September 2023
Elliptical Trainers: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of elliptical trainers rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2023.
Summary
On 3 Sep 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 79 elliptical trainer endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
50 elliptical trainers were endorsed in total, only 16 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 3 Sep 2023, Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed elliptical trainer with 5 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 5 recommended it as the '#1 elliptical trainer' this month.
Brand breakdown
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NordicTrack: 6 elliptical trainers
(#1 is NordicTrack FS14i)
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Bowflex: 5 elliptical trainers
(#1 is Bowflex Max Trainer M6)
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Proform: 4 elliptical trainers
(#1 is ProForm Carbon HIIT H7)
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Sunny Health & Fitness: 3 elliptical trainers
(#1 is Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905)
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Sole Fitness: 3 elliptical trainers
(#1 is Sole Fitness E25)
Price breakdown
At a glance - September Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Elliptical Trainer |
money.com
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Woman's World
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CNET
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Treadmill Review Guru
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Forbes
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Chicago Tribune
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TopTenReviews
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NBC News
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Byrdie
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T3
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1
|
- | Check price |
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Trainer is a budget-friendly and compact option with adjustable resistance levels, a front-drive design, and a solid construction, making it suitable for those looking for a reliable and noise-free workout experience.
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2
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1
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-
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-
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4
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-
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-
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3
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2
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-
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2
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- | $1100 |
Schwinn 470
The Schwinn 470 Elliptical Trainer is a versatile and feature-rich machine that offers a wide range of workout options, comfortable design, and advanced tracking features, making it a reliable choice for users of different fitness levels and goals.
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-
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4
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-
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-
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1
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8
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-
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1
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-
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3
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- | $2499 |
NordicTrack FS14i
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1
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-
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-
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-
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-
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3
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1
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4
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- | $1000 |
Sole Fitness E35
The Sole Fitness E35 elliptical trainer is a highly praised and versatile workout machine that offers a range of features, comfort, and durability for individuals looking to improve their fitness levels.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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5
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-
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-
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1
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7
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5
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5
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- | $900 |
Sole Fitness E25
The Sole Fitness E25 elliptical trainer offers a range of workout features, including adjustable resistance and incline options, heart rate monitoring, and a durable build, making it suitable for various fitness goals and preferences.
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1
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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7
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-
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-
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7
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6
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- | Check price |
Bowflex Max Trainer M6
The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is a compact and space-saving elliptical trainer that offers a challenging and efficient workout, with 16 levels of resistance, a fixed stride length, and a range of tracking features.
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8
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9
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3
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-
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4
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-
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-
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7
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- | Check price |
Bowflex Max Trainer M9
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-
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1
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-
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-
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-
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-
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2
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8
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- | $2755 |
NordicTrack Commercial 14.9
The NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 Elliptical Trainer is a versatile and feature-rich machine suitable for individuals looking to improve cardiovascular health, tone muscles, and enjoy a comfortable and effective workout, with its adjustable stride length, multiple resistance levels, and trainer-led classes through the built-in iFit program.
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1
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5
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-
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-
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-
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9
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- | $2739 |
NordicTrack FreeStrider FS10i
The NordicTrack FreeStrider FS10i elliptical trainer is a versatile and feature-rich machine that offers a comfortable and immersive workout experience, but its large size may not be suitable for those with limited space.
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6
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8
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2
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-
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-
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10
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- | Check price |
Nautilus E618
The Nautilus E618 Elliptical Trainer is a versatile and durable exercise machine that offers customizable workouts, comfort features, and advanced tracking capabilities, making it suitable for individuals who want a challenging and enjoyable workout experience.
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5
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6
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8
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-
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11
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- | Check price |
ProForm Carbon HIIT H7
The ProForm Carbon HIIT H7 elliptical trainer is a versatile and compact machine that offers a challenging full-body workout with adjustable resistance levels and a unique climbing stride length, while also providing tracking features and a durable construction.
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2
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2
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12
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- | $395 |
Sunny Fitness SF-E3912
The Sunny Fitness SF-E3912 Elliptical Trainer is a versatile and compact exercise machine that offers a customizable and comfortable workout experience, making it ideal for home use in smaller spaces.
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2
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4
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14
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- | $110 |
Stamina InMotion E1000
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4
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6
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15
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- | Check price |
Bowflex Max Total 16
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6
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6
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-
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-
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-
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-
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16
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- | $710 |
Horizon Fitness EX 59
The Horizon Fitness EX 59 Elliptical Trainer is a highly recommended machine for its stability, smoothness, and comfort, offering 10 resistance levels, a compact size, and a durable build.
