How much should you pay for a home elliptical?

The picks on our list start at $164 and go to over $2,000, which is a pretty big price range. Deciding how much to invest depends on your fitness level, the features you want, and your budget. If you're looking for a light workout, our best budget pick, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 , is an entry-level home elliptical with basic features like magnetic resistance settings and a digital monitor and arrives partially pre-assembled for easy setup. Several quality mid-range ellipticals, like our best overall pick, the Schwinn Compact , offer some bells and whistles like Bluetooth connectivity, incline control, and heavier flywheels. High-end ellipticals, like the Nordic Track FS14i FreeStride Trainer , are built for those who want the same workout they would get on a commercial-grade machine at the gym and bonus features like interactive personal training programs.

What are the benefits of using a home elliptical?

"An elliptical is a stationary cardio machine ," explains Coleman. This means it gets your heart pumping by engaging your respiratory system, making you break a sweat, and burning calories in the easiest possible way. Additionally, Coleman tells Byrdie, "Ellipticals can be highly beneficial to anyone with joint issues or who prefers a low-impact cardio experience, as they're non-weight-bearing."

How do you use a home elliptical?

First, step onto the pedals so that you're facing the screen and control panel. When you begin pedaling your legs forward in circular motions ( similar to a bike , but in a standing position), the monitor should turn on. Then select the quick-start option and choose a pre-programmed workout or adjust the incline and resistance to customize the intensity. In terms of proper form, Coleman says, "Staying upright while you use the machine makes you keep your core engaged ." When you're finished, make sure it's completely stopped before getting off.

Are home ellipticals safe?

Modern home elliptical trainers are designed to minimize the risk of injury. And as mentioned above, they may be a better option than treadmills for those with joint issues. With that said, it's important to use proper form, ensure the machine has fully stopped before getting off, and ask your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen. As with all mechanical workout equipment, you should also make sure no children are in the room while it's in use to prevent them from getting pinched or trapped within the moving parts.

The 11 Best Home Ellipticals of 2023

An elliptical workout is a great way to get moving when the weather isn't ideal for jogging, or you're not in the mood for a HIIT session. "The elliptical can give you a full-body workout since you get resistance from the pedals at your feet and the handles you push with your arms," says certified personal trainer Morgan Coleman. This type of low-impact cardio machine is also an excellent option for those with joint issues. If you're tired of trekking to the gym and waiting around for an open machine, investing in an at-home elliptical will make it easier to get in your daily cardio.

Byrdie Researched & Approved

We’re giving top honors to the Schwinn Fitness 470, which is compact in design but doesn’t skimp on features, such as 25 resistance levels, 29 workout programs, and Bluetooth connectivity. If you’re seeking a budget-friendly option, you can count on the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 for a solid workout and sufficient calorie burn.

When shopping around, consider your fitness level, the stats you want it to track (including calories, distance, and heart rate), and the weight capacity and overall dimensions to ensure the machine will work in your space.

We conducted hours of research on third-party reviews, and tapped Coleman for her expert guidance to compile our list of the best home elliptical machines. Our picks—which include options for every budget and vary in size and available stats and features—will deliver a solid, low-impact cardio workout from the comfort of your home.

Here are the best home ellipticals for every budget.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Schwinn Compact Elliptical Machine at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

NordicTrack FS14i FreeStride Trainer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Mid-Range:

Body-Solid Best Fitness BFCT1 Elliptical Cross Trainer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Workouts:

ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical with Adjustable Stride & Incline at Dick's

Jump to Review

Best for Small Spaces:

Bowflex Max Trainer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Comfort:

Sole E35 Elliptical at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best App-Based:

Nautilus E618 Elliptical at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Quiet:

Niceday Elliptical Trainer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Low Ceilings:

Horizon Fitness EX59 Elliptical at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For in a Home Elliptical
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

View On Amazon View On Lowe's View On Schwinnfitness.com

What We Like

Syncs with multiple apps
Acoustic speakers
USB charging port
Ergonomic design

What We Don't Like

Repair support could be improved

Who else recommends it? Runner's World also picked the Schwinn Compact Elliptical Machine.

