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10 Best Elliptical Machines in 2023

It’s a low-impact cardio workout that your knees will thank you for.

By Kathleen Willcox and Eunice Lucero-Lee
best products norditrack elliptical
Best Products; NordicTrack

If you want to buy just one machine to help you stay in shape, pull up a chair: When it comes to at-home cardio machines, your main choices are treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals. However, the elliptical machine is the standout of this group, because it works your entire body — picture pushing the pedals with your legs and pulling the handles with your arms. It also mimics the mechanics of running in a way that a stationary bike can’t, and it’s comparable with a treadmill in terms of calorie burn, but the elliptical actually feels easier.

This is because an elliptical workout is gentler on your body than running. “The elliptical is non-weight-bearing,” says Todd Buckingham, Ph.D., an exercise physiologist at Mary Free Bed Sports Rehabilitation Performance Lab. “That means your muscles, bones, and joints don’t get the pounding that running produces.” This makes the elliptical the best and safest way to improve cardio health, without being detrimental to your joints.

“Adding more stress to the heart and lungs while reducing stress placed on the bones, tendons, ligaments, joints, and muscles of the legs is a good way to build the aerobic energy system without causing more stress to the rest of the body,” Buckingham explains.

If you’re ready to take your fitness and health to new heights with an elliptical, read on for the 10 best bets.

The Best Elliptical Machines

  • 1
    FS10i Elliptical Machine

    Best Overall

    NordicTrack FS10i Elliptical Machine

    Shop at NordicTrack
    Read more
  • 2
    411 Compact Elliptical Machine

    Best for Small Spaces

    Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Machine

    Read more
  • 3
    Max Trainer Series

    Smartest Elliptical

    Bowflex Max Trainer Series

    Read more
  • 4
    Body Champ 3-in-1 Trio-Trainer Workout Machine

    Best 3-in-1 Machine

    Body Flex Sports Body Champ 3-in-1 Trio-Trainer Workout Machine

    Read more
  • 5
    Air Walk Trainer Elliptical Machine

    Best Folding

    Sunny Health and Fitness Air Walk Trainer Elliptical Machine

    Read more

    What to Consider

    While budget and the size of a machine’s footprint are often the main consideration when shopping for at-home fitness equipment, ellipticals have certain features that can drastically affect the experience of the person using them. To ensure you’re happy with your purchase for years to come, here’s what to look for:

    Stride Length

    One of the most important is the stride length. Eighteen to 20 inches is pretty standard in ellipticals and will accommodate people of most heights; users up to 5 foot, 3 inches tall will want a machine that has a stride length between 11 and 16 inches, while taller users will be best served with a stride length of 20 inches or more. The best options are those with adjustable stride lengths for multiple users.

    Drive Systems

    There are three different drive systems that power ellipticals (not counting manual treadmills): center drive (built like a treadmill but with pedals), front drive (the most common type, with a large wheel housing at the front), and rear drive (with a smaller wheel housing behind the pedals). Rear-drive machines tend to be the largest but quietest, while those with smaller spaces should probably veer toward center-drive machines. No matter what system you get, your stride on the elliptical should feel smooth and fluid, not jerky.

    Extra Features

    Other key features include resistance and incline. Some budget machines don’t have either, which means you’re responsible for manually powering the elliptical — the faster you go, the more challenging the workout is. But that only works up to a point: If you’re looking for diverse workout options, you’ll want as many resistance and incline levels as possible. (Some high-end machines even adjust those features for you.) Moving handlebars also up the intensity, as they activate muscles in your upper body and turn an elliptical into a total-body machine.

    Ellipticals don’t yet have the same caliber of smart features as indoor bikes or treadmills, but you can find some with built-in programming, Bluetooth connectivity to sync to apps, and decent-sized screens on which to view your stats and workouts. If you like streaming on-demand classes or want to watch Netflix while sweating, make sure you choose a machine with an integrated media tray to hold your phone or tablet. Other amenities that may be of interest include water bottle holders, USB ports, and fans.