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5
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10
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17
|
- | Check price |
Cubii JR1
The Cubii JR1 elliptical trainer is a compact and user-friendly exercise machine that offers a seated workout option, eight resistance levels, a front-drive system for low-impact workouts, a small LCD display screen, basic tracking features, noise reduction capabilities, and a durable construction.
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5
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11
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We ranked Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 #1 in September 2023 because:
- 5 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
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Built-in wheels for easy transportation and storage.
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Doesn’t have a reversible stride.
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Woman's World
Best Elliptical Under $200
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8 levels of magnetic resistance
Compact
Digital display measures time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse
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Forbes
Best Budget Elliptical
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Great price
Eight resistance levels
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Compact stride length
Very light on features
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We ranked Schwinn 470 #2 in September 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Schwinn 470 as #1.
CNET
Most comfortable elliptical
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Comfortable and intuitive to use
Ideal for people of all heights and weights
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Lacks modern touch screen
No Wi-Fi connection
Not good for small spaces
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Chicago Tribune
Best of the Best
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Has 25 different levels of resistance. The LCD screen shows you each workout and how high the resistance will get during the program. Has a time, distance, and calorie tracker. Designed to simulate natural strides. The handlebars can be adjusted.
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The Bluetooth doesn't allow to sync music.
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TopTenReviews
Best Elliptical Machine For A Varied Workout
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29-item program menu
Smooth striding
User-friendly LCD
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Short labor warranty
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Byrdie
Best Overall
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Syncs with multiple apps
Acoustic speakers
USB charging port
Ergonomic design
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Repair support could be improved
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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 September 2023 ranking
money.com
Woman's World
CNET
Treadmill Review Guru
Forbes
Chicago Tribune
TopTenReviews
NBC News
Byrdie
T3
We ranked NordicTrack FS14i #3 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked NordicTrack FS14i as #1.
Treadmill Review Guru
Best Elliptical Overall
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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.
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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.
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Byrdie
Best Splurge:
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Smart HD touchscreen
Bluetooth connectivity
On-demand workouts
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Expensive
Requires monthly membership
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T3
Best elliptical trainer overall
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Full-body workout that’s easy on the joints
Auto-adjusting stride is fun/easy to engage
Built-in fan and at-your-fingertips incline/resistance controls
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Monthly iFit membership required (30-day trial included)
Tricky to move once assembled
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We ranked Sole Fitness E35 #4 in September 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sole Fitness E35 as #1.
Forbes
Best Elliptical Machine For Sensitive Joints
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Reduces ankle and knee stress
Extra low-impact workout
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Bare-bones display
Pricey
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Byrdie
Best for Comfort
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Foot pedals encourage natural running motion
Power incline
Quiet operation
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Assembly could be easier
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T3
Best full-size elliptical trainer
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Sleek, compact, and quiet
Designed to be easy on the joints
Compatible with the STUDIO app, which offers 50+ elliptical-targeted classes
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No built-in video screen
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We ranked Sole Fitness E25 #5 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sole Fitness E25 as #1.
money.com
Editor's Pick
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Warranty lasts lifetime on frame and 3 years for parts.
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Limited preset workout programs compared to other models.
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TopTenReviews
Best Home Elliptical Machine Under $1,000
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Industry-leading warranty
Oversized foot pedals for a comfy workout
Wireless heart rate monitoring
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Stride length isn’t adjustable
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T3
Best elliptical trainer for durability
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Lifetime guarantee
Gym-like spec
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More expensive
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We ranked Bowflex Max Trainer M6 #6 in September 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
Woman's World
Best Elliptical Worth Splurging On
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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
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Treadmill Review Guru
Best Compact Elliptical
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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
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Bowflex app has a subscription cost after the first year
Less extensive warranty than comparable machines
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Chicago Tribune
Feature-Packed
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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.
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Some users noticed that it can be a bit loud on higher resistance settings.
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We ranked Bowflex Max Trainer M9 #7 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Bowflex Max Trainer M9 as #1.
Forbes
Best Elliptical Machine Overall
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Smaller footprint
Free workout mat
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Can be loud at higher speeds
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T3
Best money-no-object elliptical trainer
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Many helpful features to combat subcutaneous fat
Dual-mode LCD/LED screens
Takes up half as much space as traditional ellipticals
Short workouts ideal for time-poor people
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Limited stride length
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We ranked NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 #8 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 as #1.