What do buyers say? 79% of 2,300+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

You really can't go wrong with the Schwinn 470. Measuring just 28 x 63 x 70 inches, Coleman says it's one of the best options for those short on space, and we'd have to agree. While this elliptical machine is conveniently compact, it doesn't skimp on features. It boasts 25 resistance levels, 29 workout programs, two fitness tests, and a backlit LCD screen that monitors 13 fitness stats for up to 12 users (just in case you have a Cheaper By the Dozen situation).

The Schwinn 470 also features Bluetooth connectivity and pairs with several apps, including Explore the World, MapMyRun, MyFitnessPal, GoogleFit, and Apple Health. There's also a USB charging port, built-in acoustic chamber speakers, a place for your phone, and a water bottle holder. What's more, the foot motion technology and ergonomic handlebars keep you comfy and aligned while you get your sweat on. To boot, it's easy and fairly quick to assemble.

Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 28 x 63 x 70 inches | Stats Offered: Calories, number of workouts, progress, heart rate, time, speed, distance | Warranty: 10 years for frame, two years for parts

Price at time of publish: $1,099

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Digital display
Pulse sensors

What We Don't Like

Low weight capacity

If you're not ready to invest in a high-end model, the SF-E905 Cross Trainer is a solid choice. At 28 x 17 x 57 inches, this wallet-friendly elliptical machine is notably compact. It features a digital monitor, eight resistance levels, pulse sensors, non-slip foot pedals, and wheels for easy transport and storage.

While this elliptical doesn't have all the bells and whistles of its more expensive counterparts, you can count on a heart-pumping workout and sufficient calorie burn. It's great for beginners and is fairly easy to assembly, with helpful videos available online if you hit a snag.

Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Dimensions: 28 x 17 x 57 inches | Stats Offered: Time, speed, distance, calories, heart rate | Warranty: Three years for frame, 180 days for parts

Price at time of publish: $163

Courtesy of NordicTrack

View On Amazon View On Nordictrack.com

What We Like

Smart HD touchscreen
Bluetooth connectivity
On-demand workouts

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Requires monthly membership

"NordicTrack makes a very high-tech and comfortable elliptical that works well in a home gym," says Coleman. The FS14i FreeStride Trainer has a 14-inch smart touchscreen and a continuously expanding library of on-demand workouts. Plus, you get access to elite personal trainers, so you never get bored.

Though this top-tier machine requires a monthly membership, we like that you can add up to four user profiles. It also flaunts Bluetooth connectivity, two digitally amplified speakers, and magnetic resistance for near-silent operation (a pro if you like your neighbors).

Weight Capacity: 375 pounds | Dimensions: 59 x 30 x 74 inches | Stats Offered: Calories, activity, heart rate, distance, speed, strides, goals | Warranty: 10 years for frame, two years for parts

Price at time of publish: $2,499

Best Fitness BFCT1 Elliptical Cross Trainer

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Dick's

What We Like

Reasonably priced
LED screen
Pulse sensors

What We Don't Like

Low weight capacity

For a mid-range option, we're loving the Best Fitness BFCT1. This elliptical cross-trainer has a small LED screen, large foot pedals, transport wheels, and synchronized arms to engage your abs and upper body.

You can choose from eight resistance levels and track your time, speed, calories, and distance. The handles also have built-in pulse sensors to monitor your heart rate.

Weight Capacity: 225 pounds | Dimensions: 45 x 26 x 66 inches | Stats Offered: Time, distance, speed, calories, heart rate | Warranty: Five years for frame, one year for parts and electronics

Price at time of publish: $497

ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical with Adjustable Stride & Incline

Dick's Sporting Goods

View On Dick's View On Hsn.com View On QVC

What We Like

Simulated outdoor workouts
Tablet holder
Dual speakers

What We Don't Like

Membership required

With the ProForm Carbon EL, you can stream simulated outdoor workouts located all around the world and access thousands of on-demand sessions in the continuously growing library. Not only that, but the real-time trainer feature adjusts the resistance to match your intensity level.

To pump things up, you can elevate the incline or manually select a harder resistance level. We also like that this elliptical has Bluetooth connectivity, a tablet holder, an auxiliary port, and dual speakers.

Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 69 x 25 x 68 inches | Stats Offered: Power output, distance, time, calories | Warranty: 10 years for frame, one year for parts

Price at time of publish: $699

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bowflex.com

What We Like

Compact
Tablet holder
Chest strap included

What We Don't Like

Fewer bells and whistles than other models

If you're working with limited square footage, your best bet is the Bowflex M3 Max Trainer. Measuring just 47 x 23 x 27 inches, it's small but mighty with lots of cool features.

This elliptical machine has a digital display and a user-friendly control panel, where you can select from eight resistance levels and various workout programs, plus a water bottle holder and a place for your tablet. It also comes with a chest strap for monitoring your heart rate.

Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 47 x 23 x 27 inches | Stats Offered: Calories, speed, distance, heart rate | Warranty: One year

Price at time of publish: $999

View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Soletreadmills.com

What We Like

Foot pedals encourage natural running motion
Power incline
Quiet operation

What We Don't Like

Assembly could be easier

Engineered with your comfort in mind, the Sole E35 has foot pedals designed by physical therapists to encourage a natural running motion. The design, according to the brand, helps eliminate any strain on your knees, hips, and ankles.

In addition to offering a comfy workout, this elliptical calls on a 25-pound flywheel to ensure a smooth, quiet ride. There are several pre-loaded programs to accommodate people of every fitness level, and thanks to the power incline, you can target lower-body muscles other machines miss.

Weight Capacity: 375 pounds | Dimensions: 27 x 58 x 83 inches | Stats Offered: Calories | Warranty: Two years for frame, five years for electronics, lifetime for frame

Price at time of publish: $1,500

Courtesy of Best Buy

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Best Buy

What We Like

Syncs to apps with Bluetooth connectivity
Smooth acceleration
Padded handlebars have integrated resistance controls

What We Don't Like

Repair support could be improved

We're also big fans of the Nautilus E618. It has Bluetooth connectivity and syncs with the free Explore the World mobile app—allowing you to stride through 27 routes in 19 locations around the globe.

This elliptical trainer also has a tilting console with two backlit screens, plus a high-inertia drive system that accelerates smoothly with a weighted flywheel. The adjustable padded handlebars have integrated resistance controls, so you can adjust your upper-body workout—a perk that sets it apart.

Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Dimensions: 73 x 27 x 67 inches | Stats Offered: Calories, speed, time, heart rate | Warranty: Five years

Price at time of publish: $490

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Reasonably priced
High weight capacity
Lifetime warranty

What We Don't Like

Small screen

If you want to work out super early in the morning or late at night without waking anyone up, go with the Niceday Elliptical. Thanks to the hyper-quiet magnetic drive system, virtually all noise has been eliminated from the mechanics—no easy feat.

This reasonably priced cross-trainer has a 16-pound flywheel with 16 resistance levels. We also appreciate the 400-pound weight capacity and almost unheard-of lifetime warranty.

Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Dimensions: 62 x 48 x 25 inches | Stats Offered: Time, speed, distance, calories, heart rate | Warranty: Lifetime

Price at time of publish: $599

Dick's Sporting Goods

View On Amazon View On Horizonfitness.com

What We Like

Low pedals
Bluetooth speakers
Rapid-charge USB port

What We Don't Like

Short strides

Short on vertical space? Go with the EX59 Elliptical from Horizon Fitness, which has lower-than-average pedals to provide extra headroom for taller athletes and those with low ceilings.

The overlapping stride rotation makes for comfortable movements, and you can pump up or scale back your workouts with one of the 10 magnetic resistance levels. This elliptical machine also has Bluetooth speakers, a tablet rack, a rapid-charge USB port, and a water bottle holder.

Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 74 x 25 x 65 inches | Stats Offered: Time, calories, distance, weight loss | Warranty: Lifetime for frame, one year for parts

Price at time of publish: $727

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Compact
Non-slip mat included
Quiet operation

What We Don't Like

Low weight capacity

With the Cubii JR1, you can get your strides in while typing emails and attending Zoom meetings. This under-desk elliptical machine is just 23 x 18 x 10 inches and comes with wheel stoppers, a non-slip mat, and batteries for the LCD.

