After Years of Testing, These Are the 6 Best Commercial Ellipticals (2024)

There’s a reason that almost all of the ellipticals are occupied anytime you are in the gym: They are low-impact cardio machines that are effective in helping people meet their fitness goals. Do a quick search and you’ll find all kinds of ellipticals on the market: compact ellipticals, hybrid ellipticals, and budget-friendly machines. 

If you plan to put an elliptical through tough workout after tough workout, and you want a machine to last you a long time, it would be wise to consider a commercial elliptical. They are built to accommodate multiple users throughout the day and offer top-notch conveniences. We’ve personally tested and used the best commercial ellipticals on the market to give you our top choices.

Our testers have trained on dozens of elliptical cross trainers from high-end brands to budget-friendly machines on Amazon. Our team includes certified personal trainers, athletic coaches, and gym fanatics who know what makes a great commercial elliptical stand out from a just-okay one.

• Durability: What material is it made of and will it last for many years?
• Programming: Can it connect to fitness apps and/or does it have pre-programmed workouts
• Stride length: Can it be used by short and tall people?
• Noise: Is it quiet while in use?
• Performance: How does the machine feel while you’re training?

6 Best Commercial Ellipticals

• Best Overall Commercial Elliptical: NordicTrack AirGlide 14i
• Best Budget Commercial Elliptical: Horizon 7.0 AE
• Best Commercial Elliptical Hybrid: NordicTrack FreeStride FS10i
• Best Commercial Elliptical for Bad Knees: Sole E35
• Best Commercial Elliptical for HIIT Training: Bowflex Max Trainer M6

Best Overall Commercial Elliptical: NordicTrack AirGlide 14i

Good for: People who want a huge video library of workouts prepared by elite trainers while using a high-quality commercial elliptical

Best Overall

NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical

GGR Score: 4.38

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Product Highlights

• Elliptical machine with incline and decline settings
• 14” touchscreen display
• iFIT interactive programming
• Adjustable stride length
• Built-in fan and speakers

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Automatic trainer control with iFIT
• 30-day iFIT trial included
• Large, cushioned pedals
• Bluetooth speakers
• Quiet drive system

Cons

• Expensive price tag
• iFIT trial requires your credit card
• iFIT requires monthly membership fees

Bottom Line

The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical offers both incline and decline training, an adjustable stride length, and a 14-inch touchscreen display for iFIT interactive programming. You’ll enjoy the AirGlide if you want to break a sweat with expert instruction and motivation from iFIT trainers and coaches.

In the summer of 2023, the NordicTrack Commercial 14.9, our previous top pick here, got a makeover: a new sleek style, decline training capabilities, and even a new name: the AirGlide 14i. However, there are many features that stayed the same, which is why this is still our pick for the best overall commercial elliptical. 

We have used both the 14.9 and the AirGlide for multiple workouts, rating both perfect 5-out-of-5 scores in areas like technology, workout experience, ergonomics, and durability.

The machine’s standout feature is iFIT, which is a streaming workout service that the AirGlide displays on a 14-inch high-definition touchscreen. Elite fitness trainers take you through elliptical workouts as well as yoga, strength training, and total-body options you can do off-machine. With your purchase of the AirGlide, you get a 30-day free trial of iFIT. After that, a family membership is $39 a month.

Lindsay Scheele, who is our lead reviewer on our YouTube channel, Garage Gym Reviews Everything, particularly like iFIT’s auto-adjust features in which the machine’s incline and resistance automatically change as the workout progresses—no button-pushing needed! Most impressive is that this elliptical has a -5% to 15% decline to incline range. That’s the kind of workout customization we love to see on a commercial elliptical. In fact, this is the only elliptical we have ever used that has decline capabilities.

Beyond the interactive programming, the AirGlide is packed with ergonomic extras: an adjustable stride that moves between 17.5 and 18.7 inches, a cooling fan, cushioned pedals, and levelers you can adjust if your flooring isn’t perfectly flat.

Let’s talk price: This elliptical clocks in at around $1,800, which is definitely on the high-end side. However, the cost includes free basic delivery (you’ll have to pay extra for assembly, which we recommend because our product testers found the process to be very involved). Also, this machine weighs more than 240 pounds, and it isn’t easy to move around, so build it where you plan on using it.