    These are the best elliptical machines for your low-impact cardio workouts. Each one is equipped with its own set of special features, from multiple resistance levels to auto-adjustments to virtual training classes. Get ready to torch calories while preventing injury to your joints!

    1
    Best Overall

    NordicTrack FS10i Elliptical Machine

    FS10i Elliptical Machine
    1
    Best Overall

    NordicTrack FS10i Elliptical Machine

    Now 35% Off
    $1,299 at NordicTrack
    Pros
    • 10-inch HD touchscreen
    • iFIT trainers adjust the resistance and incline for you
    • Adjustable stride length
    Cons
    • Expensive and best with iFIT, a membership program that costs an additional $39/month
    • Requires a large amount of space when in use

    This elliptical snags 4.8 stars despite its steep price because of its durability, excellent design, and the fact that you get three cardio machines for the price of one. The FS10i smoothly transitions between an elliptical, treadmill, and stepper. Whether you want more of a walking or running workout, the machine can also automatically adjust to your stride — between 0 and 32 inches — to switch things up.

    With a subscription to iFIT, you not only get access to a library of over 17,000 workouts, but the trainers can also digitally adjust your resistance (there are 24 levels) and incline (up to 10 degrees) so that you can just focus on putting in the work.

    Although on the pricier end of things, fans of the FS10i have high praise for the machine. “Best purchase I’ve made in a while,” says one user, adding, “The machine has all the features you need and those you didn’t know you needed. Makes working out so much fun!”

    “I can’t believe I look forward to exercising,” says another. “Addictive! I actually look forward to using it every day.”

    More: 20 Cheap Home Gym Equipment Finds for Building Your Own Workout

    Key Specs

    Dimensions58.5x29.5x74 inches; 284 pounds
    Weight Capacity375 pounds
    Features24 resistance levels, 30-day iFIT trial included, 10-inch smart HD touchscreen, Bluetooth audio capabilities, two speakers, 20-pound flywheel, 32-inch auto-adjustable stride, 0-10% incline, OneTouch controls, silent magnetic resistance
    2
    Best for Small Spaces

    Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Machine

    411 Compact Elliptical Machine
    2
    Best for Small Spaces

    Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Machine

    Now 31% Off
    Pros
    • Small footprint
    • Budget-friendly
    • 13 built-in workout programs
    Cons
    • No adjustable incline or heart rate monitor included
    • Small LCD console (5.5 inches)

    Want high performance and low impact, but don’t have a ton of space to devote to fitness equipment? Another space-saving option, the Schwinn 411 offers an 18-inch stride and 16 levels of resistance.

    There are 13 built-in workout programs, but the machine also syncs with the Explore the World app to provide dozens of routes — through places like the Japanese countryside, the Scottish Highlands, and the streets of Prague — to keep you from zoning out.

    The built-in media rack with the water-bottle holder is an appreciated touch as well.“I’m so happy I decided to purchase [this]. What I love is that it’s compact (I have a 1-bedroom apartment), feels smooth (I’m 5' 1"), and it’s so quiet. The machine feels stable and is perfect for my evening workouts while watching my favorite shows,” says one 5-star review.

    Key Specs

    Dimensions53.8x24x62.5 inches; 100 pounds
    Weight Capacity300 pounds
    Features16 resistance levels, Explore the World connectivity, sleek console, blue backlit LCD display, built-in media rack and bottle holder
    3
    Smartest Elliptical

    Bowflex Max Trainer Series

    Max Trainer Series
    3
    Smartest Elliptical

    Bowflex Max Trainer Series

    Pros
    • 20 levels of resistance
    • Custom workouts automatically adjust time and intensity as your fitness improves
    • Small footprint
    Cons
    • Expensive and best with JRNY, a membership program that costs an additional $39/month
    • No built-in fan

    This compact elliptical comes with Bowflex’s personalized coaching technology, JRNY (a subscription is required to use it, though). After an initial assessment, the app's A.I. will create workouts tailored to your fitness level and adapt them as you get stronger.