The screen monitors your calorie burn, time, and distance, while the patented design ensures whisper-quiet operation. Though membership isn't required, you can get more from your workout with a subscription to the Cubii Studio+ app.

Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Dimensions: 23 x 18 x 10 inches | Stats Offered: Calories, strides, distance | Warranty: One year

Price at time of publish: $248

Final Verdict

We recommend the Schwinn Fitness 470, a trainer-approved elliptical with lots of features and a small footprint. However, if you're on a budget, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 is an excellent choice. And for those open to splurging on a high-end machine, we suggest the NordicTrack FS14i FreeStride.

Meet the Expert

Morgan Coleman is a certified personal trainer with expertise in HIIT workouts.

What to Look For in a Home Elliptical

Size

Keep in mind that your elliptical will take up a fair amount of space and need room for the pedals to make full rotations, so keep the size of your machine (and the size of the area where you plan to place it) in mind as you shop. Check dimensions to see both the horizontal and vertical size, and keep the height of your ceilings in mind, too.

Intensity

Ellipticals can vary by intensity, so make sure that the lowest setting is easy for you to navigate but that the higher settings are enough of a challenge to provide room for you to grow.

Features

Some options on this list have Bluetooth connectivity, like the Nautilus E618 Elliptical and NordicTrack FS14i Free Stride Trainer, and sync with fitness tracking apps. You'll want to check what stats each model has, like calories, heart rate, time, and speed, to make sure it aligns with your fitness goals and needs.

Ergonomics

Above all, your elliptical should be comfortable for you to use. Ensure you can stay in an upright position as you use your elliptical and that you can easily hold the moving hand grips. Your feet should feel secure, and the components of the machine shouldn’t interfere with your arms or legs as you’re on the elliptical path.

FAQ

How much should you pay for a home elliptical?

The picks on our list start at $164 and go to over $2,000, which is a pretty big price range. Deciding how much to invest depends on your fitness level, the features you want, and your budget. If you're looking for a light workout, our best budget pick, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905, is an entry-level home elliptical with basic features like magnetic resistance settings and a digital monitor and arrives partially pre-assembled for easy setup. Several quality mid-range ellipticals, like our best overall pick, the Schwinn Compact, offer some bells and whistles like Bluetooth connectivity, incline control, and heavier flywheels. High-end ellipticals, like the Nordic Track FS14i FreeStride Trainer, are built for those who want the same workout they would get on a commercial-grade machine at the gym and bonus features like interactive personal training programs.
What are the benefits of using a home elliptical?

"An elliptical is a stationary cardio machine," explains Coleman. This means it gets your heart pumping by engaging your respiratory system, making you break a sweat, and burning calories in the easiest possible way.
Additionally, Coleman tells Byrdie, "Ellipticals can be highly beneficial to anyone with joint issues or who prefers a low-impact cardio experience, as they're non-weight-bearing."
How do you use a home elliptical?

First, step onto the pedals so that you're facing the screen and control panel. When you begin pedaling your legs forward in circular motions (similar to a bike, but in a standing position), the monitor should turn on. Then select the quick-start option and choose a pre-programmed workout or adjust the incline and resistance to customize the intensity.
In terms of proper form, Coleman says, "Staying upright while you use the machine makes you keep your core engaged." When you're finished, make sure it's completely stopped before getting off.
Are home ellipticals safe?

Modern home elliptical trainers are designed to minimize the risk of injury. And as mentioned above, they may be a better option than treadmills for those with joint issues.
With that said, it's important to use proper form, ensure the machine has fully stopped before getting off, and ask your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen. As with all mechanical workout equipment, you should also make sure no children are in the room while it's in use to prevent them from getting pinched or trapped within the moving parts.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a former fitness trainer and freelance writer specializing in exercise, self-care, and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed a licensed personal trainer for their product recommendations and expertise on buying and using a home elliptical machine. Before making her final selections, she researched the features and mechanics of ellipticals, referenced peer-reviewed articles, combed through product specs, and pored over reviews. Theresa covers fitness equipment, skincare, and makeup at Byrdie.

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