Lindsay also points out that while the incline settings are changing, the machine is actually a little loud. “You can hear the motor over the music,” she points out.

For more, check out our NordicTrack AirGlide 14i review.

Best Budget Commercial Elliptical: Horizon 7.0 AE

Good for: A powerful commercial elliptical for those who don’t want to break the bank 

Best Budget Commercial Elliptical

Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical

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Product Highlights

• Sturdy, even on carpet
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Incline training
• 20 levels of magnetic resistance
• Lifetime warranty
• 325-lb weight capacity

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Priced under $1,000 and comes with a free workout app
• Conveniences like Bluetooth speakers, heart rate monitoring and rapid-charge USB
• Lifetime warranty
• 20-inch stride length accommodated users 5’3” to 6’5”
• Weight capacity to 325 pounds

Cons

• Small, 7-inch LCD display
• Must “bring your own” technology to use app
• Weighs almost 200 pounds

Bottom Line

The Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical is a very sturdy elliptical with a great warranty.

If you’re on a budget, the Horizon Fitness 7.0 AE is an elliptical under $1,000 that doesn’t sacrifice much in the way of features. Our testers loved this machine because it has a high-end feel thanks to a 20-inch stride length and one-touch controls to move among 20 levels of resistance and 20 incline levels. 

While there is no fancy touchscreen to stream workouts, the 7.0 AE can connect via Bluetooth to Horizon’s free workout app that will control your resistance and incline automatically. The app will also send your data to certain fitness apps to track your progress. The elliptical’s basic 7-inch LCD shows all the metrics you need, like time, distance, and speed. There is also a media shelf to hold your smart device if you prefer to stream a show while you sweat or use other fitness apps like Zwift.

Our team is impressed with all the other “extras” that come with this machine: a cooling fan, Bluetooth speakers, USB charging port for your smart device, eight preset workouts, and a water bottle holder.

Horizon backs up the 7.0 AE with a lifetime warranty on the frame and brake, but just a one-year warranty on the flywheel. Just like other commercial-grade ellipticals, this machine has a large footprint and weighs close to 200 pounds. It isn’t easy to move or put together, so we recommend taking advantage of the brand’s professional assembly.

For more, read our Horizon 7.0 AE review.

Best Commercial Elliptical Hybrid: NordicTrack FreeStride FS10i

Good for: A person who wants both stepper and elliptical options for their cardio workouts

Best Commercial Elliptical Hybrid

NordicTrack FreeStride FS10i

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Product Highlights

• Low-impact and delivers high-intensity workouts
• Combination of a stepper, elliptical, and treadmill.
• 375-pound weight capacity
• 32-inch auto-adjustable stride
• Up to 10% incline

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Low-impact
• 3-in-1 unit: stepper, elliptical and treadmill
• Long auto-adjustable stride
• iFIT compatibility
• Good warranty
• High weight capacity
• Auto-incline
• 56 on-board workouts
• Incline options

Cons

• 20-pound flywheel is not enough for more advanced cardio-lovers
• Adjustable stride is a bit tricky to do mid-workout
• Small screen

Bottom Line

The NordicTrack FS10i is a solid, versatile trainer with a strong, connected training package via iFIT. Anyone looking for a quality but low-impact workout would benefit from this machine

When a machine allows you to do more than just one exercise, your home gym suddenly has much more to offer. The NordicTrack FreeStride FS10i does just that: It’s a three-in-one machine that serves as an elliptical, stepper, or treadmill.

The NordicTrack FS10i is priced around $2,000—, which is expensive but is a great deal for getting three cardio machines in one. All you have to do is change the direction of your steps to engage different muscles or change the endurance exercise. Our product testers found the “treadmill” use was fun but didn’t exactly feel like running because your feet don’t leave the pedals.

Your purchase includes a free month of iFIT if you are interested in streaming workouts. After that, an individual iFIT monthly membership is $15. If you don’t want to use iFIT, there are eight elliptical and eight bike workouts built into the machine. Plus, it has 16 resistance levels, so you will have options on how difficult you want the workout to be. 

Another big advantage is the 32-inch auto-adjustable stride. This not only allows for the “treadmill” function but also gives taller users plenty of room to step when using it as an elliptical. There are 24 levels of super-quiet magnetic resistance. We love a quiet elliptical.

