Best Elliptical Machines [April 2021]

In a Hurry? Our Top 3 Best Elliptical Machines!

Budget Friendly

Best for Money

Best Overall

Bowflex M3

Sole Fitness E35

Nautilus E618

Resistance

8 levels

20 Levels

25 Levels

Display

Dual backlit LCD/LED

LCD console

Dual blue backlit LCD

Weight Limit

300 lbs

375 lbs

350 lbs

Footprints

46.1″x 25″x 62.9″

27″ x 58″ x 83″

73″ x 27″ x 67″

Price

$999.00

$2,632.49

$1,598.99

View on Amazon

View on Amazon

View on Amazon

Budget Friendly

Bowflex M3

Resistance

8 levels

Display

Dual backlit LCD/LED

Weight Limit

300 lbs

Footprints

46.1″x 25″x 62.9″

Price

$999.00

View on Amazon

Best for Money

Sole Fitness E35

Resistance

20 Levels

Display

LCD console

Weight Limit

375 lbs

Footprints

27″ x 58″ x 83″

Price

$2,632.49

View on Amazon

Best Overall

Nautilus E618

Resistance

25 Levels

Display

Dual blue backlit LCD

Weight Limit

350 lbs

Footprints

73″ x 27″ x 67″

Price

$1,598.99

View on Amazon

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-04-22

If you can’t go to the gym but still want access to calorie-burning cardio workouts from the comfort of your own home, then you can consider purchasing your elliptical machine.

Elliptical machines are a dynamic and valuable addition to any workout setup. It provides the user with an effective and smooth manner of aerobic exercise, engaging the whole body in a stride like Motion. This popular exercise equipment has zero impact, which means it puts a minimal amount of stress possible on your joints and bones. These machines are also known as cross-trainers.

The Best Elliptical Machine makes it easy to do a variety of workouts from short, fast-paced training to lengthy steady-state cardio sessions. Here we have listed some entry-level, mid-range, and high-end elliptical machines for you.

Top 10 Elliptical Machines

Which are the 10 Best Elliptical Machines In 2021?

1. Bowflex M3 Max Trainer

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-04-22

Bowflex trainer is one of the leading fitness equipment that comes with high-intensity programs. It is the most selling elliptical machine under $1000. Also, the streamlined design makes it suitable for hardcore fitness training and being gentle for beginner level users.

The trainer provides a unique design while being an entry-level trainer that is reasonable and powered with advanced features. Its innovative design offers optimal performance for fitness enthusiasts as the resistance and speed controlled by the click of the dial.

• Fitness Meter: It features a burn rate display that shows calories, resistance level, and speed. You can control the speed and levels of resistance by clicking on the dial. It keeps you engaged in the workout.
• Resistance: It comes with eight resistance levels that allow you to engage in the exercise with a preferred intensity level. You can change the resistance as you move from beginner to a more advanced workout level with higher intensity.
• Pedals: It comes with easy to use and most comfortable pedals. It allows you to go on with your workout session for a longer duration without exerting yourself.
• Grab Handles: It has firm grip handles that offer strong support to the users during the intense workout sessions.
• Built-In Programs: It has two programs manual mode and a MAX Interval. Its 14 min Max interval makes it highly recommended for an advanced fitness regimen to achieve desired goals.
• User Profiles: It is perfect for a couple or roommates or for your home gym. With two user profiles, each person can set up their workout metrics and pick up their workouts right where they let off.
• Extras: It has a water bottle holder and a reading rack. The ledge of the shelf is wide enough to hold a book or tablet.

2. Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-04-23

The Sole E35 is a relatively compact machine with a front-drive configuration. The machine has integrated transport wheels that will allow you to roll the machine into a corner of the room. It does not consume too much space nor it wake up your pets and neighbors during use.

This allows you to use your smart devices to watch shows or follow your workout routines. It has a Port to charge your smart devices while working out and listen to your music through the speakers on the console.

