UrbanUpdate

You may dream of sprinting effortlessly around the track à la Noah Lyles, but if you're one of the 25% of people who deal with regular knee pain, it may be time to stop pounding the pavement. The best ellipticals offer low-impact cardio that's easy on the joints, and contrary to somewhat of a wimpy reputation, ellipticals rival the treadmill and stationary bike in getting your heart pumping, which has positive effects on longevity and insulin resistance.

“Ellipticals provide a low-impact workout that’s gentle on your joints while engaging both your upper and lower body, offering a comprehensive exercise option,” says Josh York, ISSA-certified personal trainer and founder and CEO of Gymguyz. This is especially true in the era of connected fitness, when interactive workouts, better ergonomics, and endless customization options let them work with your body to get in a good workout that doesn’t kill your joints. If you’re sick of fighting for custody of the gym ellipticals, we found the best ellipticals that’ll boost your heart rate at home, one graceful stride at a time.

Our Favorite Overall Elliptical

We chose the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i as the best elliptical overall because it offers immersive workouts with certified trainers, has auto-adjusting resistance and incline, and syncs with Google Maps to simulate any street in the world during your workout.

Best Ellipticals: At a Glance

Props if you know exactly what you’re looking for in a cardio machine. Here’s our shortlist of best ellipticals for your thoughtful consideration.

Best Elliptical Overall: NordicTrack AirGlide 14iBest Smart Elliptical: ProForm Carbon E7Best Elliptical for Beginners: Horizon EX-59Most Ergonomic Elliptical: Sole E25Best Compact Elliptical: Bowflex Max Trainer M9Best Budget Elliptical: Merach E19 Classic Smart EllipticalBest Commercial-Grade Elliptical: Life Fitness E1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer

How We Chose the Best Ellipticals

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Our testing team compared dozens of ellipticals to round out our best-of list, judging them each on usability, functionality, ergonomics, and price. We also analyzed each elliptical according to factors such as weight capacity, available customizations, and storage space, adhering to a rigorous fitness testing methodology where we note the key differences in each elliptical, including resistance and incline options, portability, and app compatibility.

JUMP TO: Best Overall | Best tk | Best for Beginners | Most Ergonomic | Best Compact | Best Budget | Best Commercial-Grade | Cost Comparison | How We Tested | Buyers' Guide | FAQBest Elliptical Overall: NordicTrack AirGlide 14i



Photographer: Courtney Cott

Photographer: Courtney Cott

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NordicTrack

NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical$1,799 $1,599

NordicTrack

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsTrainer-led, interactive programsSyncs with Google Maps to simulate an IRL outdoor trackTwo Bluetooth-compatible speakersEasy to customize workoutsWhite glove delivery and assemblyConsiFIT requires a subscription, on top of the $1,799 machineNo storage for a phoneMight be too big for a small home gym

Notable Features

Dimensions: 69" L x 25" W x 71" HWeight Capacity: 300 poundsWarranty: 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, 1-year labor warrantyResistance Levels: 22Monitor: 14” Smart HD TouchscreenIncline: -5% to 15% incline

The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i isn’t your parents’ elliptical. It’s bulky, yes, but the pedals and stride length will feel comfortable as you hike up the resistance and incline. With thousands of elliptical workouts on the iFit app, you’ll have tons of variety to encourage you to hop on the machine daily.

Our Tester's Take

NordicTrack’s Airglide 14i measures six feet long and a little under 250 pounds. The stocky lower half gives it the necessary stability for intense workouts, but the console and handles are still super sleek. Keep in mind that you’ll also have to subscribe to the iFit app ($39 a month) to take full advantage of the interactive, trainer-led workouts and all the promised features. One of our favorite features is called AutoAdjust, which gives your virtual iFit coach control over your incline, decline, and resistance.

