January 2025
Elliptical Trainers: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of elliptical trainers rankings posted by key online experts, as of January 2025.
Summary
On 6 Jan 2025, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 75 elliptical trainer endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
46 elliptical trainers were endorsed in total, only 15 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 6 Jan 2025, Sunny Health 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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Bowflex: 5 elliptical trainers
(#1 is Bowflex Max Trainer M9)
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NordicTrack: 4 elliptical trainers
(#1 is NordicTrack FS14i)
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Sunny Health & Fitness: 3 elliptical trainers
(#1 is Sunny Health SF-E905)
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Proform: 3 elliptical trainers
(#1 is ProForm Carbon HIIT H7)
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Sole Fitness: 2 elliptical trainers
(#1 is Sole Fitness E25)
Price breakdown
At a glance - January Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Elliptical Trainer |
T3
|
Treadmill Review Guru
|
TopTenReviews
|
Woman's World
|
NBC News
|
Forbes
|
Chicago Tribune
|
money.com
|
Byrdie
|
CNET
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | Check price |
Sunny Health 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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-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
3
|
2
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
|
2
|
+1 | $799 |
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.
|
7
|
3
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
3
|
-1 | $2750 |
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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5
|
5
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-
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-
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1
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $1850 |
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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-
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8
|
-
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6
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-
|
1
|
-
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-
|
5
|
|
5
|
- | $3900 |
NordicTrack FS14i
The NordicTrack FS14i Elliptical Trainer is a highly praised machine that offers adjustable resistance, stride length, and incline options, making it ideal for users who want to customize their workouts and target multiple muscle groups.
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1
|
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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-
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-
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-
|
|
6
|
- | Check price |
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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-
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6
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-
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6
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2
|
-
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-
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-
|
5
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | Check price |
Bowflex Max Trainer M9
|
2
|
-
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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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-
|
|
8
|
- | Check price |
Bowflex Max Total 16
The Bowflex Max Total 16 elliptical trainer is a highly praised and versatile machine that offers a range of workout features, compact size, adjustable display, comprehensive tracking capabilities, low noise level, and durability, making it an ideal choice for individuals looking to optimize their fitness routines.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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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
|
|
9
|
- | 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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-
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-
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2
|
-
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8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
|
10
|
- | $2799 |
Life Fitness E1 Go
|
6
|
-
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-
|
-
|
-
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-
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-
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-
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1
|
-
|
|
11
|
- | 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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-
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-
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-
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8
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4
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-
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3
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-
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-
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-
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12
|
- | $180 |
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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-
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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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5
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-
|
11
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-
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|
13
|
- | $460 |
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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-
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-
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4
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-
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-
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-
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2
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-
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
+1 | $108 |
Stamina InMotion E1000
The Stamina InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer is a compact and portable exercise machine that offers adjustable resistance levels and a durable build, making it suitable for new exercisers and individuals with limited space.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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5
|
-
|
4
|
-
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-
|
|
16
|
+1 | 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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-
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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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-
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-
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4
|
We ranked Sunny Health SF-E905 #1 in January 2025 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sunny Health SF-E905 as #1.
Woman's World
Best Elliptical Under $200
|
8 levels of magnetic resistance
Compact
Digital display measures time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse
|
NBC News
Best budget elliptical
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Great for fitness beginners
Affordably priced
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Very basic, no-frills features
|
Forbes
Best Budget Elliptical Machine For Home
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Includes safety features like anti-slip pedals
Lightweight and easy to move
Makes little to no noise when in use
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Compact stride length
Very light on performance features; not recommended for cardio pro’s
|
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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We ranked Sole Fitness E25 #2 in January 2025 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sole Fitness E25 as #1.
T3
Best elliptical trainer for durability
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Lifetime guarantee
Gym-like spec
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Requires a decent amount of space
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Treadmill Review Guru
Best Budget Elliptical
|
Excellent value for the price
Adjustable resistance and incline
Onboard workout programs and device rack
Sturdy with a lifetime warranty
Comfortable for smaller users
Compatible with Sole+ app for trainer-led workouts
|
Speakers are weak
Less tech than others
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TopTenReviews
A gym-level cross trainer without the premium price tag
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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
|
money.com
Editor's Pick
|
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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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 2025 ranking
T3
Treadmill Review Guru
TopTenReviews
Woman's World
NBC News
Forbes
Chicago Tribune
money.com
Byrdie
CNET
We ranked Sole Fitness E35 #3 in January 2025 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sole Fitness E35 as #1.
