The Best Elliptical Machines of 2024

Last Update: November 9, 2023

Ellipticals solve a lot of cardio problems. They provide a full-body workout, are low-impact, and are beginner friendly. Yet one problem prevails in the elliptical community–numb or tingling feet. I am a sufferer myself, but I am here to promise solutions. Many of these ellipticals solve this problem and provide engaging training content or integrated entertainment. They span the spectrum of price, from affordable to high-end. These ellipticals have one thing in common, moving in an ellipse. From there, the possibilities are vast. Some replicate a running motion, while others are closer to a stair stepper. There is an elliptical here for everyone!

Here’s Our List Of The Best Ellipticals of 2024

• Best Elliptical Overall: Sole E35 Elliptical
• Most Comfortable Elliptical: NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 Elliptical
• Best Compact Elliptical: ProForm Pro HIIT H14
• Best Elliptical Under $1000: Horizon EX-59 Elliptical
• Best Budget Elliptical: Sole E20 Elliptical
• Largest Touchscreen: Bowflex Max Total 16
• Best High-End Elliptical: Sole E95 Elliptical
• Best Elliptical With Adjustable Stride: NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer
• Best Under Desk Elliptical: Cubii JR2+ Elliptical

Best Elliptical Overall: Sole E35 Elliptical

Sole has stepped up its offerings with features packed into every inch of their cardio machines. The Sole E35 is no exception, earning it our award of Best Elliptical Overall. The E35 is a great value elliptical, giving you the most bang for your buck by providing features that even higher-priced ellipticals don’t offer.

The Sole E35 Elliptical has a sturdy build that fitness enthusiasts will appreciate. The stride length is not adjustable, but it is 20 inches, which should be comfortable for most users. The pedals are padded and designed with comfort in mind. This elliptical comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and flywheel. The flywheel is 25 lbs to keep the pedal motion fluid with every stride. The E35 has stationary handles for isolating the lower body and moving handles with variable grip for a full-body workout.

No other brand packs more features into their cardio machines without requiring a monthly subscription to access them. The Sole E35 has a 10.1” screen with access to third-party streaming apps like Netflix, CNN, Audible, and more. Some of these apps will require their own subscriptions, but Sole does not add any additional paywalls to access their touchscreen content. A wireless charging pad keeps your phone powered up while utilizing the screen mirroring feature or paired with the Bluetooth speakers. A tablet rack above the console provides a convenient storage and viewing location for your smart device. The E35 does not only excel at entertaining; it delivers great training capabilities.

The E35 has 20 resistance levels and a maximum incline of 20%. There are onboard workouts. Exercisers can follow along with these preset activities or design their own workout templates. The screen mirroring function of the Sole E35 and the Bluetooth speakers allow users to stream training content from any platform they prefer for more possibilities. There are two options for heart rate training: Bluetooth-compatible monitors or the pulse grips located on the stationary handles. Regardless of how you choose to train, the E35 can support you through it–subscription or no subscription.

Read Our Full Review Of The Sole E35 Elliptical Here

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Most Comfortable Elliptical: NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 Elliptical

The main complaint of elliptical users is foot numbness, soreness, tingling, etc. The NordicTrack 14.9 Elliptical earns our award for Most Comfortable Elliptical for its adjustable pedals, first and foremost. The 14.9 also includes a variety of other ergonomic features that ensure exercisers will only experience (appropriate) discomfort from the challenge of their workout.

The NordicTrack 14.9 Elliptical prioritizes user comfort. The pedals can be easily positioned up or down in three different positions to assuage foot soreness or numbness. The pedals are oversized for the supreme comfort and accommodation of most users. They are textured and cushioned to keep your feet secure and comfortable. The stride length measures about 18 inches, which feels comfortable for a wide variety of user heights, as tested here at Treadmill Reviews. The 14-inch touchscreen provides ease of viewing and navigation. The stationary handles and moving handles with various grips are textured for convenience and use while sweaty. Lastly, the iFIT platform allows you to train with automatic training adjustments tuned to your fitness level, so you can forget about pressing those pesky buttons.