If you’re easily bored during cardio, the AirGlide 14i has a truly unique feature that might save you from ennui. Google Maps syncs to the screen, allowing you to simulate an IRL street view anywhere in the world as you work out, whether that’s the Champs-Élysées or the back country road to your grandma’s house. Our tester says that it’s the customization options, like the street simulator, that boost the Airglide 14i’s appeal. In addition to transporting you anywhere in the world, you can also adjust the pedal angle, incline, decline, and stride length, so no two sessions are the same.

At just under $2,000, this elliptical is one of the bigger investments for a home gym (although it is on par with some of the best running treadmills). If you don’t see yourself using this elliptical as your main source of cardio several times a week, a budget pick like the Merach E19 might be more your speed.

Best Smart Elliptical: ProForm Carbon E7

ProForm

ProForm Carbon E7 Elliptical$2,799

ProForm

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsUp to 20-degree inclinePortable on wheels19-inch stride is perfect for taller usersConsLarge footprintNo preset, built-in programs

The ProForm Carbon E7 Elliptical is another all-encompassing cardio machine with iFit fitness app compatibility, a generous incline and resistance offering, and a small-but-mighty touchscreen.

Notable Features

Dimensions: 25" W x 66.5" D x 66.5" HWeight Capacity: 275 poundsWarranty: 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, 1-year labor warrantyResistance Levels: 24Monitor: 7” Full-Color DisplayIncline: 20 degreesOur Tester's Take

The Carbon E7 measures over six feet long and weighs a little over 200 pounds. We wouldn't say it's the most compact, but it's still portable on wheels and packed with customizable features. As a noteworthy bonus, ProForm offers three years of iFit fitness app access (normally $39 a month) with your purchase, so you can still follow along with the interactive programming and trainer-led workouts. Syncing with iFit allows the virtual trainers to automatically adjust the incline and resistance throughout the session for a more dynamic training. The seven-inch screen isn't that big, but you still have the option to view your trainings with vivid color.

If you prefer to switch up your session manually, flip through 24 resistance levels and up to 20 degrees of incline (in five-degree increments). The 19-inch stride length is also adjustable to create as short or lengthy of a stride as you'd like, which allows for tall and short users to glide with ease. To incorporate a bit of upper body, hold on to the moving handrails, or grip the stationary handrails for a more isolated lower body movement.

Best Elliptical for Beginners: Horizon Fitness EX-59

Horizon Fitness

Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical$699 $350

Horizon Fitness

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsSimple designEasy setup in 30 minutes or lessBluetooth-compatible speakersIncludes phone holder and USB portConsNo touchscreen or trainer-led workoutsDoesn’t fold, so requires more space

Notable Features

Dimensions: 74"L x 25" W x 64.5" HWeight Capacity: 300 poundsWarranty: Lifetime frame warranty, 1-year brake, 1-year parts, 1-year laborResistance Levels: 10 levelsMonitor: 4.5" Yellow-Green LCDIncline: None

Checking every box for price, user-friendliness, and functionality, the Horizon EX-59 is great for beginners. It has everything you need when you’re new to elliptical training: an LCD screen, multiple resistance levels, and Bluetooth capability to play music.

Our Tester's Take

The Horizon EX-59 is our pick for those who are newer to the elliptical universe. It’s simpler in design (you don’t need an app for this one) and mimics a natural stride with an 18-inch track. Two sets of handlebars—a moving one to involve your upper body and a stationary one to isolate your lower body—also allow you customize your workout.

You won’t get trainer-led sessions from the EX-59, but you can set your phone on the device holder and connect to the Bluetooth speakers to stream workouts from your phone instead. If you don’t want to think too much about picking the right workout for the day, choose from five preset programs. The only downside we see: This is a bulky machine that doesn’t fold, but the front wheels do make it transportable from room to room. The upside is that the price isn’t as steep as others on our list, and we think the functionality is perfect for a beginner.

