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The Best Elliptical Machines in 2023, According to a Fitness Director
Your elliptical routine shouldn't be limited to the fitness club.
IF YOU'RE looking for a low-impact way to get in some cardio, you need to hop on one of the best ellipticals, stat. Not only does the low-impact machine give your joints a break, but by upping the resistance and your speed, it's a solid choice for Zone 2 training—keeping your heart rate between about 70 and 80 percent of its maximum.
Zone 2 cardio plays a crucial role in building and strengthening your mitochondria (the parts of your cells that generates the fuel needed for muscular contractions). These exercises basically help build your mitochondria, according to Kenneth Jay, Ph.D., a sports scientist who’s done research with the National Research Centre for the Working Environment in Copenhagen. In turn, booting your cellular energy production and enhancing mitochondrial efficiency.
Sure, it's easy to neglect cardio. But if you do, you're missing out on some serious health benefits, as well as benefits to your lifting, too. By aiding your recovery between sets, these cellular improvements can help you make gains in strength work.
Read more: How Men's Health Thoroughly Tests and Reviews Fitness Products
Men's Health fitness editors have put in the hours comparing testing notes on dozens of the best ellipticals to identify which ones we can honestly recommend. In fact, our dedicated team of MH Staff certified trainers, including MH Fitness Director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S, MH Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM, have been evaluating the best elliptical machines for years. Our meticulous evaluation criteria covers all the major features, from size and build quality, down to the details like smart connectivity and USB charging ports. And, of course, price.
"Everyone should have some sort of cardio element in their training, because whether you’re a serious strength athlete or a dad who’s just trying to stay in shape, you’ll see benefits," according to Men's Health Fitness Director, Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S. "Improving your cardiovascular system will help alleviate pain and soreness in joints, improve total-body circulation, and give you a better base for your strength-building exercises, too."
That cardio doesn’t need to crush your joints and push you to the limit to make an impact, which is precisely where an elliptical trainer comes in. Some cardio machines, such as the best air bikes and rowing machines, help you redline your heart rate, and others, like the classic treadmill, let you simulate real-world motions like running, sprinting, and walking.
But the elliptical fills a different void: It lets you move your body with next to no impact, letting you burn calories while barely taxing joints and connective tissues. It’s a smooth, fluid motion that can allow you to maintain a consistent heart rate for a sustained period. The elliptical is a solid way to build your aerobic system, and because you’re moving all your limbs, you’re stimulating total-body blood flow and coordination, too.
Ready to upgrade your cardio workout options? Read on for our picks for the nine best ellipticals that are worth your investment.
Best Cardio Machines | Best Home Gym Equipment | Best Exercise Bikes | Best Treadmills | Best Weight Benches | Best Power Racks | Best Dumbbells | Best Barbells | Home Gym Awards 2023
Schwinn Fitness 470 Elliptical Machine
Schwinn Fitness 470 Elliptical Machine
Pros
- Compact footprint fits in tighter spaces
- Bluetooth-capable to connect a variety of apps
- Built-in acoustic speakers
- Excellent reliability with durable steel construction
- USB charging port
- Free delivery
- Good value for the price …
Cons
- … but still a little pricey
You might not have much respect for the elliptical section of your gym. But if you push yourself and adjust the settings correctly, you can burn tons of calories on these machines. The 470 Elliptical Machine from Schwinn is designed to help you do just that, with a wide variety of workout options for every level of fitness enthusiast. We love that it offers a whopping 29 different workout modes and, most importantly, can swiftly adjust to any of the 25 resistance settings into ensure you get what you want out of the workout.
It's packed with next-gen features, too. Syncing your phone with the machine's Bluetooth to connect with the company's app is a total breeze, and allows users to cycle through courses all over the world. We found it also works seamlessly with a variety of apps, including MyFitnessPal, Google Fit, Map My Run, and Apple Health. This is among the most reliable elliptical machines we've discovered.
What do buyers say? "LOVE IT!!!!! Easy one-person assembly, silent operation, & super fun to use!!!" said one Amazon reviewer.
