Finding time to work out is a struggle, especially if you’re trying to juggle work, family, and a social life. And even when you do find time to work out, gym memberships are expensive and often inconvenient.
So, why spend time at the gym when you can get a great cardio workout at home?
Here’s the deal:
Purchasing your very own elliptical machine is easier and less expensive than you would think; especially if you weigh the cost of your purchase against the money it will save you in gym fees.
It gets better:
The Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development found that elliptical workouts actually improve your quality of life! Now who can say no to that?
What’s the bottom line?
Now we know that purchasing an elliptical machine may seem overwhelming, which is why we took care of the hard part for you. We at Lovablepicks made your search for the best elliptical machine easy by spending hours researching and reading consumer reviews.
We even categorized the products based on need, in order to narrow your search even further. Regardless of what you’re looking for, we promise our list includes something you’ll love.
#1 Best Elliptical Overall
E95 Sole Elliptical
- Power adjustable stride with 20-22″ maximum stride length
- 6 standard programs, 2 custom programs, and 2 heart rate programs
- LCD console with 9″ display
Pros
Manufactured by Sole Fitness, this bad boy is one of the best you’ll find in terms of value. While it’s designed for home use, it comes with all the features of a commercial machine. With its snazzy LCD screen, cooling fan, and speakers, it’s a user-friendly elliptical. So if you’re looking for an elliptical to purchase for your home, the Sole E95 is a great option for both beginner and advanced use. But don’t just take our word for it! Sole is carried by Dick’s Sporting Goods – which speaks volumes of the product. And since this elliptical is available both in store and online, you can actually give it a try before purchasing!
Product Ratings
Performance
9.5/10
The Sole E95 features a 34-pound flywheel with a 22” adjustable stride and maximum incline of 40%. So what does this mean? A steep incline paired with a variable stride allows you to work a variety of muscle groups during each and every workout. Additionally, the ergonomic pedal design, which is tipped slightly inward, provides added comfort by reducing joint pressure. However, if you’re not getting the results you want, rest assured that Sole Fitness puts the customer first and will never leave an issue unresolved or customer unsatisfied. How great is that?
Features
9.5/10
Not only is this elliptical effective at getting results, but it comes with a variety of features. If you’re looking for built in programs, the Sole E95 will not disappoint. It features a 9” LCD screen with 10 workout programs: six standard, two customizable, and two for heart rate. Speaking of which – don’t own a heartrate monitor? No problem! The handlebars feature sensors which monitor heartrate wirelessly. And of course we would never expect you to work out in silence. The Sole E95 also includes built in speakers and ports for iPods and MP3s, plus a fan and water bottle holder. What more could you ask for? Oh, you’re looking for something with a warranty? The Sole E95 comes with that too – for a full 5 years in fact! The Sole E95 truly is the total package for those serious about getting in shape.
Value
9.5/10
Like many of the ellipticals on our list, the Sole E95 is not cheap. The list price is $2,799, but you can usually find this bad boy on sale for $1,799, making it a very reasonable buy. Plus, once you begin to see results, it will seem worth every penny.
#2 Best Elliptical/Bike Combo
ProForm Hybrid Trainer
- Both an elliptical and recumbent bike in one machine
- Includes upper-body grips for a full body workout
- Features a wireless heart rate monitor
Pros
Not only is this an elliptical, but it can also be transformed into a bike in 3 easy steps! Users absolutely love the versatility of this product and report that this machine delivers a high power workout time after time. The ProForm Hybrid Trainer also offers a low-impact cardio workout, decreasing the amount of stress on the knees and joints.
Product Ratings
Performance
9.5/10
The ProForm Hybrid Trainer features a 15” stride length and 14 digital resistance levels, allowing you to adjust your workout resistance for increased calorie burn. This elliptical also features upper-body grips which work to strengthen and tone muscles. Additionally, the total body workout allows you to burn maximum calories in a shorter period of time.
Features
9.5/10
The ProForm Hybrid Trainer allows you to customize each and every workout. The target pacer technology features an indicator light that tells you when to speed up or slow down based on your desired weight loss goals. This elliptical is also compatible with the ProForm workout app, providing 14 pre-set workout options that automatically adjust the resistance of the elliptical/recumbent bike to enhance your workout. As an added bonus, users report that the app is incredibly easy to use.
Value
9.5/10
At just under $380, the ProForm Hybrid Trainer is one of the least expensive ellipticals on our list. Plus, with the ProForm Hybrid Trainer you will truly get double the functionality at half the price. Users agree that this elliptical is worth every penny!
#3 Best Elliptical for Long Strides
Nordic Track FS7i
- Combines the stair stepper, treadmill, and elliptical into one piece of equipment
- Assembly is quick and easy
- Bestselling elliptical for home use
Pros
Nordic Track has been a household name for years, and is known for producing quality products at a reasonable price. The Nordic Track FS7i is no exception. With this hybrid trainer you will get more for your money with a three-in-one elliptical, stair stepper, and treadmill combination. The Nordic Track FS7i provides a high intensity workout, without the risks that come with high impact exercise. And with a variety of program options, this elliptical is great for those who get bored easily.
Product Ratings
Performance
9.5/10
The Nordic Track FS7i is auto-adjustable, features a comfortable center drive design, and offers one of the longest strides of any elliptical on the market. Stride lengths of up to 38” with a 10% incline make the NordicTrack FS7i perfect for working multiple muscle groups at one time. Translation? Get ready to burn a LOT of calories.
