May 2022
Elliptical Trainers: Aggregated Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Elliptical Trainer rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2022.
At a glance - May 2022 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Elliptical Trainer |
CNET
|
TopTenReviews
|
NBC News
|
Treadmill Review Guru
|
Forbes
|
Chicago Tribune
|
money.com
|
Byrdie
|
T3
|
Woman's World
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $1300 |
Nautilus E618
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
-
|
1
|
3
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $1200 |
Sole Fitness E25
|
-
|
7
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | Check price |
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
1
|
|
4
|
- | $959 |
Schwinn 470
|
-
|
8
|
6
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
+6 | Check price |
Bowflex Max Trainer M6
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
8
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
|
6
|
+1 | $1600 |
Sole Fitness E35
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
4
|
-
|
|
7
|
+1 | Check price |
Bowflex Max Trainer M9
|
6
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
+2 | $599 |
Horizon Fitness EX 59
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
-3 | $2699 |
NordicTrack FreeStrider FS10i
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
|
10
|
-5 | $248 |
Cubii JR1
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
New * | Check price |
NordicTrack FS14i
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | $599 |
Schwinn 411
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | Check price |
ProForm Carbon HIIT H7
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
- | Check price |
ProForm Hybrid Trainer
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
-6 | $202 |
Sunny Fitness SF-E3912
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | $2597 |
NordicTrack SE9i
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Nautilus E618 #1 in May 2022 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Nautilus E618 as #1.
TopTenReviews
Best Elliptical Machine For Guided Workouts
|
Pros
Comfortably cushioned footplates
Power incline up to 15 percent
Wireless heart rate monitoring
|
Cons
Fixed 22" stride length
|
Chicago Tribune
Best For Everyday Use
|
Pros
Features Bluetooth connectivity and free app-based tracking tools. Offers an optimized drivetrain with a weighted flywheel for a smooth experience. Has a 350-pound load capacity. Warranty on frame, parts, electronics, and labor available.
|
Cons
Leaving your phone or water bottle in the tray may disrupt some tracking or training programs.
|
Byrdie
Best App-Based
|
Pros
Syncs to apps with Bluetooth connectivity
Smooth acceleration
Padded handlebars boast integrated resistance controls
|
Cons
Pricey
|
We ranked Sole Fitness E25 #2 in May 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Sole Fitness E25 as #1.
TopTenReviews
Best Home Elliptical Machine Under $1,000
|
Pros
Industry-leading warranty
Oversized foot pedals for a comfy workout
Wireless heart rate monitoring
|
Cons
Stride length isn’t adjustable
|
money.com
Editor's Pick
|
Pros
Warranty lasts lifetime on frame and 3 years for parts.
|
Cons
Limited preset workout programs compared to other models.
|
T3
Best elliptical trainer for durability
|
Pros
Lifetime guarantee
Gym-like spec
|
Cons
More expensive
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend Elliptical Trainers.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of Elliptical Trainers, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for May 2022 ranking
CNET
TopTenReviews
NBC News
Treadmill Review Guru
Forbes
Chicago Tribune
money.com
Byrdie
T3
Woman's World
We ranked Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 #3 in May 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 as #1.
money.com
Best for Low Prices
|
Pros
Built-in wheels for easy transportation and storage.
|
Cons
Doesn’t have a reversible stride.
|
Byrdie
Best Budget
|
Pros
Budget-friendly
Digital display
Pulse sensors
|
Cons
Low weight capacity
|
Woman's World
Best Elliptical Under $200
|
Pros
8 levels of magnetic resistance
Compact
Digital display measures time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse
|
We ranked Schwinn 470 #4 in May 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Schwinn 470 as #1.
TopTenReviews
Best Elliptical Machine For A Varied Workout
|
Pros
29-item program menu
Smooth striding
User-friendly LCD
|
Cons
Short labor warranty
|
Byrdie
Best Overall
|
Pros
Syncs with multiple apps
Acoustic speakers
USB charging port
Ergonomic design
|
Cons
Pricey
|
We ranked Bowflex Max Trainer M6 #5 in May 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
Treadmill Review Guru
|
Pros
Compact size with lots of features!
Low impact workout safely in your own home
Upgraded console is now easier to see and use
Handlebars and pedals sync for coordinated motion
|
Cons
Bowflex app has a subscription cost after the first year
Less extensive warranty than comparable machines
|
Chicago Tribune
|
Pros
Has 16 different levels of resistance, offering a harder workout for those who want it.
This machine is equipped with a variety of exercise programs to help you progress your strength over time.