Read more: Best Home Gym Equipment
| Max weight capacity | 300 lb. |
|---|---|
| Stats tracked | Calories, fitness progress/history, heart rate, speed, time, distance |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 28.2" x 63.2" x 70.1" |
| Warranty | 10 years (frame) / 2 years (mechanical parts) / 1 year (electronics) / 90 days (labor) |
| Resistance levels | 25 |
Bowflex Max Trainer M9
Pros
- Built for challenging workouts
- Versatile elliptical-meets-stepper design
- Beautiful 10" HD touchscreen display with streaming capabilities
- Streams a wide variety of content
- Solid 3-year warranty
- Free shipping
Cons
- Pricey
The versatile Bowflex Max Trainer M9 is both an elliptical and a stepper in one compact design. The M9 comes with a long list of state-of-the-art features that deliver on a great user experience, including a 10” HD touchscreen (perfect for streaming workout videos, music playlists, and video services like Netflix, Hulu, and more), a variety of positioned handlebars for versatility, and 20 resistance levels. This is a home gym machine for anyone looking to challenge themselves with the toughest workouts for serious cardio.
At nearly $2,000, it's one of the pricier elliptical models we've seen this year. But, we love that it provides the option for some of the toughest workouts, and it's easily one of the best overall ellipticals—all of which justifies the premium price tag.
What do buyers say? "Love this machine. Very quiet. Easy to use and I get a great work out each time," said one Bowflex.com reviewer.
Read more: Best Workout Shoes for Men
| Max weight capacity | 300 lb. |
|---|---|
| Stats tracked | Calories burned, heart rate, workout goals, workout history, speed, distance |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 49.2" x 30.5" x 65.1" |
| Warranty | 3 years (frame & parts) / 1 year (electronics) / 90 days (labor) |
| Resistance levels | 20 |
ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical
ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical
Pros
- iFIT trainers can adjust your resistance according to your workout level
- 19-inch adjustable stride and ramp (0-20°)
- Bluetooth-enabled with dual two-inch speakers
- Front-mounted transport wheels for easy moving
- Free shipping
- Excellent value for the price
Cons
- Built-in LED screen is very basic
- Requires separate smartphone or tablet
ProForm's Carbon EL ticks all the essential boxes for a smart elliptical that's durable, packed with features, and, most importantly, affordable. We love the oversized pedals and 19-inch stride, which work especially well for larger guys. It connects seamlessly to your smartphone or tablet, where streaming the ever-expanding library of workouts feels like a total luxury. The app's trainers can even adjust the Carbon EL's resistance remotely as you build up strength to keep your fitness moving forward, which is great for those who love cardio-focused studio classes.
The real win for this elliptical machine, though, is the price. While it's not the absolute cheapest on the market, we think it's the best value at just under $800 delivered. If you're just getting started and don't want to spend north of $1,000, we find this to be a great elliptical for beginners and first-timers.
What do buyers say? "Nice elliptical machine. Feels very sturdy while using it. I like the ability to use different resistance levels as well as switching the incline to target different muscle groups. Good value for the price," said one BestBuy.com reviewer.
Read more: Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes
| Max weight capacity | 275 lb. |
|---|---|
| Stats tracked | Calories burned, time, distance, speed, RPMs |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 25” x 68.5” x 67.75” |
| Warranty | 10 years (frame) / 1 year (parts + labor) |
| Resistance levels | 18 |
Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical
Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical
Pros
- 16-inch interactive WiFi-enabled touchscreen display
- Surprisingly compact footprint is great for small spaces
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Dual rail design with six-grip handlebars
- Free shipping
- 6-week buy-back guarantee
- 1-year JRNY membership included
Cons
- Expensive
The Max Total 16—the latest in the series—is super compact for an elliptical-style trainer, so it's perfect for city-dwellers with smaller living spaces. With up to 20 levels of resistance and pre-programmed workouts, we found this machine to really help push you while working out at home. The generous, 16-inch touchscreen console also comes with Max Total, a platform of custom-guided workouts and virtual coaching to provide structure and motivation for those who like that kind of thing.
At north of $2,000, it's pricier than most ellipticals we've seen and tested. But, given its premium build, Bowflex branding, and long list of features, we think it's worth it. We especially love the six-week buy-back guarantee that allows you to try before you commit to buying. Plus, it's often on sale.
What do buyers say? "One of the best cardio machines I have ever used! It's sturdy, smooth and the variety of workouts are phenomenal! Money well spent!" said one Bowflex.com reviewer.