To learn more, head over to our NordicTrack FS10i review.

Best Commercial Elliptical for Bad Knees: Sole E35

Good for: People who could use extra low-impact features such as adjustable pedals to save their joints.

Best Commercial Elliptical for Bad Knees

Sole E35 Elliptical

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Product Highlights

• 7.5" display console
• 25-lb flywheel for a smooth ride
• Variable incline adjustable from 0 to 20 
• Bluetooth audio speakers
• Heart rate monitoring-enabled
• Integrated tablet holder
• Sloped pedals for less stress on the knees and ankles

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 25-lb flywheel
• Lifetime warranty on frame
• 7.5” LCD screen
• Has built-in speakers
• 10 built-in workout programs

Cons

• Expensive
• Weighs 231 lbs
• Assembly has been described as difficult by buyers
• Large footprint
• High step-up height

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a sturdy elliptical with connectivity and some additional conveniences, like a tablet holder and built-in workout programs, consider the Sole E35.

The Sole E35 is a solidly built elliptical trainer that should be very stable with a 25-pound flywheel located at the front of the machine. While we didn’t get to test the E35, we have plenty of experience with the base model of Sole’s elliptical line, the E25. 

What we love most about this machine: It’s great for people with bad knees or joint issues. Not only are the pedals cushioned, but Sole actually worked with a physical therapist to engineer a 2-degree inward slope in order to take unnecessary stress off the joints. Additionally, the pedals adjust! You can move them to a position that feels the most natural for your stride. Lastly, the E35 has an impressive 20-inch stride length that accommodates users of all heights.

The basic 7.5-inch LCD display is a bit of a letdown with the price of this machine. However, the E35 does have a USB port, tablet holder, and Bluetooth speakers so you can use your own device to stream workouts or shows. Thanks to the simple setup (which we also saw on the E25), getting started on your workout takes just a couple of button pushes.

As of this writing, the E35 is listed at $1,699 and includes free shipping. It is a large piece of fitness equipment that weighs 231 pounds, and with the size of the elliptical, you will want to find the perfect spot in your home for it and leave it there. It is not an easy one to move! 

To learn more, read our in-depth Sole E35 review.

Best Commercial Elliptical for HIIT Training: Bowflex Max Trainer M6

Good for: Individuals who are in need of a compact elliptical that can deliver results in perhaps a shorter amount of time. 

Best Commercial Elliptical for HIIT

Bowflex Max Trainer M6

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Product Highlights

• Gets harder as you get stronger
• Stair-stepping design targets muscle development
• Compatible with JRNY app
• Ideal for HIIT workouts

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Stair-stepping design targets muscle development
• Compatible with JRNY
• Ideal for HIIT workouts

Cons

• No interactive touchscreen
• Pretty basic display
• Expensive

Bottom Line

The Bowflex M6 provides a heart-pumping, low-impact workout that resembles stair-stepping.

The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is not like an ordinary commercial-grade elliptical. It is sort of a crossbreed between an elliptical and a stair stepper. If you’ve ever been on a stair climber, you know the burn! Our testers found heart-pumping, sweat-inducing workouts on the M6, whose selling point is a one-click button that will take you straight into a MAX 14-minute high-intensity interval training session. 

This stair-stepper-like design is why the M6 is also an incredibly compact machine. Whereas most commercial ellipticals are up to 7 feet in length, this is less than 4 feet long. That’s great news for people living in small spaces.

It is nice that Bowflex is currently offering a free year-long membership to the JRNY workout app that provides trainer-led videos. You’ll have to sync JRNY to the machine through your own smart device, as the M6 only has a basic LCD screen. At the price of $1,499, we expected something a little more advanced.

For more on this product, read our Bowflex Max Trainer M6 review.

Other Commercial Ellipticals We Have Tested

Sole E25: The Sole E25 is an elliptical that we love, it just falls a little short of having the high-end features you would expect to find on this list (but does have a lower price tag). 

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic: The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Trainer is a great budget elliptical but too basic to make this list, as it doesn’t bring commercial-grade durability to the table.

NiceDay Elliptical Machine: With a super short stride length and basic screen, we felt this elliptical was better suited for our budget pick roundup.