    Otherwise, choose from 20 resistance levels, seven built-in exercise programs, and 40-plus destinations that you can explore virtually (via the Explore the World app) as you work out.

    “It hurts me good!” says one user that enjoys the challenge provided by the Bowflex M8. “It is awesome. It fully works out my entire body. With 20 resistance levels, it makes the workout challenging yet controllable. This machine is super low-impact on your joints. It is fun to use. It is easy to use. And the feedback from the machine and the downloadable, Bluetooth-enabled Max Trainer app is great. Also, for the price, the machine is very well built,” they confirm.

    Bottom line, this machine is a fantastic option for those who are serious about their fitness, but may have limited time — the Max allows you to maximize every second.

    Key Specs

    Dimensions47.9x30.8x65.2 inches; 148 pounds
    Weight Capacity300 pounds
    FeaturesEnhanced dual-mode LCD/LED screens with 7 guided workout programs and connectivity for up to four individual users, magnetic media rack, Bluetooth heart rate compatible, 50 global routes through Explore the World video thru JRNY (app subscription required)
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    4
    Best 3-in-1 Machine

    Body Flex Sports Body Champ 3-in-1 Trio-Trainer Workout Machine

    Best Seller
    Body Champ 3-in-1 Trio-Trainer Workout Machine
    4
    Best 3-in-1 Machine

    Body Flex Sports Body Champ 3-in-1 Trio-Trainer Workout Machine

    Now 46% Off
    Pros
    • Easy to move
    • Comfort-padded, two-way adjustable seat
    • 3-in-1 (elliptical, recumbent bike, upright bike) machine
    Cons
    • Assembly is a headache
    • Louder than many

    A three-in-one trainer at less than $500? Where do we sign? The Body Champ is everything you need (and then some) if you're in the market for an all-inclusive, low-impact cardio workout: It combines an elliptical, as well as an upright and recumbent bike in one easy-to-assemble machine.

    It comes with eight preset levels accessible via an easy-to-use knob, built-in heart rate sensors, an adjustable seat and backrest, and several handlebars that cater to your specific workout.

    All this in a compact footprint that's readily stowed in a bedroom, and you've got an efficient fitness machine that delivers results with no strain on your joints. The built-in wheels also make it a cinch to move as needed. The sleek LCD Console features a built-in media shelf with fitness metrics that allow you to track your body’s response and your progress.

    “The instructions were easy to follow. I had it together in no time,” says one 5-star reviewer. “I have been using it for about a month now and there have been no issues. Although this is inexpensive, it has worked great for my needs. I would recommend for anyone needing something simple [for] home.”

    Key Specs

    Dimensions51.6x21.6x63.6 inches;
    Weight Capacity250 pounds
    FeaturesSleek LCD console, manual magnetic adjustable resistance, heart rate monitor, wheels
    5
    Best Folding

    Sunny Health and Fitness Air Walk Trainer Elliptical Machine

    Air Walk Trainer Elliptical Machine
    5
    Best Folding

    Sunny Health and Fitness Air Walk Trainer Elliptical Machine

    Now 23% Off
    Pros
    • Budget-friendly
    • Foldable and compact (25x19x57-inch footprint)
    • Quiet
    Cons
    • No built-in resistance or adjustable incline
    • Abdominal pad is a distraction

    Looking for something that will give your body a serious workout but won’t leave your wallet reeling? You don’t need a lot of bells and whistles to get an effective workout in. The nonslip, oversized pedals on this elliptical machine make it easy for you to start at a slow walk and work your way up to a full run (there's no adjustable resistance or incline; upping the intensity is all on you).

    This machine is a great pick for newbie exercisers and serious fitness enthusiasts looking to engage all of their muscle groups.

    The Sunny elliptical accommodates up to a 30-inch stride length while tracking your essential stats on the attached LCD screen. And when you’re done, just fold this minimalist elliptical to half of its size and stash it in a closet.

    Users love the good value, saying this is an “amazing machine for the price.” One 5-star review says: “I absolutely LOVE this little machine,” with another adding, “This machine is everything I wanted and has exceeded my expectations. It is way more sturdy than I thought it would be and it easily supports me.”