Read more: Best Rowing Machines
| Max weight capacity | 300 lb. |
|---|---|
| Stats tracked | Heart rate, calories burned, time, resistance levels, RPM, and more |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 49.3" x 30.8" x 65.7" |
| Warranty | 3 years (frame + parts) / 1 year (electronics) / 90 days (labor) |
| Resistance levels | 20 |
Nautilus E616 Elliptical
Nautilus E616 Elliptical
Pros
- 20-inch dual stride rails
- Bluetooth-enabled for easy music streaming
- Durable steel construction
- Dual LCD screens
- USB charging port and adjustable fan
- Great price
- Free shipping
- Warranty periods are better than most
Cons
- No touchscreen display
The Nautilus E616 Elliptical machine comes pre-loaded with 29 workout programs and offers up to 25 levels of resistance to fully customize your workout. The Bluetooth console also syncs with Explore the World App, allowing you to do virtual workouts in 19 locations with 27 routes alongside people from all over the world in real-time. Bottom line: your elliptical workouts will never be boring again.
It's priced just north of $1000 (with free shipping!) and often on sale. But, that affordable price tag means you forego some of the bells and whistles of fancier models, like a video-enabled touchscreen display. Still, it's our pick for this year's best mid-range elliptical machine.
What do buyers say? "Love it. I use mine a couple times a week, really smooth and comes with a nice price you can afford," said one Nautilus.com reviewer.
Read more: Best Walking Shoes for Men
| Max weight capacity | 300 lb. |
|---|---|
| Stats tracked | Heart rate, calories, distance, time |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 71” x 70” x 28” |
| Warranty | 10 years (frame) / 3 years (parts + electronics) / 1 year (labor) |
| Resistance levels | 25 |
Sole E25 Elliptical
Pros
- Adjustable, articulating foot pedals
- Bluetooth speakers for streaming
- Durable steel construction with a 350-pound weight capacity
- Built-in cooling fan and USB charging port
- 19-pound flywheel
- Lifetime frame warranty
Cons
- Small LCD screen (6 inches)
The Sole E25 Elliptical is all about comfort. It was co-developed with physical therapists to eliminate all strain on knee, hip, and ankle joints for an even-lower-impact workout. With 20 levels of resistance, it's completely customizable so you're guaranteed to get a great workout, no matter your fitness level. The 20-pound flywheel, higher gear ratio, and oversized foot pedals keep every workout feeling smooth and comfortable. Plus, it also has a cooling fan, water bottle holder, and Bluetooth speakers built into the console.
At just south of $1,800 (including free shipping), this is not just the most comfortable elliptical trainer we've seen, it's also among the best overall machines for users of all levels. We especially love the generous, and rare, lifetime frame warranty—something even most premium elliptical trainer brands don't offer.
What do buyers say? "This is my second Sole elliptical. I've had other makes of ellipticals that wore out or just never performed. This one is durable and smooth. Great customer support too," said one SoleTreadmills.com reviewer.
Read more: Best Treadmills
| Max weight capacity | 350 lb. |
|---|---|
| Stats tracked | Pulse, time, distance, calories, resistance levels |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 71” x 70” x 24” |
| Warranty | Lifetime (frame) / 3 years (electronics + parts) / 1 year (labor) |
| Resistance levels | 20 |
Proform Hybrid Trainer XT
Proform Hybrid Trainer XT
Pros
- Versatile 2-in-1 design combines an elliptical and a recumbent bike
- Bluetooth- and iFIT-enabled
- Cushioned, oversized pedals are adjustable
- 15-inch stride
- Dual, two-inch speakers
- Higher user weight capacity than most
- Great price
Cons
- “Feels” like a budget machine
- Small, 13-inch flywheel
- Lackluster warranty
With this clever hybrid model from ProForm, you get a versatile, 2-in-1 design that transitions seamlessly between an elliptical and a recumbent bike. On the elliptical side, it boasts 16 digital resistance levels, cushioned, oversized pedals, and a large LCD display to see all your workout stats and history at a glance. Plus, we love that this model will take up half the space in your home gym (assuming you were planning to buy a separate bike).
Bottom line: it offers most of the essential features we look for in a great elliptical, and it's priced right at around $600. Our biggest gripe is that it "feels" like a budget machine. But, if you're looking to add a budget-friendly elliptical to your home gym cardio options and aren't picky about finding the most premium model, this is your man.
What do buyers say? "Sturdy bit of kit ... I love the flexibility of having both options and the built-in resistance is great," said one Amazon reviewer.