• Workout programs: The E35 can guide exercise with 10 programs. Five programs are compatible with elliptical trainers like cardio, fat burn, hill, interval and strength. Two programs are controlled by pulse rate. The remaining are manual mode and 2 user-designed programs.
• Power Incline: It features power incline that is a great option considering that you don’t have to stop your exercise. If you want to increase your resistance or work, the incline are conveniently positioned handlebars so you never have to take your hands off and continue it.
• Resistance: It provides automated Eddy Current Brake(ECB) resistance control mounted on the handlebars and includes 16 settings.
• Durability: This Elliptical machine is durable and well constructed. You can easily take this machine to your home gym. It has the capability to hold maximum user weight up to 375 lbs.
• Adjustable Stride: The stride on E35 Elliptical can be adjusted from 20-22″ so anyone can exercise comfortably and get the benefits of a full elliptical motion. 
• 7.5″ backlit Display: It is big and bright enough to see easily during your workouts. It displays all your key matrices simultaneously without any touch of a button or waiting for them to scan it.
• Pedals: These pedals are designed to give comfort to your ankle and knee. It has a large 15 “pedal and a 2° inward slope that gives the ability to choose between 3 different positions.
• HandleBars: The handlebars are large that allows several different grip options during your workouts. Changing grip position is a good way to target different upper body muscle groups during your workouts.
• Fitness Apps: You can use Bluetooth to sync up with free sole fitness app and other popular apps like Fitklib and apple health for tracking your fitness data.

3. Nautilus E618 Elliptical Trainer

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-04-23

This E618 is the most advanced elliptical trainer. It comes with enough workout variation to keep your exercise routines fresh for the long haul. It has resistance up to 25 levels and the heaviest 30 lbs flywheel at the front.

With 22″ longest stride, it is suitable for users with above average strides. The angle of footplate from 0 to 10 degrees, adjusting the footplate angle, offers the trainees customized heel support in pedals. It makes the training process comfortable. Moreover, it has dual slide rails that distribute the load and increase stability and body balance.

• Flywheel: It comes with a 30-pound flywheel. The heavier flywheel provides a high speed and smooth rides. Also, the machine can support 350 lbs of user weight.
• Handlebars: It comes with multi-grip handlebars that helps you to get upper body training done. They are integrated with control buttons to set the resistance and incline.
• Suspension Adjust Cushioning: It allows the footplate angle to be customized between 0-10° for a perfect fit.
• Adjustable sight line console: It reduces the glare and offers a better view to trainees. The console comes with DualTrack blue backlit LCD to enable the user to read the workout data in one Display and read a book or magazine on another.
• Heart Rate Monitor: It is telemetry enabled and gives contact pulse grips and also fit with chest straps to allow the user to monitor pulse during training.
• Media shelf: This shelf allows you to watch your tablet and read a magazine during your workouts.
• Programs: It comes with 29 onboard programs, including 4 user-defined programs and four personal profiles. 12 profile programs, 9 heart programs, 4 custom programs, 2 fitness tests, 1 quick start, 1 recovery test.

4. Sole Fitness E25 Elliptical Machine

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-04-23

The Sole E25 is the most affordable machine. It comes with moving handlebars and a natural feeling well designed elliptical footpath. It supports joint-friendly exercise for the whole body and designed to support different training goals.

It provides enough force to challenge many trainees and saves two customized routines. It’s a top value choice for shoppers at the beginning and intermediate levels of cardio training and a budget-friendly way to keep fit without hurting sensitive joints in your ankles, knees and hips.

• Pulse Monitor: It comes with a strap pulse rate monitor that works perfectly. There are 2 heart rate programs that able to sense your pulse at a particular time.

• Incline: The E25 comes with a powered incline at 20 different levels. It allows you to adjust your workout intensity without pause your exercise.

• Display: The 6.5-inch Display is easy to read and supported by a blue backlit LCD. It shows current incline level, time worked out, distance traveled, resistance and name of current program.

• Flywheel: It is equipped with 19 pounds flywheel to provide smooth rides and performance.

• Console: Buttons in the console are very straightforward. All the 10 programs are easily selected from individual buttons. Incline and resistance also has 5 different buttons on the left and right side of the Display.

• Programs: It has 10 programs-6 standard preset, 2 user-specific custom and 2 heart programs. Each has its individual button on the console.

• Extras: It also contains a lot of creature comfort including Bluetooth audio speakers, an integrated tablet holder, bottle and accessory tray.

5. Nautilus E616 Elliptical Trainer

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-04-23

Nautilus E616 has an innovative fitness club design with dozens of programs and levels of resistance. It creates limitless training options. Furthermore, it delivers the best results and comfortable training experience for home users. The console is loaded with more number of preset programs than the E614 model.