The NordicTrack 14.9 has a 32-lb flywheel. Like most ellipticals, it has a front drive. It moves evenly for uninterrupted, steady training. The elliptical has 26 digital magnetic resistance levels. The resistance is quiet and powerful enough for a good workout. The incline ranges from 0 to 20% for even more training possibilities. The 14.9 is sturdy, supporting users up to 350 lbs, well over the 300 lb industry standard. The NordicTrack 14.9 Elliptical is a well-built machine from its steel frame down to its powerful speakers and cooling fan.

iFIT provides the onscreen training content for the 14.9 elliptical, requiring a monthly or yearly subscription. Known for its outdoor content, iFIT does not skimp when it comes to ellipticals. No, they do not offer ElliptiGo content, but they adapt hiking, skiing, rollerskating, and other cardio activities to the elliptical. They also create elliptical studio content similar to studio cycling. These workouts incorporate some off-elliptical movements into the classes for even more fun. iFIT has tons of classes from over a hundred trainers. The 14” HD touchscreen will inspire your future vacation plans with beautiful graphics and destinations.

Read Our Full Review Of The NordicTrack 14.9 Elliptical Here

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Best Compact Elliptical: ProForm Pro HIIT H14

The ProForm Pro HIIT H14 follows a vertical elliptical path, mimicking a stair stepper. This unique elliptical movement makes the H14 a compact elliptical option. It has a 10” vertical step height and only a 5” horizontal stride length. It includes stationary and moving handles for stability or a full-body workout. The ProForm Pro HIIT H14 provides a difficult workout in a compact footprint, earning a placement as our Best Compact Elliptical.

The ProForm Pro HIIT H14 has a small footprint, measuring 29” x 52” x 66”. It achieves this with a vertical elliptical motion, lengthening the vertical distance and condensing the horizontal distance. Thus, the pedals move 10” up and 5” horizontally. The subtle horizontal movement makes the HIIT H14 feel more like a stair stepper or climber than an elliptical. The H14 creates an intense workout experience, as anyone who has walked a few flights of stairs will know.

Silent magnetic resistance makes the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 a quiet machine for in-home or apartment training. The resistance has twenty-six levels. The highest levels create an intense challenge that will increase strength and work those glutes! The flywheel is a hefty 30 lbs, creating a smooth pedal motion whether the lowest or highest resistance is set. The stationary handles have pulse grips for heart rate training, while the moving handles allow the arms a share in the workload. The HIIT H14 is not misnamed; it is built for high-intensity intervals.

ProForm falls under the iFIT umbrella. Thus, the HIIT H14’s 14-inch touchscreen display accesses the iFIT content library with an active subscription. New users are invited to try the platform for the first 30 days for free. iFIT offers outdoor and indoor classes where trainers guide you through steady-state and interval training. The resistance is automatically set based on the trainer’s suggestion or adaptation to the user profile. A suggested RPM appears on the screen to motivate users to push themselves on hard segments and recover during others. The training content is a powerful motivator that provides more than just elliptical training.

Read Our Full Review Of The ProForm Pro HIIT H14 Elliptical Here

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Best Elliptical Under $1000: Horizon EX-59 Elliptical

The Horizon EX-59 Elliptical is a very budget-friendly elliptical and requires no ongoing monthly subscription to access training content or features. Horizon has made an affordable and approachable product, earning the EX-59 Elliptical our award for Best Elliptical Under $1000. The Horizon EX-59 is perfect for users on a budget or who prefer to use a tablet they already own rather than pay for a pricey integrated touchscreen.

The Horizon EX-59 is a budget-friendly elliptical with a compact build. If you don’t need a feature-rich machine or high-tech training options, don’t pay for them! Yet, the EX-59 Elliptical has plenty of options to keep the casual elliptical user satisfied. The console is Bluetooth-compatible with speakers to hear your training and entertainment content on your phone or tablet. The tablet rack keeps your device supported during your training without covering up the LED windows that display your training metrics. Finally, a USB charging port keeps your device powered no matter how long you train..

