September 2021
Elliptical Trainers: Aggregated Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Elliptical Trainer rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2021.
At a glance - September 2021 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Elliptical Trainer |
CNET
|
NBC News
|
Treadmill Review Guru
|
money.com
|
Forbes
|
Chicago Tribune
|
T3
|
TopTenReviews
|
Woman's World
|
Byrdie
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
+1 | Check price |
Sole Fitness E25
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
|
2
|
+1 | $1399 |
Nautilus E618
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
3
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
|
3
|
+1 | Check price |
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
|
4
|
-3 | $15 |
NordicTrack FreeStrider FS10i
|
-
|
2
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | Check price |
Bowflex Max Trainer M6
|
-
|
4
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
|
6
|
+6 | $498 |
Sunny Fitness SF-E3912
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
4
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
-1 | Check price |
NordicTrack FreeStride FS7i
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
3
|
|
8
|
New * | $549 |
Schwinn 411
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
-2 | $999 |
Schwinn 470
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
1
|
|
10
|
-2 | $999 |
ProForm Carbon HIIT H7
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
-2 | Check price |
ProForm Hybrid Trainer
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
-2 | Check price |
NordicTrack SE9i
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
New * | $237 |
Cubii Jr
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
|
14
|
-1 | Check price |
Sole Fitness E35
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
We ranked Sole Fitness E25 #1 in September 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Sole Fitness E25 as #1.
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
A Robust Machine Guaranteed To Last A Lifetime
|
Pros
Lifetime guarantee
Gym-like spec
|
Cons
More expensive
|
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
|
We ranked Nautilus E618 #2 in September 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Nautilus E618 as #1.
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.
|
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
|
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 2021 ranking
CNET
NBC News
Treadmill Review Guru
money.com
Forbes
Chicago Tribune
T3
TopTenReviews
Woman's World
Byrdie
We ranked Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 #3 in September 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
money.com
Best for Low Prices
|
Pros
Built-in wheels for easy transportation and storage.
|
Cons
Doesn’t have a reversible stride.
|
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 NordicTrack FreeStrider FS10i #4 in September 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked NordicTrack FreeStrider FS10i as #1.
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 Bowflex Max Trainer M6 #5 in September 2021 because:
- 3 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 initial 2 month trial
Less extensive warranty than comparable machines
|
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 Sunny Fitness SF-E3912 #6 in September 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
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.
|
TopTenReviews
Best affordable elliptical machine
|
Pros
High weight capacity
Full-motion arm exercisers
24 unique workout modes
|
Cons
Short 14-inch stride length
|
We ranked NordicTrack FreeStride FS7i #7 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked NordicTrack FreeStride FS7i as #1.
TopTenReviews
Best elliptical machine for home
|
Pros
Quiet in use
Free iFit subscription
Low impact cardio workouts
|
Cons
Lighter max resistance
|
We ranked Schwinn 411 #8 in September 2021 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 Schwinn 470 #9 in September 2021 because:
- 2 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
|
We ranked ProForm Carbon HIIT H7 #10 in September 2021 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 #11 in September 2021 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 NordicTrack SE9i #12 in September 2021 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
|
We ranked Cubii Jr #13 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
Chicago Tribune
Best Bang For The Buck
|
Pros
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.
|
Cons
Heavy, so it may not be easy to change locations on a regular basis.
|
We ranked Sole Fitness E35 #14 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