Read more: Best Exercise Bikes
| Max weight capacity | 350 lb. |
|---|---|
| Stats tracked | Calories burned, mileage, time, speed, pulse |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 60.5" x 24.5" x 70.5" |
| Warranty | 5 years (frame) / 90 days (parts and labor) |
| Resistance levels | 16 |
NordicTrack FS14i Interactive Elliptical Trainer
NordicTrack FS14i Interactive Elliptical Trainer
Pros
- Versatile 3-in-1 design works as an elliptical, treadmill, and stepper
- Adjustable stride and resistance levels
- 10-inch touchscreen for streaming workouts, videos, and music
- Automatic trainer control to adjust your workout regimen
- Bluetooth-capable with dual two-inch speakers
- AutoBreeze Workout Fan
- 30-day family iFIT membership
- Generous 10-year frame warranty
- Free shipping
Cons
- Pricey
- Heavy
This versatile 3-in-1 model from NordicTrack guarantees a personalized, smooth workout as an elliptical, treadmill, and stepper. It features a customizable, auto-adjusting stride that can be set between 0 to 32 inches. And you can make your workout as intense or light as possible with 26 resistance levels and an adjustable incline up to 10 percent. So, it's a great option for noobs and veteran fitness enthusiasts alike.
Its user-friendly, 10-inch smart touchscreen tracks personal performance and includes a 30-day family iFIT membership with personal training and on-demand workouts for an ultra-interactive workout experience. At nearly $2,500 (retail) and 300 pounds, it's both pricey and heavy. But, it's also among the most feature-rich ellipticals available—all of which is why it's our pick for the most versatile elliptical machine you can buy right now.
What do buyers say? "Love this machine... I love the versatility of the cross trainer and actually enjoy all 3 features," said one NordicTrack.com reviewer.
Read more: Best Adjustable Dumbbells
| Max weight capacity | 375 lb. |
|---|---|
| Stats tracked | Calories burned, heart rate, workout goals, workout history, speed, distance |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 58.5" x 29.5" x 74" |
| Warranty | 10 years (frame) / 2 years (parts) / 1 year (labor) |
| Resistance levels | 26 |
Precor EFX 731 (P31 Console)
Precor EFX 731 (P31 Console)
Pros
- Premium build quality
- 20-degree fixed ramp design for optimal balance
- Tri-phase hybrid generator with 20 workout levels
- Great, ergonomic design
- Moving handlebars
- Crisp, easy-to-read LED display
- USB charge port
- Lifetime frame warranty
Cons
- Very pricey
- Heavy at 278 pounds
- No touchscreen, video-enabled display
This ultra-premium model is arguably the best elliptical on this list, with a sky-high price tag to match. The Precor EFX 731 features a fixed ramp design at 20 degrees, as well as moving handlebars and 20 resistance levels for an efficient, full-body, and, most importantly, zero-impact workout. It also comes with 22 pre-programmed workouts on its LED display to challenge your body with a variable stride length of up to 22.5 inches.
This is a durable, commercial-grade elliptical for buyers who want only the best for their home gym. Precor backs it with a lifetime warranty on the frame and welds—a rare promise, even with many of the most premium ellipticals we've seen. It's certainly pricey at almost $7,000, but if you're looking to splurge, it doesn't get much better than this.
Read more: Best Compression Shorts
| Max weight capacity | 350 lb. |
|---|---|
| Stats tracked | Heart rate, calories, time, distance |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 80" x 28" x 67" |
| Warranty | Lifetime (frame + welds) / 10 years (parts + wear) / 3 years (console) / 1 year (labor) |
| Resistance levels | 20 |
How to Choose the Best Elliptical Machine (For You)
Most modern ellipticals are jam-packed with features, specs, and settings which can make shopping for one for your home gym seem overwhelming. In our opinion, the most important considerations are:
Size: Ellipticals are oversized machines by design, so there’s no getting around the fact that they take up a ton of space. Of course, you’ll want to ensure that the models you’re shopping will actually fit your home gym. Keep in mind that it’s not just about the overall footprint (length and width), but whether you can comfortably use the pedals too. Allow for at least a few feet of “buffer” in every direction, including overhead, around your new elliptical.
Comfort and ergonomics: A longer stride length is better for taller individuals, while a shorter stride length is better for shorter individuals. Large, cushioned foot pedals are preferable, as they can accommodate different foot sizes. Compare the measurements and specs of ellipticals your shopping to determine if the build is right for you.