Most Ergonomic Elliptical: Sole E25

Sole Fitness

Sole E25 Elliptical$1,200 $1,100

Sole

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsStraightforward design for less than $1,200Built-in fanUltra-quietPlenty of customization optionsConsExtra $199 for delivery or $350 for full assemblyDoesn't fold20-inch stride length might be too long for shorter folks

Notable Features

Dimensions: 70" L x 24" W x 70" HWeight Capacity: 350 poundsWarranty: Lifetime frame, 2-year parts, 2-year wear items, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic itemsResistance Levels: 20 levelsMonitor: 7.5" Backlit LCDIncline: 20 levels

The Sole E25 is a heavy-duty elliptical that’s ultra user-friendly because Sole called on the help of physical therapists for its design. The footrests are ergonomically designed with an inward slope that’s easy on your knees and ankles.

Our Tester's Take

If you’re going to be spending a few hours a week on your elliptical, it’s gotta be comfortable. Thanks to the input of physical therapists, the foot rests on the Sole E25 have a two-degree inward slope that takes the load off your ankles and knees. Two sets of handlebars track your heart rate and offer different muscle involvement, whether you’re involving your upper body with the movable handles or isolating your lower body with the stationary ones. The cherry on top—a built-in fan delivers a much-needed breeze after a heart-pumping interval.

The Sole E25 gets back to basics with a simple console that includes two Bluetooth speakers and a USB charging port. You can select from 20 levels of incline and resistance, or choose from five built-in programs. Our testers called out the whisper-quiet motor—ideal for early morning workouts—and the durability of this large-and-in-charge machine. Overall, we’re impressed by the comfort and customization options on this elliptical—especially considering it’s one of the cheaper ones we tested—but if you love a touchscreen and thrive on instructor-led workouts, the Sole E25 is probably a little too no-frills for you.

Best Compact Elliptical: Bowflex Max Trainer M9

BowFlex

BowFlex Max Trainer M9 Elliptical$1,999

BowFlex

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsSmaller than standard ellipticalsHandlebars have four grip positionsCompatible with Netflix and Prime VideoBuilt-in, trainer-led programsConsNo inclineLoud motorRequires a Wi-Fi connection

Notable Features

Dimensions: 49.2" L x 30.5" W x 65.1" HWeight Capacity: 300 poundsWarranty: 3-year frame, 3-year parts, 1-year electronics and touchscreen screen, 90-day laborResistance Levels: 20 levelsMonitor: 10” adjustable HD touchscreenIncline: None

Bowflex’s Max Trainer M9 is a high-intensity elliptical stepper that fits in your apartment or home gym with room to spare. You can connect to instructor-cued interval training or binge a show on Netflix via the built-in screen.

Our Tester's Take

Back in the ‘90s, you couldn’t flip a channel without seeing a Bowflex infomercial, and the brand’s cred has stuck around. The Max Trainer M9 is technically a cross between an elliptical and stair stepper (kind of like the NordicTrack Airglide 14i), but it’s about half the size of a traditional elliptical.

The elliptical integrates with the brand’s JRNY fitness app to stream classes, but you can also dive into four preset workouts that function sans app (both the app classes and preset workouts range from light to intense). Because the short handles keep your arms closer to your body, you’re also maximizing effort in your lower body. At its most challenging, think of a SoulCycle or Peloton class without ever connecting butt to seat.

Our tester did warn us about the noise, however, saying that this elliptical gets loud, especially when you’re doing an intense workout. We wouldn’t recommend using it early in the morning or late at night so as not to wake up your roommates. But other than the noise, he reports feeling just as energized with the Max Trainer M9 as he does on a Peloton bike.

Best Budget Elliptical: Merach E19 Classic Smart Elliptical

Merach E19 Classic Smart Elliptical$600 $400

Merach

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsResistance bands maximize workoutsCompact size that’s easy to storeFree access to the Merach fitness appConsNo manual resistance controlLimited customer reviews

Notable Features

Dimensions: 37.6” L x 24” W x 57.9” HWeight Capacity: 330 poundsWarranty: 2 yearsResistance Levels: 16 levelsMonitor: LED screenIncline: None

The Merach E19 elliptical incorporates elliptical cardio with resistance band training for four different workout modes (walking, HIIT training, strength training, and lower-body training). It’s a budget-friendly pick, and the compact size is a win for small spaces.