Comes equipped with a phone charger and Bluetooth heart monitor capabilities.
|
Cons
Some users noticed that it can be a bit loud on higher resistance settings.
|
Woman's World
Best Elliptical Worth Splurging On
|
Pros
Includes free 2-month trial of the BowFlex JRNY™ App
Magnetic media rack for tablet or smartphone
Bluetooth heart rate compatible
16 levels of resistance
|
We ranked Sole Fitness E35 #6 in May 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
Byrdie
Best for Comfort
|
Pros
Foot pedals encourage natural running motion
Power incline
Quiet operation
|
Cons
Expensive
|
T3
Best premium elliptical trainer
|
Pros
Sleek, compact, and quiet
Designed to be easy on the joints
Compatible with the STUDIO app, which offers 50+ elliptical-targeted classes
|
Cons
No built-in video screen
|
We ranked Bowflex Max Trainer M9 #7 in May 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
We ranked Horizon Fitness EX 59 #8 in May 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
TopTenReviews
Best Elliptical Machine For Beginners
|
Pros
Low price
iPod-compatible
30-day money-back guarantee
|
Cons
Small 14lb flywheel
|
Byrdie
Best for Low Ceilings
|
Pros
Low pedals
Bluetooth speakers
Rapid-charge USB port
|
Cons
Short strides
|
We ranked NordicTrack FreeStrider FS10i #9 in May 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
Treadmill Review Guru
|
Pros
Both resistance and incline offer hearty training variables that will kick that heart rate up!
Smooth quiet motor is centered under the user’s body weight
Quick touch controls on the console make it easy to choose resistance or incline levels
iFit is included free for one year so you can evaluate the content to see great trainers and classes
Comfortable foot pedals are cushioned underfoot
Transport wheels enable you to move or slide the machine gently when needed
|
Cons
The FS10i does take up a bit of space since the pedals extend quite a ways both forward and back
There is a monthly subscription cost for iFit after the first year
|
Woman's World
Best NordicTrack elliptical
|
Pros
Automatic trainer control
24 resistance levels
Comes with a 1-year iFit membership
|
We ranked Cubii JR1 #10 in May 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
Byrdie
Best Under-Desk
|
Pros
Compact
Non-slip mat included
Quiet operation
|
Cons
Low weight capacity
|
We ranked NordicTrack FS14i #11 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked NordicTrack FS14i as #1.
Treadmill Review Guru
|
Pros
The 3 in 1 functionality lets you use this machine multiple different ways.
It declines to -10% and inclines to 10% to add even more challenge to your workouts.
In addition to getting your heart rate up, it also provides a low impact exercise that is forgiving on your joints.
The 14” touch screen is excellent for viewing iFit classes and it’s easy to use.
The fan is surprisingly effective and comes with multiple air output settings.
The magnetic resistance is quiet no matter what level you’re using.
The flywheel is centered which promotes an upright posture and gives extra back support.
|
Cons
It is a compact machine, but it requires more space in front and behind for the pedals when it’s in use.
iFit has a monthly subscription cost after the first 30 days.
|
Byrdie
Best Splurge:
|
Pros
Smart HD touchscreen
Bluetooth connectivity
On-demand workouts
|
Cons
Expensive
Requires monthly membership
|
We ranked Schwinn 411 #12 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Schwinn 411 as #1.
Chicago Tribune
Best of the best
|
Pros
Bluetooth connectivity to sync with the Schwinn Trainer app and other fitness tracking programs and devices. Great versatility with 29 workout programs and 25 resistance levels. Dual-track LCD displays with in-console speakers. Sturdy and space-efficient.
|
Cons
Some reports that slight misalignment can cause noises from the wheel.
|
We ranked ProForm Carbon HIIT H7 #13 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
TopTenReviews
Best Elliptical Machine For Small Spaces
|
Pros
Total-body training
30lb flywheel
Compact
|
We ranked ProForm Hybrid Trainer #14 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
money.com
Best 2-in-1 Elliptical Machine
|
Pros
Easily transitions from elliptical trainer to recumbent bike.
|
Cons
Some customers complain about it being noisy.
|
We ranked Sunny Fitness SF-E3912 #15 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
TopTenReviews
Best affordable elliptical machine
|
Pros
High weight capacity
Full-motion arm exercisers
24 unique workout modes
|
Cons
Short 14-inch stride length
|
Chicago Tribune
Modern Technology
|
Pros
Has 24 built-in programs designed to target resistance and strength. Electro-magnetic resistance system contains 16 resistance levels. Device holder supports listening or streaming appliances. Foot pedal made with non-slip textures. Floor stabilizers add further safety on uneven or wooden floors.
|
Cons
Some users complain that the machine makes a clunking sound while working.
|
We ranked NordicTrack SE9i #16 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
Treadmill Review Guru
|
Pros
Cushioned pedals are comfortable underfoot with a nice lip to hold feet securely
Motion is fluid as you move the pedals back and forth
The touchscreen display makes watching programs fun and entertaining
Quick Touch controls on the console feature large, easy to read numbers for incline and resistance levels
The SE9i will fold when not in use!
iFit classes are updated frequently so you won’t run out of training options!
|
Cons
Touchscreen is full color, but only 7” so it may be hard for some people to see
There is a monthly subscription cost for iFit after the first year
|