RELATED: Best Black Friday Elliptical Deals

How We Picked and Tested Ellipticals

We want to help you find the best suitable elliptical that will be perfect for you. Here is how we evaluate these machines: 

• Price: Does the price match the value of the machine? 
• Stability: If the elliptical you are using shakes enough back and forth to simulate an earthquake, then something needs to be done. 
• Technology: What tech features does it have? Is there a touchscreen? Does it connect to apps you might want to use? 
• Resistance and Incline Levels: Does the machine give you options for your workout with resistance and incline? 
• Stride Length: Can the length accommodate most users?
• Warranty: Does the brand stand by its machine with a good warranty?
• Reviews: We spend plenty of time reading reviews on the machines we test to determine how other people have rated them.

Benefits of Ellipticals

Ellipticals are great pieces of exercise equipment for your home gym for a number of reasons: 

• Easy on the joints with for low-impact workouts and movement
• Can provide a total-body workout through moving handlebars, moving pedals, and forcing core stability 
• Burns calories
• Exercise improves mood and provides energy

Read our full guide to elliptical benefits for more info.

What to Look for in a Commercial Elliptical for Home Use

A commercial elliptical is one that features high-quality construction coupled with some technological features you might not find on more budget-friendly machines. Here are a few things to look at when buying an elliptical:

Durability

Commercial ellipticals are so-named because there is an expectation that they could live in a commercial gym. Therefore, these should be highly durable machines able to take multiple users throughout the day.

There are several ways to evaluate an elliptical’s durability. First, check out its weight capacity. A commercial-grade machine should support 250 pounds at minimum. Secondly, check out the flywheel. The weight of the flywheel adds to the elliptical’s stability. The heavier the flywheel, the better. Generally, on a commercial machine, we like to see flywheels of 20 pounds or more.

Size

Commercial ellipticals are typically big. They have large footprints to accommodate a longer stride and the machinery used to create inclines. Make sure you have the space to house one of these cardio machines before purchasing.

Technology

If you’re investing four figures or more in an elliptical, you should expect some degree of technology benefits. Most commercial-grade machines come with Bluetooth connectivity to speakers and a larger monitor with more advanced metrics than their budget counterparts. However, once the price gets to be around $1,500, you should expect additional features, like streaming workouts and high-definition touchscreens. 

Workout Programming

Whether it’s through the machine or via an accompanying app, there should be some kind of preset or included workouts on the elliptical. High-end ellipticals work with programs like iFIT, which has the ability to actually make incline and resistance adjustments during your workout. Ellipticals at an affordable price may simply have built-in workouts for targets like “calorie burn,” “fat burn,” and “interval training.”

A good elliptical should provide a full-body workout that can be tailored to your fitness level. Moving handles target upper body muscle groups, and fixed handles help those who need a little help with balance. As you make progress, change resistance and incline to get a more challenging lower body workout.

Ergonomics

Check the machine’s ability to accommodate your specific comfort level. Padded pedals, grips on the handlebars, and an adjustable stride length are all features you’ll find on the best commercial ellipticals. 

Conveniences

If you’re used to some of the conveniences of an elliptical at a fitness center, you’ll be pleased to know that commercial ellipticals typically come with many of the same benefits. Run a full evaluation of the machine you’re considering to look for the following:

• Water bottle holder
• Media shelf/tablet holder
• Accessory tray
• Cooling fan
• USB charging port

FAQs About Commercial Ellipticals

Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1

Kate has nearly two decades of experience working in both the fitness and content industries. On the fitness side, she has worked in a number of settings: youth athletics, owned a CrossFit affiliate, personal training, weightlifting coach, CrossFit coach, and fitness floor consultant at a YMCA. Personally, Kate enjoys competing in weightlifting and stores her barbell in her bedroom.On the content side, Kate’s background is in newspaper journalism. She branched into public relations for the American Red Cross for about five years and then moving into content marketing.Today, her work at Garage Gym Reviews blends her excitement for fitness and love of writing. If she isn’t reviewing fitness equipment, you can find her working out or spending time with her two children.Certifications:NASM Certified Personal Trainer CrossFit Level 1 Trainer USA Weightlifting Level 1 Trainer

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