CNET
Best Elliptical Overall
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Modern design
Smooth stride
Has an iFit program option
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It's big
The iFit membership comes at additional cost
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Treadmill Review Guru
Best Front-Drive Elliptical
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The 32 lb flywheel is heavy and front-mounted to give extra stability to the console and overall construction of the machine.
The pedals are well-cushioned and oversized for support and can be adjusted to work for a large variety of users.
The price point is reasonable considering the overall high quality.
The 14” touch screen is clear and displays thousands of workouts filmed all around the world with an iFit membership.
The handles offer training for total body training and for isolating your lower body.
The stride length is comfortable and long enough for a wide range of heights.
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Taller users might be limited with the pedal range when the elliptical is fully inclined.
The incline function is a little noisy, however, the resistance and pedals are quiet.
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We ranked NordicTrack FreeStrider FS10i #9 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
Woman's World
Best NordicTrack elliptical
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Automatic trainer control
24 resistance levels
Comes with a 1-year iFit membership
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Treadmill Review Guru
Best Hybrid Elliptical
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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
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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
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We ranked Nautilus E618 #10 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
CNET
Most classic elliptical
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Sturdy
Smooth stride
Mostly quiet
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Outdated display screen
Bluetooth technology is limited
No Wi-Fi
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TopTenReviews
Best Elliptical Machine For Guided Workouts
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Comfortably cushioned footplates
Power incline up to 15 percent
Wireless heart rate monitoring
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Fixed 22" stride length
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Byrdie
Best App-Based
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Syncs to apps with Bluetooth connectivity
Smooth acceleration
Padded handlebars boast integrated resistance controls
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Repair support could be improved
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We ranked ProForm Carbon HIIT H7 #11 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
CNET
Best Elliptical for Smaller Spaces
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Ideal for small spaces
Quiet
Has iFit membership option
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Turning it off can be a challenge
Lacks space for a tablet or other streaming device
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TopTenReviews
Best Elliptical Machine For Small Spaces
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Total-body training
30lb flywheel
Compact
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We ranked Sunny Fitness SF-E3912 #12 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
Chicago Tribune
Best Bang for the Buck
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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.
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Some users complain that the machine makes a clunking sound while working.
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TopTenReviews
Best affordable elliptical machine
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High weight capacity
Full-motion arm exercisers
24 unique workout modes
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Short 14-inch stride length
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We ranked Stamina InMotion E1000 #13 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
money.com
Best Under-Desk Elliptical
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Very light, portable and easy to store.
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No upper-body workout.
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Forbes
Best Under-Desk Elliptical Machine
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Highly portable
Can be used while sitting or standing
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Takes awhile to catch your balance when standing
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We ranked Bowflex Max Total 16 #14 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
CNET
Best elliptical to stream your favorite shows
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Fits in most spaces
Has a big HD touchscreen
Lets you stream Netflix, Hulu and other streaming services
Personalizes your workout experience
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Heavier than Bowflex Max M9, which can be a hassle to move
Expensive
Can't use without a JRNY membership
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Treadmill Review Guru
Best Elliptical For Netflix, Hulu, Etc
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High-intensity training in a compact design.
Textured pedals and multi-grip handles work your entire body.
Free subscription on the 16” touch screen to never get bored while working out.
20 different levels of resistance to adjust and choose from.
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The warranty is less than what other brands offer.
A subscription to JRNY is required to access the content on the touch screen.
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We ranked Horizon Fitness EX 59 #15 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
TopTenReviews
Best Elliptical Machine For Beginners
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Low price
iPod-compatible
30-day money-back guarantee
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Small 14lb flywheel
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Byrdie
Best for Low Ceilings
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Low pedals
Bluetooth speakers
Rapid-charge USB port
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Short strides
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We ranked Cubii JR1 #16 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
Chicago Tribune
Best for Small Spaces
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Choose between the 8 resilience levels for personal preference.
Miniature LCD screen displays progress in calories, strides, and distance.
Compact design allows users to transport it to work or different areas in the house.
Includes live exercise classes led by professional trainers.
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Heavy, so it may not be easy to change locations on a regular basis.
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Byrdie
Best Under-Desk
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Compact
Non-slip mat included
Quiet operation
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Low weight capacity
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