T3
Best elliptical trainer for adjustability
|
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
|
Treadmill Review Guru
Best Elliptical For Home Use
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Comfortable design
Excellent build quality
Trainer-led workouts and Netflix
20 levels of incline and 20 levels of resistance
Adjustable pedals
Lifetime warranty
Great for most people
|
Large and heavy
Fan and speakers are a little underpowered
|
NBC News
Best overall elliptical
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High weight capacity
Heavy-duty steel frame
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Large and heavy; difficult to move
|
Forbes
Best Elliptical Machine For Sensitive Joints
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Reduces ankle and knee stress
Extra low-impact workout; great for seniors
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Bare-bones display
Pricier option than others on this list
|
We ranked Schwinn 470 #4 in January 2025 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Schwinn 470 as #1.
TopTenReviews
A smooth and quiet-running cross trainer from a trusted brand
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29-item program menu
Smooth striding
User-friendly LCD
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Short labor warranty
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NBC News
Best elliptical for comfort
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Plenty of variety in pre-loaded workouts
Front transport wheels
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Extensive assembly
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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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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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We ranked NordicTrack FS14i #5 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked NordicTrack FS14i as #1.
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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Treadmill Review Guru
Best Elliptical Overall
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Adjustable pedals for 3-in-1 functionality
Inclines and declines
iFIT subscription on 14” touchscreen
Quiet magnetic resistance
Full-body, low-impact exercise
Effective fan
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Pedals require significant space
Full stride might be too long for short users
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We ranked NordicTrack FreeStrider FS10i #6 in January 2025 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
Treadmill Review Guru
Best Hybrid Elliptical
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Three machines in one
Streaming with iFIT
Resistance and incline
Cushioned pedals
Quick-adjustment buttons
Unique and fun
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Pedal movement requires more space cleared
Full stride is long for short users
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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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NBC News
Most Versatile
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26 resistance levels
Mimics other cardio machines
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Pricier option
|
Byrdie
Best Experience
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Trainer-led workouts
HD touchscreen
Great sound technology
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Assembly could be easier
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We ranked Bowflex Max Trainer M9 #7 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Bowflex Max Trainer M9 as #1.
T3
Best runner up 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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Forbes
Best Elliptical Machine For Home Overall
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Smaller footprint for easy storing
Cross between an elliptical and a stair stepper
Includes a large 10-inch HD touchscreen to follow fitness journey
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Can be loud at higher speeds
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We ranked Bowflex Max Total 16 #8 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Bowflex Max Total 16 as #1.
Byrdie
Best Splurge
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Free workouts
20 resistance levels
HD touchscreen
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Some users claim it's hard to set up
|
CNET
Best elliptical overall
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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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We ranked ProForm Carbon HIIT H7 #9 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
TopTenReviews
Save on space with this hybrid cross-trainer machine
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Total-body training
30lb flywheel
Compact
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NBC News
Best elliptical for small spaces
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Can fit into smaller spaces
Very quiet
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No tablet stand
Have to unplug to turn off
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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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We ranked Life Fitness E1 Go #10 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Life Fitness E1 Go as #1.
T3
Best quiet elliptical trainer
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Whisper-quiet operation
Swanky data screen
Heart rate monitoring
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Can get similar features on cheaper cross trainers
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Byrdie
Best Overall
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Comfortable hand grips
Lifetime warranty
Bluetooth compatibility
Connects to Apple Watch
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We wish the console had a lifetime warranty
|
We ranked Bowflex Max Trainer M6 #11 in January 2025 because:
- 3 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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NBC News
Best elliptical for streaming
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Plenty of options for handhold positions
Free app membership
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Very basic LCD display
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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 Cubii JR1 #12 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
NBC News
Best under desk elliptical
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Size allows it to fit almost anywhere
Easy portability
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Less intensive workout than other machines
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Chicago Tribune
Best for Small Spaces
|
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.
|
Byrdie
Best Under-Desk
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Fits under desk
Nonslip mat included
Quiet operation
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Low weight capacity
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We ranked Sunny Fitness SF-E3912 #13 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
TopTenReviews
Best affordable elliptical machine
|
High weight capacity
Full-motion arm exercisers
24 unique workout modes
|
Short 14-inch stride length
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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.
|
Some users complain that the machine makes a clunking sound while working.
|
We ranked Stamina InMotion E1000 #14 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
Forbes
Best Under-Desk Elliptical Machine For Home
|
Lightweight and highly portable
Can be used while sitting or standing
Affordable
|
Can take awhile to catch your balance when standing
Some reviewers mention it can get noisy
|
money.com
Best Under-Desk Elliptical
|
Very light, portable and easy to store.
|
No upper-body workout.
|
We ranked Nautilus E618 #15 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best elliptical trainers” rankings.
TopTenReviews
A great cross-trainer if you need a wealth of workout data
|
Comfortably cushioned footplates
Power incline up to 15 percent
Wireless heart rate monitoring
|
Fixed 22" stride length
|
CNET
Most classic elliptical
|
Sturdy
Smooth stride
Mostly quiet
|
Outdated display screen
Bluetooth technology is limited
No Wi-Fi
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