Features
9.5/10
The Nordic Track FS7i is one of the most high tech ellipticals on the market. It features a 7” web-enabled touchscreen that’s compatible with iFit programming. With an iFit membership, you can access the online workout library featuring daily downloads of personalized training routines and custom workouts that you can design using Google Maps. What does that mean for you? An endless selection of workout programs. What’s not to love about that?
Value
9.5/10
The retail price of the NordicTrack FS7i is $2,999, but can be found online for around $1,999 – making this a great option under $2,000.
#4 Best Cheap Elliptical
Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine
- LCD window system allows you to monitor different feedbacks
- 22 programs, 2 user settings and goal tracking
- Charging USB port and data exchange
Pros
By the company that brought you the bikes you loved as a child, this elliptical machine is a durable, high-tech option that’s surprisingly affordable. With 22 training programs, 20 levels of resistance, and settings for up to 2 users, it’s a good option for your home gym.
Product Ratings
Performance
9.5/10
The Schwinn 430 is a fixed stride elliptical machine that provides 20 levels of resistance aligned with a high speed, high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel, which delivers a smooth and quiet workout time after time.
Features
9.5/10
The Schwinn 430 features a dual track LCD window system, which allows you to monitor up to 13 different display feedbacks at one time. This elliptical also comes programmed with 22 different work outs, 2 user settings, and goal tracking – all designed to help keep your fitness goals on track. Additionally, the dual monitors feature a USB port and data exchange, allowing you to stay connected throughout the entire duration of your workout.
Value
9.5/10
At $557 this elliptical is easily the least expensive on our list, making it a perfect addition to your home gym!
#5 Best Elliptical Bike / Combo
Body Champ 2 in 1 Cardio Dual Trainer/Elliptical Workout and Upright Exercise Bike
- Works as an elliptical and upright exercise bike
- Easy assembly
- Quiet and durable
Pros
This 2 in 1 Cardio Dual Elliptical by Body Champ works as both an elliptical and an exercise bike. It’s a sturdy machine that has twelve preset workout programs and a two-way adjustable seat for maximum comfort during your workout.
Product Ratings
Performance
9.2/10
This cardio dual trainer serves as a two in one exercise machine. It’s both an elliptical trainer and stationary bike. The advanced magnetic resistance system enhances your exercise experience creating a smoother and quieter ride.
Features
9.1/10
The LCD console is programmable for customizable programs and also features twelve different preset programs. The sturdy steel machine has a 14-inch stride and can hold up to 275lbs. The seat adjusts horizontally and vertically and is very comfortable.
Value
9.3/10
This elliptical/bike machine comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. The company prides itself in quality made products. We believe you’re getting a sturdy well priced two in one machine that will last for years to come. Also, it’s $200 (!!) off its original price right now on Amazon.
#6 Best Elliptical Stepper
Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper
- Essentially a portable elliptical machine with built-in resistance training
- Twist action helps you tone thighs and buttocks
- LCD display shows total count, time, calories burned, and rep count
Pros
While not quite the classic elliptical machine, this stepper serves the same purpose.
Product Ratings
Features
9.5/10
It’s compact, very easy to use, and gives you a workout you’d never get on a classic elliptical. With resistance bands to work the upper body, it’s a complete toning workout.
Value
9.5/10
Best Buy!
#7 Best Compact Elliptical
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Machine Trainer
- Compact – fits in small spaces
- Anti-slip foot platforms
- Digital and hand pulse monitor
Pros
This Magnetic Elliptical Machine Trainer by Sunny Health & Fitness has eight levels of adjustable resistance with large anti-slip platforms. You can increase or decrease your resistance with just a simple twist – making this an easy to use and well functioning elliptical.
Product Ratings
Performance
8.8/10
This unit is great for small places and therefore has shorter strides with an 11″ stride length. It’s good for the knees and provides a healthy upper and lower body workout.
Features
8.7/10
With this elliptical, you get a pulse monitor (to keep track of your heart rate), a digital monitor (showcasing your distance and time to help you achieve your personal fitness goals), adjustable resistance (8 different levels!), portable wheels (for easy movement around the house or apartment), and it’s incredibly compact!
Value
9/10
This is one of the cheapest and most compact ellipticals on our list. The elliptical is only $139.99 – that’s almost $40 off of its original price on Amazon. The machine is durable and gets the job done.
#8 Best Elliptical under $500
Exerpeutic 1318 5000 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer with Double Transmission Drive
- High quality yet affordable
- Compact – fits in smaller places
- Great customer support
Pros
The Exerpeutic 1318 5000 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer with Double Transmission Drive provides a smooth 18-inch stride with twelve different workout modes and seven different training modes.
Product Ratings
Performance
8.8/10
The Exerpeutic Elliptical Trainer can hold up to 270lbs and has an 18-inch stride. This provides a great workout without putting a harsh strain on the ankles or knees. Its got a double transmission that operates with a two flywheel and two belt design system – this helps to double the gear ratio, which means you’re going to get more momentum and a gentler striding motion.
Features
8.7/10
The elliptical has a smartphone and tablet holder – so you can read or watch your favorite things while working out. Its compact design also allows this machine to fit in smaller areas.
This elliptical comes with twelve workout programs and seven different training modes to maximize your workout.
Value
8.9/10
This elliptical is $422.99 – almost $80 off of its original price. This is one of the best ellipticals you can get for under $500.
