January 2023
Elliptical Trainers: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of Elliptical Trainer rankings posted by key online experts, as of January 2023.
Summary
Between 4 Jan 2023 and 5 Jan 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 84 Elliptical Trainer endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
49 Elliptical Trainers were endorsed in total, only 17 made it into this month's ranking (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included).
As of 5 Jan 2023, Nautilus E618 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed elliptical trainer with 6 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 6 recommended it as the '#1 elliptical trainer' this month. It is followed by Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 and Sole Fitness E25 , with 5 and 4 expert endorsements respectively.
Brand breakdown
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NordicTrack:
6 Elliptical Trainers
(#1 is NordicTrack SE7i )
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Bowflex:
5 Elliptical Trainers
(#1 is Bowflex M3 Max Trainer )
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Proform:
5 Elliptical Trainers
(#1 is ProForm Carbon EL )
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Sunny Health & Fitness:
3 Elliptical Trainers
(#1 is Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3865 )
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Sole Fitness:
3 Elliptical Trainers
(#1 is Sole Fitness E95S )
Price breakdown
At a glance - January 2023 Ranking
Rank | Change | Price | Elliptical Trainer |
TopTenReviews
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Forbes
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Woman's World
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Chicago Tribune
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money.com
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CNET
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Byrdie
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NBC News
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T3
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Treadmill Review Guru
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1
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- | $1301 |
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6
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1
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-
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3
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-
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5
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8
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6
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-
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-
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2
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- | Check price |
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-
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5
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1
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-
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2
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-
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2
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4
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-
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-
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3
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- | $1000 |
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7
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-
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-
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-
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1
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-
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-
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1
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7
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-
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4
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- | $2499 |
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3
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1
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1
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5
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- | $1100 |
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8
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4
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1
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5
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6
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- | Check price |
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8
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5
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-
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3
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9
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7
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- | $1400 |
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6
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7
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8
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5
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8
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- | $2739 |
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6
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2
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8
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9
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- | Check price |
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6
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10
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6
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10
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- | $2257 |
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2
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2
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11
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New * | Check price |
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3
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2
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12
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-1 | $388 |
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4
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2
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16
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-1 | $1331 |
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4
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5
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17
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-1 | $129 |
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7
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4
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18
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-1 | $685 |
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5
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10
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19
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-1 | Check price |
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7
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10
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20
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-1 | $248 |
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11
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9
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Sorted by price:
Position in ranking | Price | Elliptical Trainer |
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#17 | $128.99 | Stamina InMotion E1000 [buy] [more info] |
#20 | $247.98 | Cubii JR1 [buy] [more info] |
#12 | $388.38 | Sunny Fitness SF-E3912 [buy] [more info] |
#18 | $684.98 | Horizon Fitness EX 59 [buy] [more info] |
#3 | $999.99 | Sole Fitness E25 [buy] [more info] |
#5 | $1099.99 | Schwinn 470 [buy] [more info] |
#1 | $1300.64 | Nautilus E618 [buy] [more info] |
#16 | $1330.69 | NordicTrack SE9i [buy] [more info] |
#7 | $1399.99 | Sole Fitness E35 [buy] [more info] |
#10 | $2256.86 | ProForm Carbon HIIT H7 [buy] [more info] |
#4 | $2499 | NordicTrack FS14i [buy] [more info] |
#8 | $2739 | NordicTrack FreeStrider FS10i [buy] [more info] |
We ranked Nautilus E618 #1 in January 2023 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
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Cons
Fixed 22" stride length
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Forbes
Best Elliptical Overall
Pros
Lots of resistance
Large stride
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Cons
LCD display is simplistic
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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.
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Cons
Leaving your phone or water bottle in the tray may disrupt some tracking or training programs.
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CNET
Most classic elliptical
Pros
Sturdy
Smooth stride
Mostly quiet
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Cons
Outdated display screen
Bluetooth technology is limited
No Wi-Fi
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Byrdie
Best App-Based
Pros
Syncs to apps with Bluetooth connectivity
Smooth acceleration
Padded handlebars boast integrated resistance controls
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Cons
Repair support could be improved
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We ranked Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 #2 in January 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.

Forbes
Best Budget Elliptical
Pros
Great price
Eight resistance levels
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Cons
Compact stride length
Very light on features
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Woman's World
Best Elliptical Under $200
Pros
8 levels of magnetic resistance
Compact
Digital display measures time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse
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money.com
Best for Low Prices
Pros
Built-in wheels for easy transportation and storage.
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Cons
Doesn’t have a reversible stride.
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Byrdie
Best Budget
Pros
Budget-friendly
Digital display
Pulse sensors
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Cons
Low weight capacity
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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 January 2023 ranking










We ranked Sole Fitness E25 #3 in January 2023 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
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Cons
Stride length isn’t adjustable
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money.com
Editor's Pick
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
Best elliptical trainer for durability
Pros
Lifetime guarantee
Gym-like spec
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Cons
More expensive
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We ranked NordicTrack FS14i #4 in January 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked NordicTrack FS14i as #1.