In addition to all of its cool features, the Horizon EX-59 has a good build for its price. The frame is covered by a 1-year warranty while the rest of the parts and labor are covered for one year. The Horizon EX-59’s flywheel is only 14 lbs, which is a little lighter than higher-end ellipticals offer. The elliptical has 10 levels of magnetic resistance, which is perfect for elliptical users looking for low to moderate-intensity and low-impact exercise. The stride length is 18 inches. Though the stride length is not variable, it should accommodate most users. The step-up height to the elliptical is just under 11 inches, so be mindful of this height if you have a limited range of motion. The elliptical can accommodate a user weight of up to 300 lbs. This build is a great budget option for most exercisers.

There is no video training content for the EX-59. Instead, Horizon has programmed this elliptical with 4 preset workouts in addition to manual activity. These training options are great for users who prefer a low-tech option. If you want something a little more interactive and guided, I suggest using your phone or tablet to access training content. Many ellipticals with built-in touchscreens restrict you to one training platform. Using your own device allows you to access any content you like. You will miss out on some smart features created by a better training integration, but many users will prefer this low-tech, more affordable option.

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Best Budget Elliptical: Sole E20 Elliptical

The Sole E20 Elliptical is a well-built, affordable elliptical, earning our designation as Best Budget Elliptical. Sole makes long-lasting products that we trust. Fortunately, the frame is covered by a lifetime warranty, promising you will get many hours of activity out of the E20. For its price, the E20 offers great basic features, like onboard workouts, good storage, and audio options. The Sole E20 is a great choice for elliptical beginners on a budget.

The Sole E20 is the perfect elliptical for beginners or exercisers who plan to use their machine less frequently. The 18” stride makes the E20 slightly more compact than Sole’s bulkier ellipticals. It has a 14.4 lbs flywheel, which is a little lighter than we typically recommend but is expected at this price range. The E20 is a standard front drive elliptical with the flywheel located directly below the console. The 15” pedals will accommodate most foot sizes but are not as well cushioned as other models. Users prone to foot numbness should consider more cushioned shoes with a higher heel lift for improved comfort on the E20.

The E20 has ten magnetic resistance levels. This type of resistance is normally silent and should stay so on the E20 with proper maintenance to other elliptical components. The incline is manual, so users must set their desired incline level from the three available options before starting their activity. Altering the elliptical incline allows users to vary the workload of their leg muscles, while maintaining a comparable effort. There are five types of onboard training programs: hill, fat burn, cardio, strength, and HIIT. There is also a manual activity setting for training without preset resistance levels.

Most of the features on the E20 are low-tech or basic inclusions found on gym ellipticals. Yet, it has great offerings for its price point of well under $1000. The Bluetooth connection allows audio or heart rate monitor pairing. There is also an Aux port for connecting a smart device to the elliptical speakers. A device rack allows you to keep a phone or tablet on the console for training content or entertainment viewing while the USB port keeps the device charged. The E20 offers just what anyone would want from a basic elliptical trainer, plus a few more features to prove its dominance of the price point.

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Largest Touchscreen: Bowflex Max Total 16

The Bowflex Max Total 16 is the top-of-the-line elliptical from Bowflex’s Max Trainer series. It has the largest touchscreen out of the lineup and is one of the best on the entire market. The Bowflex Max Total 16 offers the best of entertainment and training content with its JRNY subscription platform. The large and versatile touchscreen makes it my top choice for elliptical subscription content.

If you are willing to pay for a monthly subscription training platform, the Bowflex Max Total 16 has a great one. JRNY’s training content is not yet up to par with iFIT and Peloton, but it is newer and constantly improving. JRNY is about half the competitors’ price with double the free trial period, making the cost easier to justify. The workouts are also tailored to you, as your first workout on the Max Total 16 evaluates your current fitness level. Come prepared to work hard! The workouts are guided by trainers or videoed in scenic locations. You can pair Bluetooth headphones or a smart device for additional audio options. Bluetooth also connects compatible heart rate monitors for even more training specificity.