Our Tester's Take

For a sweet price of $400, the Merach E19 costs less than a month of Equinox’s most expensive membership. It’s small but mighty, easily tucking into a room’s corner. It combines the classic elliptical motion with resistance band cables—so you can add bursts of strength training to your steady-state cardio (plus: these have built-in heart rate sensors to track your effort levels). If you don’t want to use the bands, lean on the armrests instead, which adjust up to 7.88 inches to meet your ideal height.

To adjust the resistance, you have to connect the Merach with the brand’s free fitness app—unfortunately, there’s no way to manually do so, which our testers didn’t love. Both courses and games are built into the app, too, so if you want a connected fitness experience, you’ll be taken care of with this option. However, our tester says the app isn’t updated often and glitches every now and then, but there are plenty of diverse workouts to choose from in its existing library.

Best Commercial-Grade Elliptical: Life Fitness E1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer

Life Fitness

Life Fitness E1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer$2,899 $2,320

Life Fitness

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsTwo console optionsHigh-quality buildQuiet machineHighest weight capacity of ellipticals we testedConsNo touchscreenNot as many features as others on our list

Notable Features

Dimensions: 82” L x 30” W x 59” HWeight Capacity: 400 poundsWarranty: Lifetime on frame, 5-year parts, 3-year console, 1-year laborResistance Levels: 20 levelsMonitor: Go Console (straightforward, programmed workouts) or Track Connect 2.0 (syncs with smartphones and fitness trackers)Incline: None

The Life Fitness E1 with the modest Go Console built with durability to last for years. It boasts all your basic stat tracking too, but the high-quality materials are the standout features here.

Our Tester's Take

You’ll find a lot of Life Fitness machines in hotels and commercial gyms because they’re durable and dependable. If you want to bring the luxury gym experience to your home, the E1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer is a good place to start. It isn’t as shiny and attention-grabbing as other ellipticals on our list (read: no interactive or on-demand classes), but in this case, you’re paying for quality first and foremost. Our tester loves that it’s quiet, the preset workouts are challenging, and you won’t have to replace this for years. The lifetime warranty comes in handy if you find yourself needing a replacement.

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The E1 comes with two console options. The Go Console, which is the simpler and more cost-effective of the two, comes with 13 preloaded workouts. Up to two users can store their progress on a personal profile and create one custom workout for each. You can’t store your phone on the Go Console as opposed to the Track Connect 2.0 option, but you can get a cheap stand on Amazon if you really want one. (For $3,499, the Track Connect 2.0 has 15 preloaded workouts and room for three custom workouts across four user profiles. It also syncs to the Life Fitness Connect app or your smartphone.

Let’s Compare the Costs of These Ellipticals

Before you make your final selection, let's take a look at how the best ellipticals stack up in cost (before any sales or discounts).

EllipticalCostNordicTrack AirGlide 14i$1,799ProForm Carbon E7 Elliptical$1,404Horizon EX-59$999Sole E25$1,199Bowflex Max Trainer M9$1,999Merach E19 Classic Smart Elliptical$400Life Fitness E1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer$2,899How We Tested Ellipticals

We know how daunting it can be to decide which gym equipment is worth splurging on. So many machines promise different things, and it’s easy to get lost in the details. But we take our testing methodology pretty seriously. Our team dives deep into researching every elliptical on the market and we put our top contenders through the paces to test them on durability, functionality, ease of use, portability, and performance. We found the best ellipticals for home gyms that are high-intensity for your fitness goals and low-intensity for your joints.

We also tapped Josh York, an ISSA-certified personal trainer, to give us the rundown on how an elliptical can make a difference in your fitness routine. After a few weeks, each elliptical was graded on its exercise chops and how it held up against different factors such as body type, storage space, physical ability, budget, and more. Our findings are handed off to the medical experts to see how our user testing mirrored the industry research and brand claims. If spending your hard-earned cash is enough to make you sweat, rest assured that these best ellipticals are an investment well made.

