April 2021
Elliptical Trainer Rankings Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Elliptical Trainer rankings posted by key online experts, as of April 2021.
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 April 2021 ranking
CNET
Forbes
TopTenReviews
Treadmill Review Guru
T3
money.com
NBC News
Woman's World
Chicago Tribune
Byrdie
We ranked Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 #1 in April 2021 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
money.com
Best for Low Prices
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Pros
Built-in wheels for easy transportation and storage.
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Cons
Doesn’t have a reversible stride.
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Woman's World
Best Elliptical Under $200
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Pros
8 levels of magnetic resistance
Compact
Digital display measures time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse
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We ranked Nautilus E618 #2 in April 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
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Pros
Bluetooth connectivity and free app-based tracking tools. Optimized drive train with a weighted flywheel for a smooth experience. Has a 350-lb. load capacity. Warranty on frame, parts, electronics, and labor.
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Cons
Leaving your phone or bottle of water in the tray may disrupt some tracking or training programs.
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TopTenReviews
Best Elliptical Machine For Guided Workouts
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Pros
Comfortably cushioned footplates
Power incline up to 15 percent
Wireless heart rate monitoring
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Cons
Fixed 22" stride length
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We ranked NordicTrack FreeStrider FS10i #3 in April 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked NordicTrack FreeStrider FS10i as #1.
Treadmill Review Guru
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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
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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
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Chicago Tribune
Best Of The Best
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Pros
Has a 10-inch screen where you can connect with trainers using the proprietary iFit platform. Offers smooth gliding motion and reasonably quiet operation. Versatile, as it can also be used as a stepper and treadmill.
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Cons
Somewhat pricey. Takes up a bit of space.
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We ranked Sole Fitness E25 #4 in April 2021 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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Pros
Warranty lasts lifetime on frame and 3 years for parts.
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Cons
Limited preset workout programs compared to other models.
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T3
A Robust Machine Guaranteed To Last A Lifetime
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Pros
Lifetime guarantee
Gym-like spec
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Cons
More expensive
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TopTenReviews
Best Home Elliptical Machine Under $1,000
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Pros
Industry-leading warranty
Oversized foot pedals for a comfy workout
Wireless heart rate monitoring
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Cons
Stride length isn’t adjustable
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We ranked Bowflex Max Trainer M6 #5 in April 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
Treadmill Review Guru
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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
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Cons
Bowflex app has a subscription cost after the initial 2 month trial
Less extensive warranty than comparable machines
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Woman's World
Best Elliptical Worth Splurging On
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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
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We ranked NordicTrack FS7i FreeStride Trainer #6 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked NordicTrack FS7i FreeStride Trainer as #1.
TopTenReviews
Best Elliptical Machine For Home Overall
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Pros
Quiet in use
Free iFit subscription
Low impact cardio workouts
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Cons
Lighter max resistance
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We ranked ProForm Cardio Hiit H7 #7 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
TopTenReviews
Best Elliptical Machine For Small Spaces
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Pros
Total-body training
30lb flywheel
Compact
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We ranked ProForm Hybrid Trainer #8 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
money.com
Best 2-in-1 Elliptical Machine
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Pros
Easily transitions from elliptical trainer to recumbent bike.
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Cons
Some customers complain about it being noisy.
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We ranked NordicTrack SE9i #9 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
Treadmill Review Guru
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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!
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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
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We ranked NordicTrack SE7i #10 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
money.com
Best Folding Elliptical
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Pros
Live workout classes available via iFit
Free membership available.
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Chicago Tribune
Best Bang For The Buck
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Pros
Offers a comfortable workout that puts zero impact on joints. Compact design is easy to store. Surprisingly quiet to operate. Has a 5-inch screen that allows you to access trainers while you exercise.
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Cons
Heavier than expected, but this isn't a major concern considering all it has to offer.
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We ranked Sole Fitness E35 #11 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
We ranked Life Fitness Club Series + Elliptical Cross-Trainer #12 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
Chicago Tribune
For Serious Workouts
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Pros
Runs on self-generated power, so no need to hunt for an outlet. Features double rollers on twin rails and has top-quality electronic and mechanical components. Has 21 interactive programs and user-friendly console.
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Cons
Some users may need to get used to the self-generated power.
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We ranked ElliptiGO SUB #13 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
We ranked Cubii Pro Under Desk Elliptical Machine #14 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
Woman's World
Best Under Desk Elliptical
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Pros
Super quiet
Cubii app tracks your workouts
8 resistance levels
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