One of my favorite features of the JRNY fitness platform is the integration with entertainment content. There are multiple genre radio stations if you want on-elliptical music options. The entertainment app integration puts the competition to shame. While training in one of JRNY’s curated workouts, you can log into your Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Prime, or Disney Plus accounts to watch shows or movies simultaneously. Your workout metrics overlay the content, so you can multi-task effectively.

The Bowflex Max Total 16 combines a stair stepper and an elliptical, similar to the ProForm HIIT H14. It has air resistance, creating more noise than ellipticals with magnetic resistance. The steel dial on the console controls the 20 resistance levels, which provide powerful resistance. The Max Total 16 is great for users needing a harder workout than what most ellipticals provide. Exercisers can sprint on the Max Total 16 thanks to its vertical dual tracks. The vertical tracks make the Max Total 16 more compact than other elliptical trainers, but users will need at least 15” inches + their height of ceiling clearance. The Bowflex Max Total 16 is a great elliptical hybrid for the home.

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Best High-End Elliptical: Sole E95 Elliptical

The Sole E95 is a high-end elliptical with a quality build and a smart touchscreen. It is our pick for Best High-End Elliptical, not because it is the most expensive (it isn’t), but because it has a lot to offer while retaining the traditional elliptical form. It checks all of the boxes for things we would want out of a high-end elliptical.

I have a personal history with the E95. This is the elliptical my parents have been using for the past 10 years, and it has seen countless hours of use. If I could have made any improvements to the E95 as I used it during high school, it would be to make the pedals adjustable. Lo and behold–the updated model of the E95 has just that! The E95 has tons of smart features that are new to me, but the quality of the build is still there. The frame and flywheel are covered by lifetime warranties. The weight capacity is also a phenomenal 400 lbs. It’s a large machine with a footprint of 70” x 34” x 83”, but if you can find the space, it is worth it.

The touchscreen is 13.3 inches, providing Sole’s training content and entertainment app integrations at no extra cost. Sole has remained true to their no subscription required model, and I appreciate them for it. Users can choose from six different preset training types, including heart rate training, use manual activity mode, or program custom workout settings right on the screen. Heart rate can be measured using a compatible chest strap or the stationary handle pulse grips. The elliptical inclines to a maximum 20% and has 20 resistance levels for intense training.

The Sole E95’s touchscreen provides users access to third-party apps. These include entertainment apps you may already subscribe to, like Netflix, Hulu, Prime, and more. YouTube is a free option, so you can exercise while catching up on your favorite channels. The inclusion of a tablet rack, Bluetooth, and screen mirroring allows users to train through any platform they like. The Sole E95 does not lock you into one training platform, allowing you the freedom to dictate how you train.

The Sole E95 is a great machine, but for users looking for an even more high-end experience, Sole offers the E95S. This machine has a power-adjustable stride and a light commercial grade build. It is a more robust machine than the E95 and weighs thirty pounds more. It also has a heavier flywheel weight of 30 lbs. The E95S is a premium alternative to an already phenomenal elliptical.

Read Our Full Review Of The Sole E95 Elliptical Here

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Best Elliptical With Adjustable Stride: NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer

The NordicTrack FS10i is a hybrid elliptical and stair stepper. Its unique variable stride allows the FS10i to move like either cardio machine. The stride length ranges from 0 to 32 inches, making it great for tall and short users. The NordicTrack is a versatile, low-impact, and low-to-moderate intensity exercise solution.