    Key Specs

    Dimensions25x19x57 inches; 35 pounds
    Weight Capacity220 pounds
    FeaturesDigital LCD monitor, adjustable abdominal pad
    6
    Best Manual

    Gazelle Edge Glider

    On Sale
    Edge Glider
    6
    Best Manual

    Gazelle Edge Glider

    Now 20% Off
    Pros
    • Small footprint
    • Lightweight and foldable
    • Extra-wide, non-skid foot platforms for stability
    Cons
    • No adjustable resistance
    • 250-pound load capacity
    • Limited console capabilities

    This is a lo-fi elliptical with high-octane results. There's no need to plug in this machine — it uses dual-action split suspension and your own effort to power it.

    The only way to increase the intensity of your workout? Move faster. Not only will you get the aerobic benefits of huffing and puffing through a session, but pushing and pulling the handlebars will help strengthen your upper body as well.

    Because the machine is so bare-bones, it's easy to pack up and stow away as soon as you're done breaking a sweat. Just fold it flat to stow it in a closet or under a couch or bed.

    It also offers a full-body workout, a nutrient guide, exercise chart, and it comes with a Total Body Workout DVD. The easy-to-use workout computer display tracks speed, distance, time, and calories burned.

    Fans of the Gazelle Edge say this machine is “great for beginners” and “great for bad knees.” One user says, “This machine does the trick. It’s sort of like a glider. Very gentle on the joints. There are plenty of different exercises to do that work inner and outer thighs, chest and arms, too. I love this machine and highly recommend it.”

    Key Specs

    Dimensions43x29.25x53.75 inches; 45 pounds
    Weight Capacity250 pounds
    FeaturesEasy-to-use workout console, patented dual-action split suspension gives you six workouts in one machine, workout DVD, exercise manual, and nutrition guide included
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    7
    Best Built-In Programs

    Nautilus E616 Elliptical Trainer

    E616 Elliptical Trainer
    7
    Best Built-In Programs

    Nautilus E616 Elliptical Trainer

    Pros
    • 20-inch stride
    • 25 levels of resistance
    • 10 degrees of motorized incline
    Cons
    • Stride length isn’t adjustable
    • Placing a tablet on the media tray covers the console
    • Small built-in fan

    Not sure what to do on the elliptical? This one comes with 29 different programs, including fitness and recovery tests, heart rate-based programs, and personalized workouts.

    The 20-inch stride rails allow for added stability and smoothness as you work your way through 25 levels of resistance. If that’s not enough to keep you engaged, the machine syncs with the Explore the World app’s journey across 50-plus global routes that adjust in real-time to your speed. (You do need an Explore the World subscription).

    Reviewers appreciate how stable and strong it is, and how it fits into smaller spaces, but still allows you to explore the world while getting in shape.

    “I know this is the right machine to get back in shape,” says a 5-star reviewer, adding, “No impact on my knees and joints and lots of programs. I ... feel this sturdy and very quiet, stable machine was the right purchase.”

    Key Specs

    Dimensions70x28x71 inches; 173.3 pounds
    Weight Capacity300 pounds
    Features25 resistance levels, 29 preset programs, Explore the World connectivity, Suspension Adjust cushioning system, Bluetooth connectivity
    8
    Best for Those with Joint Issues

    Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine

    E35 Elliptical Machine
    8
    Best for Those with Joint Issues

    Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine

    Now 45% Off
    Pros
    • Pedals designed to reduce joint strain
    • 375-pound load capacity
    • Lifetime warranty on the frame
    Cons
    • Stride length isn’t adjustable
    • No access to live or on-demand classes
    • Takes up a large amount of space

    Part of the appeal of any elliptical is the low-impact workout. This one has foot pedals specifically designed by physical therapists with a 2-degree inward slope to eliminate all strain on the knee, hip, and ankle joints.

    The workout will be whisper-quiet, and the power incline features additional resistance as well as 20 incline levels to choose from.