It is considered one of the top-performing elliptical trainers under $1000 price range. It offers you solid construction with a few perks you don’t usually find in a budget-friendly trainer.

• Screen: It features two blue backlit screen that allows you to view all your workout data and training progress in one of the displays
• Resistance: It comes with magnetic resistance up to 25 levels. The higher resistance levels offer wider options for an intense workout.
• Incline: The E616 has a motorized incline from 0 to 11%, providing more challenging workouts to reach your target fitness level comfortably.
• Console: It has a capable console with great elements such as built-in speakers, media shelf, water bottle rack, 3 speed cooling fan and USB charging port.
• Handlebars: There are ergonomic handlebars that are adjustable and padded, allowing them to have a most comfortable hand position.
• Programs: It creates limitless training options. These include 12 standard programs, nine pulse rate options, four custom tests, 2-fitness tests and a quick start.
• Run Social App: You can sync with Run social App using Bluetooth. It allows you to run through different routes around the world virtually.

6.  Schwinn 470 Elliptical

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-04-22

Schwinn 470 is a quality fitness equipment that seems to tick all the boxes in all the important areas. It offers many qualities that you might expect from a more expensive machine. It is well built and gives a comfortable and smooth ride.

Furthermore, it can keep fitness geeks with high goals satisfied through its 25 tension levels and its ability to take training via an incline function. The console can store up to four user-profiles and Bluetooth for wireless heart monitoring and data export. Overall this home elliptical is popular for combining good ergonomics with impressive workout variety.

• Pedals: It supports precision path foot motion technology that helps you with a natural running motion. Its large footplates help the users to maintain a comfortable foot position.
• Handlebars: This machine features ergonomically placed static handlebars with a grip pulse rate for comfortable use with pulse programs. It helps to keep the proper posture of the user during a workout.
• Power Incline: It provides 6 position incline up to 10°. It is best for hikers or trail runners as it adds another level of challenge and realism.
• Resistance: You can modify the resistance according to the exercises as it has five quick keys. It helps you to control the tension within a second while working out.
• Console: The machine has an excellent console and Display. It features a 5 “dual-screen and a system is backlit. It allows you to workout through the Schwinn connect and MyFitnessApp.
• Size: It has a stride of 20 inches. The machine is quite large; therefore, you’ll need a significant amount of space.
• Programs: It consists of 29 programs, including 12 profiles, 9 pulse rate controls, four custom profiles, 2 fitness test, one recovery test and a quick start option.
• Noise: it is one of the quietest ellipticals you will ride on and easily watch TV, listen to music and read.

7. Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-04-23

Schwinn 411 is a mid-range elliptical trainer under $600 for residential use. It is one of the best ellipticals under this price range. It is designed for home use with a space-saver design, i.e., vertical arrangement for the internal parts.

This compact trainer features a motorized magnetic resistance system 16 levels. It is great for light to intense cardio workouts, stamina development, interval workout, and weight loss. Furthermore, it is packed full of features, including Bluetooth, pulse rate monitoring, and many more. The machine is solid and stable with a weight of 119 lbs that is quite heavy for this price tag.

• Flywheel: It features large, heavy inertia enhanced flywheel for a smooth feel. The heavier flywheel is better as it serves to lessen jerky motions.
• Resistance: With the push of a button, you can adjust the resistance easily. It’s few levels deliver a light pedaling tension that is perfect for users who wants to perform a light workout in home gym.
• Console: It has a 5.5″LCD monitor that tracks exercise metrics such as speed, distance, time, RPM, calories and pulse. It provides both imperial and metric units for the display of distance and speed. Moreover the console is telemetric and can connect with a wireless strap for pulse monitoring.
• Programs: It comes with 13 programs that are 1 manual and 12 interval programs. The manual allows you to exercise freely, adjusting the resistance as you like during your workout and the interval program is preset as30/90. The sprint level is 30 sec and the rest interval is 90 secs.
• Elliptical Path: It has a horizontal elliptical path that offers a natural motion without going up or downhill.
• Stride: It provides a quick impressive stride that means the machine provides a good range of Motion for users up to 6’0″.
• Explore the world app: This cross trainer si compatible with RunSocialApp. With it, you can connect your phone or tablet and explore different world locations with different routes.