The NordicTrack’s movement pattern is controlled by the user. It has a range of 0 to 32 inches, and users should be mindful not to push its limits. Correct form leads to a smooth and effective workout on the FS10i. The pedals and pedal arms glide over the crank arms, which turn the dual flywheels (one located on either side of the pedals). There are no stationary arms, ensuring the exerciser always gets a full-body workout.
The resistance is magnetic and offers twenty-four different levels. The resistance is quiet, but the incline motor is rather loud. However, it is a nice feature, offering a maximum grade of 10%. The pedals are cushioned and oversized to alleviate foot numbness. The handles are long, so tall users should be comfortable with the upper half, while shorter users can use the bottom half.

iFIT provides the content available through the 10-inch HD smart touchscreen. The iFIT platform provides a variety of training content adapted and tailored for elliptical training. The outdoor content is adapted from other forms of cardio to fit the resistance and incline possibilities on the FS10i. The studio content uses ellipticals similar to the studio cycling experience. iFIT is free for the first month and then requires a monthly or yearly subscription. iFIT provides a whole suite of fitness classes suitable for off and on your equipment. You can access their full library with one subscription, allowing iFIT to replace your gym membership effectively.

Read Our Full Review Of The NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer Here

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Best Under Desk Elliptical: Cubii JR2+ Elliptical

The Cubii JR2+ is our pick for Best Under Desk Elliptical. This simplistic under-desk training tool brightens up your work day or adds a little exercise to a typically sedentary activity. The Cubii weighs only 19 lbs. It works great for older adults or anyone who is fidgety. I always spin my desk chair or bounce my legs, and the Cubii elliptical gives me another way to occupy myself.

Cubii is our top pick for under-desk ellipticals. We specifically decided on the JR2+ for this list for its features and affordability. The JR2+ has Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with the Cubii app, which can export data to other health and fitness apps. The app also offers some training content. The Cubii JR2+ has 8 levels of resistance, though I prefer the lower resistance levels for a more passive experience.

The Cubii JR2+ has large pedals that move in a circular motion. It is for seated exercise only. The JR2+ is very quiet, so you won’t disturb your coworkers or others in your home. It would be a great option for living room exercise while watching TV with family or friends.

There are a few accessories I recommend to improve the Cubii JR2+ experience. I used my Cubii without the foot straps, and I wish I had them. They are sold separately but can be purchased with the JR2+ for savings when bundled with the Cubii mat. It is easier to pedal the Cubii when seated closer to the edge of your chair, so the Cushii Lumbar Cushion may be another accessory worth looking into. Overall, the Cubii is great fun and physical activity on its own. I recommend it for older adults, office workers, and students (if their school will allow it).

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Factors To Consider When Finding The Best Elliptical

What do you mean by elliptical?

This may seem like a strange question to ask, but it is important. At least half of the ellipticals on this list may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think ‘elliptical’. Ellipticals encompass just about every piece of upright equipment with pedals that move in an elliptical fashion (and a few seated ones, too)! You may decide on a traditional elliptical, or you might want something with a more compact vertical elliptical path. Vertical elliptical paths tend to be higher intensity as they combine an elliptical and stair stepper motion.

What kind of handles do you want?

Ellipticals typically provide a full-body workout with both the legs and arms involved. Some ellipticals include stationary handles to isolate the lower body. Stationary handles also help users get on and off the elliptical by giving them something to hold on to without moving. An elliptical like the Bowflex Max Total 16 has multiple handles with varied grip options. Consider your height and reach when selecting an elliptical. If you share an elliptical with individuals of different heights, look for an elliptical with large handle areas to accommodate a wide range of heights.

How much space do you have?

Ellipticals rarely fold. They typically require a dedicated space, so it is important to consider what you can allocate to the machine. Vertical elliptical paths such as those found in the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 and the Bowflex Max Total 16 are more compact options. Ellipticals like the NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer have long strides. This machine won’t take up much space when not in use, but its needs go up considerably when in use.

Elliptical Components

Pedals

Elliptical pedals can be the bane of elliptical users’ experience, or they can be a lifesaver. To avoid foot numbness, choose an elliptical with padded, adjustable pedals. Most elliptical pedals will be oversized to accommodate all foot sizes. Remember to check the pedal dimensions to make sure the elliptical is right for you.

Stride

There is no one stride length for everyone. Our team of reviewers tends to like ellipticals with strides between 17 and 20 inches. I also like a long stride closer to 30 inches for a more run-like movement. If the elliptical has a vertical path, the stride length is not so important. Ellipticals with adjustable strides are popular, because they allow users to select the length that works best for them. Stride length may be controlled by the user during movement or adjusted before the workout session begins. User-controlled stride lengths tend to require more coordination.