How to Choose the Best Elliptical

Between the features and space requirements, buying an elliptical is a little more complex than you might think. That’s why we talked to the experts for shopping tips to get the most out of this low-impact machine. Here are the factors to keep in mind.

Size

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If you’re in the market for an at-home elliptical, York says size is just as important as fitness capabilities. Ellipticals aren’t dainty, so make sure you have room for one (the Bowflex Max Trainer M9 and Merach E19 are the most compact on our list).

Resistance and Incline

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York also recommends paying close attention to features like adjustable resistance and incline that will mix up your workouts.

Comfort

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Do you prefer a short or long stride? Vertical or horizontal motion? Comfort is a crucial element to any piece of fitness equipment, so consider the size and movement of the handles and pedals, as well as the stride length.

Value

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Budget is another factor to keep in mind when shopping. You can find a quality machine for a few hundred dollars (or search local marketplaces for a used one), but plan to spend between $1,200 to $2,500.

What are the Benefits of an Elliptical?

Compared to treadmills and other cardio machines, the biggest benefit of ellipticals is that they’re gentle on your joints. The low-impact, gliding motion prevents all your weight from crashing down on your knees and ankles as you step, preventing injuries in the long run. The repetitive motion might get monotonous (especially since you’re not stimulated by an outdoor setting), but York says that if joint health is a concern, ellipticals are the way to go.

FAQ

How much does an elliptical cost?

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Many budget elliptical options start at $400 (sacrificing the fancier features), while other ellipticals can be up to $4,000. On average, mid-range elliptical machines cost between $1,200 and $2,000.

What muscles does the elliptical work?

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The quadriceps, or the front thigh muscles, feel the burn the most during an elliptical workout. But depending on the type of machine, ellipticals can work the entire body. The upper body engages with the moving handrails, and the core and lower body engage with each stride.

Is the elliptical better than cycling?

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Ellipticals require more balance and energy since you’re in a standing position, but sitting on a bike takes pressure off any lower body injuries. With moving handrails, ellipticals work the upper body, rather than just the lower body during a cycling workout.

Are there disadvantages to using an elliptical?

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Because it’s a low-impact form of exercise, elliptical training doesn’t build muscle or endurance as quickly as strength training or a treadmill. Elliptical training also isn’t effective at improving bone density, which comes from weight-bearing exercise.

Are ellipticals better than walking?

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Both are cardio workouts, but ellipticals work more muscles at once than walking. Elliptical workouts are also lower-impact than walking, putting less stress on your lower body.

About the Experts

Josh York is a certified personal trainer with over 15 years of training experience. He is also the founder & CEO of GYMGUYZ, the largest in-home and on-site personal training company in the world. York is passionate about personal training, helping clients of all ages and backgrounds navigate their fitness journey from home, the office, or anywhere in between.

This article was expertly reviewed for accuracy and clarity by Pete Nastasi. Nastasi is the owner of Nastasi Nutrition, is a NASM certified Sports Nutrition Coach and Personal Trainer with a degree in Biochemistry currently residing in North Carolina.

Resources

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsser, L., et al. (2012). Comparison of elliptical training, stationary cycling, treadmill walking and overground walking. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3299003/Lu, T. and Chien, H. (2007). Joint loading in the lower extremities during elliptical exercise. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17805099/Chieu, C., et al. (2017). Benefits of different intensity of aerobic exercise in modulating body composition among obese young adults: a pilot randomized controlled trial. https://hqlo.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12955-017-0743-4Silva, F., et al. (2024). The effects of combined exercise training on glucose metabolism and inflammatory markers in sedentary adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1038/s41598-024-51832-y#Sec1Greenwalt, D., et al. (2023). The Impact of Light Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Extending Lifespan and Healthspan Outcomes: How Little is Still Significant? A Narrative Review. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0146280623002888Tse, A., et al. (2015). Effect of Low-intensity Exercise on Physical and Cognitive Health in Older Adults: a Systematic Review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4612316/Benedetti, M., et al. (2018). The Effectiveness of Physical Exercise on Bone Density in Osteoporotic Patients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6323511/Related Stories for GQFitnessShopping