Durability: You want a machine that will stand the test of time and provide reliable performance for years to come. Look for features like a sturdy frame, a generous weight capacity, robust construction, a reputable brand, and positive customer reviews that attest to its longevity. You're looking for an elliptical that will go the distance with you, so it's worth investing in a reliable and durable machine.
Price: Elliptical machines can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Determine your budget first, then look for models that fit within it.
Display: Look for a display that's easy-to-read and tracks important metrics like time, distance, speed, and calories burned.
Noise level: Consider how loud the machine is when in use, especially if you plan to use it in a shared living space. Reading reviews can be especially helpful to determine this, but consider demoing in-store models first or finding an elliptical with a buy-back guarantee or in-home trial so you can “try before you buy.” An elliptical is a serious investment, and you want to be sure you’ll enjoy yours for years to come.
Warranty: Look for reputable brands with good warranties in case something goes wrong with the machine.
Can You Lose Weight Using an Elliptical?
"Like all pieces of cardio equipment, the elliptical can help on any weight loss journey if it’s a style of cardio you enjoy and are comfortable doing repeatedly," explains Samuel.
Weight loss boils down to creating a calorie deficit, meaning burning more calories than you consume through your diet. "Any device that helps you be more active throughout your day can help you burn more calories and push you closer to that deficit."
That includes the elliptical. "It won’t deliver the most intense calorie burn out there, and it won’t build much muscle. And the more muscle you carry, the more calories you burn at rest, so don’t discount that value."
However, if you enjoy the elliptical experience more than, say, an airbike or a rower, then you’ll use it more frequently, contributing to overall calories burned. Pair it with some strength training to supplement, and you'll be on your way to a well-rounded training program to achieve your weight loss goals.
Who is An Elliptical Best For?
Among the many reasons someone looking to invest in their health may want to buy an elliptical is one primary advantage: it provides a low-impact workout. Which makes it an especially great option for those with joint issues, older adults, or those recovering from an injury.
For those who prefer some guidance and entertainment to stay engaged during lengthy cardio sessions, you're in luck. Many ellipticals on the market today offer a range of workout programs and modes included trainer-led sessions, live leaderboard rankings, global scenic routes, and more. Making it hard to ever get bored.
Do Ellipticals Provide a Full-body Workout?
In addition to being low-impact and great for cardiovascular health, elliptical machines offer a legit full-body workout. The motion of the pedals engage many of the muscles in the lower body, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves, without the shock to the joints.
For those machines with moving handlebars, you'll also work the chest, back, shoulders, and arms, providing a true workout for the entire body. Plus, it's a great way to burn calories, which helps to support full-body weight loss.
But the intensity of the workout and which muscles are targeted will vary based on factors like incline, resistance, and fitness level. Meaning users can customize their workout to target different muscle groups and burn up some cals.
Should You Buy an Elliptical or a Treadmill?
While treadmills and ellipticals are similar, they differ in a few key ways. Researchers at the University of Mississippi found that elliptical trainers provide the same cardiovascular benefits as treadmill running, without the impact on your joints. So they're a perfect solution if you're a runner who wants to stay in race shape without excessive pounding to your ankles, knees and hips.
But a 2001 study in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise determined that the treadmill burns calories at the highest rate of any exercise machine. So if you're looking for a cardio machine that's easier on joints, an elliptical is your best bet. However, if you're looking for a rig that can burn calories fastest, invest in a treadmill instead.
Read more: Exercise Machine Guide
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How We Selected the Best Elliptical Machines
For this roundup, we thoroughly researched and tested more than three dozen of the best, most highly rated ellipticals available today. We carefully evaluated every major feature, including size, build quality, smart connectivity, workout comfort, and, of course, price. We even paid attention to the smaller details like USB charging ports, water bottle holders, and built-in media shelves. The list above represents our honest picks for the best ellipticals worth shopping in 2023.
Talene Appleton is the Fitness and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where she covers fitness, nutrition, health, and wellness. She was previously the Associate Editor of General Surgery News, and a nutrition writer for The Food Institute. Talene is a retired professional dancer, and loves to spend her free time cooking elaborate meals for her friends and family.
Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men's Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience. He's logged training time with NFL athletes and track athletes and his current training regimen includes weight training, HIIT conditioning, and yoga. Before joining Men's Health in 2017, he served as a sports columnist and tech columnist for the New York Daily News.
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