Flywheel

Many ellipticals have flywheels. The position of the flywheel determines whether an elliptical has a front, center, or rear drive. The weight and placement of the flywheel can drastically impact the elliptical’s feel. A heavy flywheel creates a smoother experience. We like flywheels between 20 and 40 lbs. The placement of the drive is entirely up to the user’s preference. Front drives are the most common type of elliptical and work great. A center drive is more common in variable stride ellipticals.

Features

Training Content

Subscription or no subscription? That is the real question. Subscription content is great as it is normally higher quality than the free alternative. Subscription platforms frequently gain new features and content over time to warrant the ongoing cost. Yet, exercisers on a budget should be mindful of the added cost. Additionally, exercisers with training plans or those who like to workout without guidance may find a subscription unnecessary. Be cautious about investing into an elliptical with a large touchscreen, as this will increase the cost, but if you are not using the compatible content, it may not be useful.

Entertainment

I consider cardio equipment prime time for entertainment. If you are a multi-tasker like me, you may have a few more things to consider when choosing an elliptical. First, touchscreens don’t always provide access to streaming content. If they do, look out for the paywall. Some machines require you to subscribe to their training platform to access third-party content. If you are using the training platform as well, it shouldn’t be a problem. You have two options if there is no screen or it does not access entertainment. You can position your exercise equipment in front of a TV, requiring you to find space to accommodate an elliptical where your TV is or vice versa. Secondly, the elliptical might have a phone or tablet rack allowing you to view content from your smart device. There is no right or wrong way, but it is something to consider, so you don’t end up bored on your elliptical.

Storage

Ellipticals have considerably less storage capacity compared to treadmills. If you plan to exercise for long bouts on the elliptical, look for a machine that allows you to store water, at the very least. If you need your smart device nearby, look for an elliptical with both a bottle holder and device storage.

Bottom Line – Best Ellipticals 2024

Ellipticals are one of the most diverse categories of cardio equipment. It can frequently feel like a catch-all term for very different pieces of equipment. Ellipticals are popular for their ability to deliver low-impact, full-body workouts. We have highlighted a few trustworthy brands and their top products for your consideration. With so many options to choose from, exercisers should have no problem finding the right equipment to meet their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an elliptical cost?

Ellipticals range from under a thousand to several thousand dollars. Our best list includes treadmills up to $2500, with most under $2000. There are great products under $1000, but their features will be more limited. If you do not need smart features or lots of training content, these ellipticals should work just fine! Remember the cost of subscription content when planning a budget.

How long should the elliptical stride be?

There is no one size fits all when it comes to elliptical strides. The typical range is between 17 to 20 inches, which should feel comfortable for most users. Taller users will appreciate ellipticals with longer strides, potentially up to 32 inches. Shorter users may be much more comfortable on ellipticals with stride lengths under 20 inches. As for me, I am 5’4” and find the entire range suitable. It simply affects whether I get a more run-like workout with a fuller stride or not. I find the handle positioning more important, as I am more limited by my reach than by my stride length.

Is the elliptical better than the treadmill?

Ellipticals and treadmills are very popular cardio machines. One is not necessarily better than the other, but one may be better for you than the other. Ellipticals excel at low-impact exercise and provide more resistance for the upper body when the moving handles are used. Low-impact activity is better for those recovering from injury or suffering from chronic joint pain. High-impact exercise is better for increasing bone density, as bones require the stress of impact to build stronger. Ellipticals are great cross-training for outdoor runners. They target muscles runners might neglect or need to work on during their off days. Ellipticals also offer heavier resistance than treadmills. You may not be able to go faster and faster on a treadmill, but you might be able to slow down your RPMs and push with more force against the elliptical pedals. Overall, it comes down to your preference.

Read More Popular Elliptical Reviews:

• Sole E35 Elliptical Review
• NordicTrack 14.9 Elliptical Review
• Sole E95 Elliptical Review
• NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer Review