Best Ellipticals: Finding the Righ Elliptical for You
When it comes to the benefits of using an elliptical machine, one of the first things that come to mind is joint protection. With an elliptical, you can eliminate the pounding you would put on your joints if you were to jog or run on a hard surface. With the smooth movements of the elliptical machine, you still get all the benefits of cardio while also protecting your joints. It all starts with finding the right elliptical for you, and that is where this list of the best ellipticals comes in to help.
This list of the best ellipticals will highlight the top ellipticals and help you decide which one is right for you. With all of the great options on this list, you can search for an elliptical based on features, size of the machine, budget, and more. This will allow you to find the perfect elliptical for you and your fitness needs.
The other great thing about an elliptical machine or any piece of stationary cardio equipment is that you can use it pretty much any time you want, and you don’t have to battle the outdoor elements or worry about overcrowding at the gym. You can just hop on your elliptical and put in the work whenever works best for you.
When you finish with this list of the best ellipticals, visit our lists of the best of the best home exercise equipment, best treadmills, and best cardio workouts for even more ways to get in shape and improve your fitness.
Top 8 Ellipticals:
1. Nautilus E618 Elliptical
Price: $1,199.00
Highlights: Has a smooth and comfortable stride, large, adjustable pedals, and an adjustable resistance and incline.
About Elliptical: The Nautilus E618 is one of the best ellipticals on the market. It’s comfortable, natural feeling, and has a smooth, comfortable stride. The pedals are also large and adjustable, so you can pitch your stance forward to work on different muscle groups.
You can also control the resistance and incline on the handles, which makes it really convenient if you’re moving at a quick pace. Nautilus also has its own fitness app that you can use to track your progress and set fitness goals.
2. Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical
Price: $649.99
Highlights: Offers an 18-inch stride length, 16 levels of magnetic resistance, an onboard LCD display, and 24 workout modes.
About Elliptical: If you’re looking for a quality elliptical machine, the Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical is a great option. With a stride length of 18 inches and 16 levels of magnetic resistance, it’s perfect for people of all sizes.
The on-board LCD display lets you track your speed, time, distance, calories, and other metrics, and you can also use it to choose from among 24 workout modes.
3. SCHWINN Fitness 411 Elliptical
Price: $549.99
Highlights: Sturdy, has an 18-inch stride length, and a compact, portable size.
About Elliptical: This top elliptical is well-constructed and sturdy, making it a great choice for those looking to get into great shape. This model has an 18-inch stride length, so you’ll get a full range of motion when using it. Plus, its compact size makes it easy to move around, even if you have limited space in your home.
4. Stamina Inmotion Elliptical
Price: $119.00
Highlights: Compact, portable, has a quiet operation, and features a stat-tracking display screen.
About Elliptical: If you’re looking for an elliptical that won’t take up much space, the Stamina Inmotion Elliptical is an excellent option. This compact machine is perfect for small spaces, and its quiet operation means you can use it even while you’re working. It’s also portable, so you can take it with you when you travel.
The display screen shows your exercise time, calories burned, and stride count, so you can track your progress. The Inmotion Elliptical is a great choice for anyone who wants an efficient workout without all the bells and whistles.
5. Cubii JR1Under Desk Elliptical
Price: $248.00
Highlights: Is 10-inches high, offers a smooth gliding motion, has traditional resistance levels, is whisper-quiet, and has an LCD display.
About Elliptical: This 10-inch high exercise machine is small enough to fit under most spaces but offers the smooth gliding motion and resistance levels you love from traditional ellipticals. Plus, it’s whisper-quiet, so you can use it in your home office or living room without disturbing anyone.
An LCD display keeps track of your calories burned, distance traveled, and more, making it easy to stay on top of your fitness goals.
6. NordicTrack Smart Elliptical
Price: $2,448.98
Highlights: Access to live and on-demand training videos, offers tailored workouts by trainers, and is foldable.
About Elliptical: With access to live and on-demand video workouts, this elliptical is perfect for anyone who wants a great workout without having to go to the gym. With trainers leading the way, you’ll get a fully optimized workout that’s tailored just for you.
And when you’re done, simply fold up your elliptical and store it away until next time. Get the workout you want, when you want it, with this top training elliptical.
7. Niceday Elliptical
Price: $599.00
Highlights: Designed with 90% pre-assembled parts, has a 15.5″ stride, and provides double resistance levels and a smooth ride.
About Elliptical: This top-of-the-line elliptical is designed with 90% pre-assembled parts, so it’s easy to set up and start using right away. And with its bigger pedals, a physical handlebar, and 15.5″ stride, you’ll get an incredible workout that’s similar to what you’d get at a commercial gym.
Plus, this elliptical provides double resistance levels and a smooth, quiet ride thanks to its 16lb flywheel and high gear ratio. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll get a great workout with this elliptical.