Byrdie
Best Splurge:
Pros
Smart HD touchscreen
Bluetooth connectivity
On-demand workouts
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Cons
Expensive
Requires monthly membership
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T3
Best elliptical trainer overall
Pros
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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Cons
Monthly iFit membership required (30-day trial included)
Tricky to move once assembled
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Treadmill Review Guru
Best Elliptical Overall
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.
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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.
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We ranked Schwinn 470 #5 in January 2023 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
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Cons
Short labor warranty
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CNET
Most comfortable elliptical
Pros
Comfortable and intuitive to use
Ideal for people of all heights and weights
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Cons
Lacks modern touch screen
No Wi-Fi connection
Not good for small spaces
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Byrdie
Best Overall
Pros
Syncs with multiple apps
Acoustic speakers
USB charging port
Ergonomic design
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Cons
Repair support could be improved
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We ranked Bowflex Max Trainer M6 #6 in January 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.

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
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Chicago Tribune
Feature-Packed
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.
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Cons
Some users noticed that it can be a bit loud on higher resistance settings.
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Treadmill Review Guru
Best Compact Elliptical
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 first year
Less extensive warranty than comparable machines
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We ranked Sole Fitness E35 #7 in January 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.

Forbes
Best Elliptical for Sensitive Joints
Pros
Reduces ankle and knee stress
Extra low-impact workout
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Cons
Bare-bones display
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Byrdie
Best for Comfort
Pros
Foot pedals encourage natural running motion
Power incline
Quiet operation
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Cons
Assembly could be easier
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T3
Best full-size 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
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Cons
No built-in video screen
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We ranked NordicTrack FreeStrider FS10i #8 in January 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.

Woman's World
Best NordicTrack elliptical
Pros
Automatic trainer control
24 resistance levels
Comes with a 1-year iFit membership
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Treadmill Review Guru
Best Hybrid Elliptical
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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We ranked Bowflex Max Total 16 #9 in January 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.

CNET
Best elliptical to stream your favorite shows
Pros
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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Cons
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
Pros
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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Cons
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 ProForm Carbon HIIT H7 #10 in January 2023 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
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CNET
Best Elliptical for Smaller Spaces
Pros
Ideal for small spaces
Quiet
Has iFit membership option
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Cons
Turning it off can be a challenge
Lacks space for a tablet or other streaming device
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We ranked Bowflex Max Trainer M9 #11 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.

Forbes
Best Full Body Workout Elliptical
Pros
Smaller footprint
Free workout mat
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Cons
Can be loud at higher speeds
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T3
Best money-no-object elliptical trainer
Pros
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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Cons
Limited stride length
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We ranked Sunny Fitness SF-E3912 #12 in January 2023 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
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Cons
Short 14-inch stride length
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Chicago Tribune
Best Bang for the Buck
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.
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Cons
Some users complain that the machine makes a clunking sound while working.
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We ranked NordicTrack SE9i #13 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.

Forbes
Best Compact Elliptical
Pros
Folds up easily
Good ergonomics
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Cons
Stride too short for some users
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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!
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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 Stamina InMotion E1000 #14 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.

Forbes
Best Under-Desk Elliptical
Pros
Highly portable
Can be used while sitting or standing
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Cons
Takes awhile to catch your balance when standing
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money.com
Best Under-Desk Elliptical
Pros
Very light, portable and easy to store.
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Cons
No upper-body workout.
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We ranked Horizon Fitness EX 59 #15 in January 2023 because:
- 2 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
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Cons
Small 14lb flywheel
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Byrdie
Best for Low Ceilings
Pros
Low pedals
Bluetooth speakers
Rapid-charge USB port
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Cons
Short strides
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We ranked ProForm Carbon E10 #16 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Elliptical Trainers” rankings.

Treadmill Review Guru
Best Free Elliptical
Pros
The adjustable stride and pedals make for a more customized workout experience.
The quick touch resistance levels let you quickly jump from low to high tension.
The 10 year warranty on the frame indicates this is a well-constructed machine.
iFit has thousands of workouts that are led by a trainer in locations all around the world.
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Cons
The 275lb weight capacity is limited for some users.
iFit has a monthly fee after the first month.
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