8. ProForm Hybrid Trainer

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-04-23

It delivers the benefits of an exercise bike and an elliptical. This trainer offers comfort, variety and a low impact cardio workout. It adjusts the pedals to accommodate an elliptical or bike position plus the console adjusts, so whether you are sitting or standing, you can easily monitor your workout on the large LCD Window.

You get the workouts as you want with 14 options. Programs are designed by a certified personal trainer and automatically adjusts the resistance of the elliptical bike. These workout arms take your fitness from the straightforward lower-body workout of the treadmill to the total body elliptical workout experience.

• iFit Bluetooth Smart Console: This is a brand new feature in this model. If Users have an iFit subscription, they can access a workout library with unlimited workouts. It also comes with exclusive workouts created by TV Trainers.
• Pedals: The pedals are both adjustable and cushioned for extra comfort and personalization.
• 2-in-1 Trainer: It enhances the variety of workouts and makes it more interesting. It takes only two quick adjustments to transform from one mode to the other.
• Handlebars: It comes with static handlebars that offer the ideal option for working on your legs. These bars will let you work out on your arms and upper body.
• Seat: You get an adjustable seat that has been integrated with cushioning and lumbar support to make your ride more comfortable.
•  Resistance: It packs 14 level of resistance that makes the trainer ideal for a range of users from beginners to intermediary.
• Reverse Motion: Another awesome feature is the reversible range of Motion. Whether you are cycling or working out, it allows you to alternate between the forward and the backward running motion.
• Integrated Table Holder: An extra-wide table holder keeps your device safely in place so that you can easily stream music and access social media or other fitness apps.

9. Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-04-23

The Teeter FreeStep LT1 Recumbent Trainer is a budget-friendly home fitness machine. It prevents the knees from travelling over the toes and stabilized tha back and hips. Its smooth dual Motion involves both the upper and lower body and you can go longer without getting tired. It offers more than just an excellent calories burn. The FreeStride trainer offers full-body resistance training to develop muscle strength throughout the whole body.

A simple turn of the dial takes resistance from zero to intense. It gives a smooth feel and virtually silent operation so you can listen to music, watch TV or workout anytime. Its sturdy base and wide seat make entry and exit easy as well as comfortable.

• Seat: It comes with a pretty adjustable seat that allows you to adjust the height and recline positions independently and a better chance of finding a comfort fit.
• Resistance: This recumbent comes with a quiet magnetic resistance that is easily adjusted by turning a dial near the seat. It offers more resistance for challenging workout.
• Handles: The upper body handles can be adjusted to emphasize different muscle groups during use. You can rotate the handle, if you want to concentrate on biceps or chest.
• Console: It comes with a small battery operated digital console that is helpful for tracking a few key workout stats like time , distance, speed and calories.
• Device stand: This simple feature makes your workouts more enjoyable. If you have a tablet, you can prop it up and watch a movie or listen to music. 
• TeeterMove App: It offers their own free fitness app that you can use for workout ideas and general guidance.
• Weight Capacity: The FreeStep comes with a 300 lb weight limit. This is high enough to accommodate most home users as well as give us peace of mind in terms of design and quality.

10. Sunny Health & Fitness Advanced SF-E320002 Elliptical 

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-04-23

The Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical trainer allows you to progress at your own pace and the way you like. It’s a cheaper built machine and comes with different impressive features like a motorized resistance system and a double set of fixed and mobile handlebars. This is an excellent cross trainer for training, recovery trainer, weight loss etc.

If you are new to using an elliptical machine and want to set yourself some health and fitness goals to work on. We will recommend this to you. It will offer you a full body workout and huge workout programs with overall solid construction.

• Handlebars: It comes with a double set of handles with a nice touch. If you want to focus on strengthening your lower body, it provides excellent stability. It also contains built-in sensors so, you get a rough idea of your pulse rate.
• Console: This elliptical machine has one of the most advanced console in its price range. Its user friendly and large screen makes reading your workout data super easy. It displays speed, rpm, time, distance, target pulse rate and resistance.
• Resistance: It comes with 16 different levels of resistance that are gentle enough for returning to exercise from injury or from elder users. 
• Programs: There are 24 in built programs that focus on body fat and pulse rate.
• Pedals: It comes with extra wide foot pedals that provide adequate grip for the most intense workouts. You will perform your activities confidently and never lose your footing.
• Stride: It has 18 inches of stride that provide the perfect combination of length and space efficiency for an effective body at home exercise.
• Device Holder: This simple feature makes your workouts more enjoyable. If you have a tablet, you can prop it up and watch a movie or listen to music.
• Full Motion Arms: These arms help you to get a complete and total body workout without any hassle.