8. Teeter FreeStep Elliptical
Price: $899.00
Highlights: 13 levels of magnetic resistance, has a natural striding motion, and allows you to stay seated while you exercise.
About Elliptical: If you’re looking for a workout that’s easy on your joints and back, the Teeter FreeStep Elliptical is a great option. With 13 levels of magnetic resistance, it’s perfect for all fitness levels. The natural striding motion is gentle on your knees and joints, making it a great choice for those with health issues.
And because it works your upper and lower body simultaneously, you’ll get a full-body workout that burns fat and builds muscle. So if you’re looking for an elliptical that’s easy on your body and delivers a great workout, the Teeter FreeStep is the perfect choice.
Editor’s Picks: Best Ellipticals for Every Type of User
Best Elliptical for Home Workouts
Nautilus E618 Elliptical
With its adjustable resistance and incline, smooth stride, and app connectivity, the Nautilus E618 is an ideal choice for home users who want a commercial-grade experience without leaving the house.
Best Budget-Friendly Elliptical
SCHWINN Fitness 411 Elliptical
At just over $500, the SCHWINN 411 offers an 18-inch stride, a sturdy frame, and compact design—making it one of the best ellipticals for tight spaces and tight budgets alike.
Best Compact Elliptical
Cubii JR1 Under Desk Elliptical
The Cubii JR1 is perfect for multitaskers who want to stay active while working from home. Its small size, whisper-quiet operation, and performance tracking make it a standout in the under-desk category.
Best High-End Elliptical with Streaming
NordicTrack Smart Elliptical
For those who want guided workouts and streaming content, the NordicTrack Smart Elliptical offers on-demand training, interactive classes, and a premium, foldable design to maximize convenience and results.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Elliptical Machines
What is the best elliptical for home use?
The best elliptical for home use depends on your space, fitness level, and budget. For a full-featured model with adjustable stride and app connectivity, the Nautilus E618 is a great all-around choice. If you’re tight on space, the Cubii JR1 or Stamina Inmotion Elliptical are excellent compact alternatives.
Are ellipticals good for losing weight?
Yes! Ellipticals provide a low-impact cardiovascular workout that burns calories and improves heart health. Many models also work both upper and lower body muscle groups, making them efficient for full-body fat loss and toning.
What stride length should I look for in an elliptical?
Stride length is key to a comfortable workout. Taller users often prefer 18 to 20 inches, while shorter users can get by with 14 to 16 inches. The Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical offers an 18-inch stride, suitable for a wide range of users.
How much space do I need for an elliptical?
Standard ellipticals require a space of around 6 feet long by 2.5 feet wide. For smaller homes or apartments, compact models like the SCHWINN 411 or Stamina Inmotion are great picks, offering full functionality in a smaller footprint.
What are the benefits of using an elliptical machine?
Ellipticals protect your joints while delivering effective cardio, full-body muscle engagement, and customizable resistance levels. They’re also great for people recovering from injury or looking for a gentler alternative to running or cycling.
Tips for Choosing and Using the Best Elliptical Machine
1. Know Your Space Limitations
Before purchasing, measure the available area in your home to ensure a good fit. Compact ellipticals or under-desk models are great for small spaces. Foldable options like the NordicTrack Smart Elliptical also save space when not in use.
2. Focus on Resistance Levels and Stride
Make sure your elliptical has enough resistance to challenge you over time. Also, choose a stride length that suits your height to ensure a natural, comfortable motion. Most standard ellipticals offer between 16–20 inches of stride.
3. Look for Quiet Operation if Exercising Indoors
If you plan to use your elliptical while watching TV or during work calls, go for machines with a whisper-quiet flywheel or magnetic resistance. The Cubii JR1 and Niceday Elliptical both offer impressively quiet performance.
4. Prioritize Comfort and Adjustability
Features like adjustable pedals, multi-grip handlebars, and cushioned footplates make long workouts more comfortable. The Nautilus E618 stands out for its ergonomic design and built-in adjustability.
5. Use Built-In Programs or Apps to Stay Motivated
Ellipticals with built-in workout modes or app integration (like Sunny Health & Fitness or NordicTrack) can keep things interesting and help you stay consistent with your fitness goals.
Best Ellipticals Conclusion
Hopefully, this list has helped you narrow down your options and helped you choose the best elliptical for your needs. Whether you are looking based on features, budget, etc., you should have been able to find an excellent option on this list. Before you know it, you will be in the best shape of your life, have plenty of energy, and ready to take on the day.
For even more fitness-related content, visit our lists of the best fitness websites, best cardio workouts, and best bodyweight exercises. These lists will provide even more great fitness resources for you to take advantage of.
Do you have a favorite elliptical? If you do, please feel free to share that below in the comments.