    The pedals are also articulating and adjustable, allowing them to work with your foot mechanics to reduce numb toes and sore Achilles tendons.

    The machine also comes programmed with six standard workouts and two heart-rate-specific workouts. A heart rate chest strap is included for accurate wireless monitoring.

    “The machine itself is super solid and basically silent. Couldn’t be happier and surprised how much I like it,” says a happy customer.

    Key Specs

    Dimensions71x82x31 inches; 231 pounds
    Weight Capacity375 pounds
    Features20 resistance levels, 7.5-inch backlit LCD display, Unique Power Incline technology, Bluetooth audio speakers, USB ports
    9
    Sturdiest Elliptical

    Niceday Elliptical Machine and Cross Trainer

    Elliptical Machine and Cross Trainer
    9
    Sturdiest Elliptical

    Niceday Elliptical Machine and Cross Trainer

    Now 25% Off
    Pros
    • Comes with built-in wheels for easy transportation
    • Features pulse monitor and device holder
    • Zero assembly required
    Cons
    • 15.5-inch stride limits taller exercisers

    If you want a serious workout machine that comes completely pre-assembled, look no further. The Niceday trainer operates on a magnetic system that completely eliminates noise and allows you to get a workout without an electrical source.

    The main frame is made from sturdy steel pipe and the heavy-duty base provides incredible stability. The digital monitor displays time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse. The data will allow you to track your fitness progress.

    In addition, 16 magnetic resistance makes it easy for anyone at any stage in their fitness journey to get to the next level. The built-in transportation wheels make it a cinch to move the bike when you need to.

    Reviewers love this “excellent machine,” with “tension and resistance that can be set” without relying on an electronic display to make changes.

    Key Specs

    Dimensions48x25x62 inches; 106 pounds
    Weight Capacity400 pounds
    FeaturesPrecisely calculates time, speed, distance, calories, pulse; 16 levels of magnetic resistance
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    10
    Best Portable Elliptical

    Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Portable Elliptical

    Magnetic Portable Elliptical
    10
    Best Portable Elliptical

    Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Portable Elliptical

    Now 20% Off
    Pros
    • Weighs just 25 pounds
    • 2-year warranty
    • Digital monitor tracks calories, distance, speed, time
    • Great for physical therapy
    Cons
    • Low weight capacity (230 pounds)

    Do you want to work out on the go, or perhaps when you’re sitting at your desk? If you answered yes to either, this Sunny elliptical has you covered. The Sunny features a digital monitor that tracks time, speed, calories, and distance.

    The magnetic resistance belt means you don’t need an electronic source. There are eight levels of resistance, and the compact size allows you to slip it right under your desk or stow it in the trunk of your car for workouts on the road.

    The 7-inch stride length is particularly good for increasing blood circulation, joint range of motion, and improving lower body muscular endurance. The nonslip pedals accommodate all foot sizes.

    Reviewers love the “workout,” saying it’s perfect for use at the office and “quiet enough to use during calls.”

    More: 8 Best Under-Desk Bikes to Keep Your Legs Moving All Day Long

    Key Specs

    Dimensions24x19x11 inches; 25 pounds
    Weight Capacity230 pounds
    FeaturesDigital monitor; 8 levels of resistance; carry handle
    Headshot of Kathleen Willcox
    Kathleen Willcox
    Kathleen Willcox is a journalist who writes about parenting, technology, shopping, food and wine. Her work appears in a variety of publications, including Popular Mechanics, Wine Enthusiast and SevenFifty Daily. She is based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where she lives with her husband and twins.
    Headshot of Eunice Lucero-Lee
    Senior Editor

    Eunice Lucero-Lee is the Senior Editor for Best Products, and is a beauty, astrology, and pop culture obsessive whose work has been featured in publications such as Cosmopolitan, Esquire, The Numinous, and woman&home, among many others. A (very) proud cat mom, she spends her time in Manhattan obsessing over celebrity natal charts, luxury skincare, and Scandi-noir, as well as finding the perfect K-Pop vid to save the day. She can order drinks perfectly in Korean.

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