How To Choose the Elliptical Machine?

Buying the best elliptical machine for the home gyms can be confusing as there are many options available in the market. You should take into consideration your body type and workout needs.

Types of Elliptical Machines

There are three basic designs in elliptical trainers:

Front Drive: This type of elliptical have large wheel housing at the front of the machine. The pedal on this elliptical slide is along the roller tracks and give a more vertical motion range. It is a bit lower to the ground and may offer a better option for users with a limited mobility range.

Center Drive: In this type, the flywheel is located on either side of the pedals. It offers a more vertical motion range and resembles the movement of the stair climber machine. This center drive elliptical is compact than both front and rear-drive models. It is popular for individuals for the best home gym.

 Rear Drive: This may be the oldest design for elliptical trainers, but it is still very effective and in wide use today. It can offer a smooth and stable range of motion. Also, it allows for a longer, more natural stride.

Stride Length

It is the maximum distance each pedal can move forward or backward. For tall trainees, limited stride is a deal-breaker. Machines with a stride  of 20 or more inches can keep most users comfortable. Anything below 16″ is going to be uncomfortable, unless you are 5’3″.

Flywheel

It comes in different weights and can range between 13 to 30 pounds. Heavier flywheels are better as they make a ride feel smoother. The extra weight builds up momentum and makes it spin smoothly. You can select a machine with a flywheel in the 20 lb range to ensure smooth operation.

Resistance

The best ellipticals come with an eddy current brake system that generates resistance using magnets. The machine that uses electromagnets has the smoothest operation since there are not many moving parts. These kinds of ellipticals allow you to control the resistance settings by pressing the buttons on the console.

Trainers with a manual brake system need you to turn on a knob to change the settings manually.

Must-Have Features

Smooth elliptical motion: Make sure the pedals move smoothly and quietly. Some machines have a “kick” in their motion or feel jerky where the heel comes up off the platform. So look for a machine that gives you a true elliptical movement for both forward and backward directions.

Upper body comfort: You don’t require handles, but it is an excellent upgrade for more intensity. To keep your workout experience user friendly, you’ll require a trainer with comfortable handlebars. They should be padded or textured so that they are comfortable for you to hold.

Adjustable Resistance: Most elliptical machines come with adjustable resistance, and a wide range can give maximum benefits. Choose the model that makes resistance changes simple and intuitive so that training sessions can be easily incorporated.

Quiet Operation: Pick a one that feels smooth and quiet in operation. A well-designed trainer should be silent at all intensity levels.

Console

The console on elliptical machines varies depending on the price range. Low-end ellipticals have consoles with basic functionality. If you prefer high-tech features on the console, be ready to spend some extra bucks.

Preset Programs: Intervals, hills, fat burning, etc. They can provide anywhere from 8 to 40 different workouts.

Display: Some ellipticals come with one screen, and some have two screens for viewing workout data.

Pulse Rate: They’ll sport contact grip heart rate monitors for tracking pulse during exercise. Some high-end models are compatible with telemetry monitors.

Motorized Incline: Incline adjustment is similar to changing the tension you are pushing against; you can increase/decrease the angle.

Bluetooth: Various mid-range to high range ellipticals are Bluetooth compatible. You can track your workout stats using one or more apps on your phone.

Extras: Mid to high-end ellipticals come with a speaker, a cooling fan, and a media holder to make your workout more convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Lose Belly Fat By Using an Elliptical?

The elliptical offers a low impact workout and allows you to use your arms. Moreover, it has a greater impact on the core muscle. It can help you burn calories with less effort. As long as you stick to your exercise and eat clean, your belly fat will melt away.

2. Which Is Better Elliptical or Treadmill?

Both are effective machines to help you get a cardiovascular workout. If you are injury-prone, you may want to stick with the elliptical. And if you’re going to burn a lot of calories and build up speed and leg strength, pick a treadmill.

Related Articles