position if you don’t want it to take up a lot of space in your home.
So this is a good choice if you don’t have the money to buy a top-of-the-range elliptical trainer, but still want to buy a solid machine that has lots of cool features and workout options, and represents good value for money.
→ Click here to buy the ProForm Smart Strider 735 Elliptical Trainer
→ Click here to read a full review
AFG Sport 5.9AE Elliptical Trainer
Another mid-range model that you might want to consider buying is the AFG Sport 5.9AE Elliptical Trainer because this gives you a lot for your money.
As with many other ellipticals, this one has a number of resistance levels (20) and incline settings (20) to provide endless different workout possibilities, but this machine also has 43 individual workout programs as well.
So you are unlikely to become bored of using this machine because you will always be able to vary your routines as much as you like, and if you want to monitor your progress over time, there is a free app included that will enable you to do this.
You will also be able to keep yourself entertained whilst you are exercising because the console has Bluetooth speakers that make it really easy to stream all of your favorite music.
Finally, it is worth noting that this machine has a heavy-duty flywheel and a smooth precision drive system, as well as a natural stride motion that is easy on the joints to provide really comfortable workouts.
→ Click here to buy the AFG Sport 5.9AE Elliptical Trainer
→ Click here to read a full review
Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine
If you are looking for a feature-packed machine that has lots of workout options but isn’t overly expensive, then the Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine has to be top of your shortlist.
This one comes with an impressive 20 levels of resistance and 22 workout programs, which is more than most others in this price range, and has a high speed high inertia flywheel that guarantees a smooth and quiet workout.
It also has a large console display that gives you 13 different readouts, and is compatible with Schwinn Connect and Myfitnesspal if you want to export your data and monitor your performance.
Plus you will find that it has built-in speakers, a 3-speed fan to keep you cool and a media tray to keep you entertained during your workout.
This machine has a fixed stride length of 20 inches, and has static handlebars if you want to concentrate on your lower body, as well as moving arms if you want to work your upper and lower body at the same time. There is also a ramp range of up to 10 degrees if you want to add some variation to your workouts.
So when you consider the relatively low cost of this elliptical trainer, it is easy to see why this is consistently one of the top-selling models.
→ Click here to buy the Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine
→ Click here to read a full review
Also Available:
→ Schwinn 490 – this is an upgrade on the 470 model that has more resistance levels, a wider range of incline settings and automatic resistance control, and offers a more immersive and progressive workout experience with scenic routes, adaptive workouts and teacher-led classes.
Low Cost Ellipticals
Exerpeutic 5000 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer
If you are looking to buy a good quality low-cost elliptical that will deliver a really good workout, then the Exerpeutic 5000 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer is an excellent choice.
This machine has an 18 inch stride length that won’t put any strain on your knees or ankles, and enables you to get a full upper and lower body workout.
What really makes this one stand out from all the other low-cost machines is that it comes with 24 computer-controlled resistance levels and makes full use of Bluetooth technology to help you track your performance on your Apple or Android smartphone or tablet whenever you like.
Plus it even offers a range of training modes and workout options, which is almost unheard of for an elliptical trainer in this price range.
Furthermore it is a very strong and stable machine because it has a 3 piece cranking system that guarantees high end performance and continuous momentum.
So in terms of value for money, this one really is hard to beat because it has all the features of a top quality mid-range model, but without the high price tag.
→ Click here to buy the Exerpeutic 5000 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer
→ Click here to read a full review
Yosuda Pro Cardio Climber
Another low-cost model that is proving to be very popular with home users in particular is the Yosuda Pro Cardio Climber Elliptical.
This cross trainer machine offers a more intense workout than a regular elliptical because it has an extended vertical and horizontal stride length and a 45-degree climbing motion.
Furthermore, it also has a heavy 18 lbs flywheel and a smooth and fluid magnetic resistance system that offers 16 levels of resistance in total.
Therefore it will help to burn a lot of calories, particularly at the higher resistance levels, and with the large handlebars offering multiple grip positions, you can really target the upper body as well, giving you a total full body workout.
Finally, it is worth pointing out that this exercise machine has a solid alloy steel frame that can support users up to 300 pounds, so this is a good choice for anyone looking to tone up, get fit and lose weight at home.
→ Click here to buy the Yosuda Pro Cardio Climber Stepper Elliptical
→ Click here to read a full review
Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical
Finally, if you are on a really tight budget and want to buy a really cheap model that you can use to get a decent workout at home, the Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical is not a bad choice at all.
This is a small and compact machine that is ideal for small spaces, and because it is made by Exerpeutic, it is better quality than many of the other low-cost models.
The computer display is very basic, but it does still indicate all of the essentials, such as time, speed, distance and calories burned, and because it includes movable arms, you can of course work your upper and lower body at the same time.
The natural motion of this particular elliptical reduces stress on your joints, and there is an adjustable resistance knob that you can use to get a varied and challenging workout.
Due to the relatively small size of this machine, the stride length is quite short. Therefore it may not be suitable for men who are over 6 feet tall, for instance.
On the whole, though, this is a pretty strong, well-made elliptical that can accommodate anyone up to 260 pounds, and delivers a really good cardio workout for people on a budget.
→ Click here to buy the Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical
→ Click here to read a full review
Additional Product Reviews
Featured on this page are some of the top elliptical trainers in every different price category, but we have also reviewed some more elliptical trainers that didn’t quite make this list, which are listed below:
→ Sanibel i35 Cardio Core – this top-end machine has electronic power incline settings up to 35 degrees and a fully adjustable stride length up to 26 inches, and will target multiple upper body muscle groups with its patented Cardio Core handlebars.
→ LifeSpan E2i – this is a brand new top-end elliptical trainer for 2016 that has a really strong construction, and comes with 21 exercise programs and 20 ramp settings to provide plenty of workout options.
→ ProForm Cardio HIIT – a combination of a stair climber and an elliptical machine with more of a vertical range of motion, this machine delivers a much more intense workout, and also provides a good upper body boxing-style workout for your arms, back, shoulders and abs.
→ Horizon Fitness EX-59-02 – this mid-range elliptical has 10 resistance levels, 10 programs and a really good quality display with some useful extras, but crucially it has been engineered to deliver the smoothest and most natural workout possible.
→ Nautilus E614 – this mid-range model provides you with 20 resistance levels, 22 programs and 6 manual incline settings for endless different workout possibilities, and has a host of extra features.
→ Universal E40 – this basic entry-level model offers a varied range of workout options with 8 levels of resistance and 7 workout programs, and comes with a good quality LCD console that has built-in speakers and a phone / tablet holder.
→ Cubii – this Bluetooth-enabled mini elliptical trainer is specifically designed to be used sitting down, and is perfect if you want to exercise and keep active at home or in the office.
→ Cubii Jr – this is very similar to the standard Cubii, but it has a different color scheme and has a built-in display monitor instead of Bluetooth compatibility.
→ Niceday Under Desk Elliptical – this is a seated under desk elliptical that has advanced features, such as a foot-controlled resistance lever, a detachable Bluetooth console and compatibility with Zwift and Kinomap apps.
→ Stamina In-Motion Compact Strider – this foot pedal exerciser can be used for seated and standing workouts, offering forward and backward pedal motion, and is compatible with the Muuv coaching app to help you get more out of your workouts.
→ FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical – this small and compact mini elliptical is designed to be used underneath a desk, and is said to have the lowest pedal height rotation available, ensuring that you can use it with work desks that are as low as 25 inches.
→ J/Fit Mini Elliptical – this strong and sturdy mini elliptical has adjustable pedals so that you can do seated and standing workouts on this one machine, and still get a comfortable workout.
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