Tested and Proven: The Best Ellipticals for Home in 2024

For a great cardio workout that’s easy on the joints, the elliptical machine tops the list. Running on pavement or even the best treadmill can be painful for many people because of the force it creates on the knees and hips. Using an elliptical trainer forces the body into more of a gliding pattern as opposed to picking up the feet and putting them down on a hard surface.

Our Garage Gym Reviews team has tested more than 20 elliptical machines on the market to create a list of the best elliptical for your home gym. As certified personal trainers, endurance athletes, and fitness enthusiasts ourselves, we evaluate and rate these products based on our in-depth equipment testing methodology that includes factors such as:

• Workout performance: How does the machine feel while in use?
• Programming: Is there a variety of workouts to choose from?
• Value: Does the machine’s quality match the price?
• Durability: Is this an elliptical you can count on for years to come?

After using each machine for a number of workouts, we landed on the top ellipticals below. 

The 10 Best Elliptical Machines

• Best Elliptical Overall: NordicTrack AirGlide 14i
• Best Elliptical Machine Runner-Up: Sole E25
• Best Elliptical for Comfort: Bowflex Max Trainer M6
• Best Elliptical for Knee Pain: ProForm Hybrid Trainer
• Best Elliptical for Small Spaces: NordicTrack FS10i
• Best Elliptical for Beginners: ProForm Carbon EL
• Best Budget Elliptical: Horizon Fitness EX-59
• Best Under-Desk Elliptical: Cubii Move
• Best Elliptical Under $1,000: NiceDay Elliptical Machine
• Best Elliptical Under $500: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Machine

Best Ellipticals for Home Gym Video Review

Best Elliptical Machine Overall: NordicTrack AirGlide 14i

Good for: Those looking for personalized workout options on a commercial-grade machine

Best Overall Elliptical

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.

The AirGlide is the new kid on the block; sort of. In summer of 2023, NordicTrack released an upgrade to our previous best overall the Commercial 14.9 elliptical, which our team has used and reviewed at length. We got to test the AirGlide for several workouts, and are pleased to note that it is even better than the 14.9 in terms of features and price. First, it’s priced around $1,799 (the Commercial 14.9 was priced at $2K when it was released).

Lindsay Scheele, lead reviewer for our YouTube Channel GGR Everything, did a 25-minute “Climbing Pyramids” class using iFIT on the AirGlide 14i. She says, “This is such a solid machine, there was no shaking to it and felt super smooth throughout the workout.”

However, Lindsay does note that even at a 0 setting, the AirGlide feels like it’s set to a higher resistance than other ellipticals she has tested.

Also, we are thrilled to see that this elliptical has decline capabilities. That’s rare on ellipticals, but the AirGlide has a range of -5% decline to 15% incline. We rated this machine a perfect 5 out of 5 in five of 14 rated categories: durability, customizations, ergonomics, programming, and tech capabilities.

The iFIT programming is one of the main selling points of this elliptical. iFIT is interactive, and it plays out on a 14-inch, full-color HD touchscreen (just like it did on the Commercial 14.9). You can pick on-demand, HIIT, or live classes, or go exploring all over the world with runs through countrysides, mountains, and beaches. What I really like is the personal training aspect of iFIT, which can cater workouts to help you meet your specific fitness goals. The more we use the program (which we have used on the best NordicTrack treadmills as well), the more the program learns our fitness levels and adjusts incline and resistance accordingly.

When you buy this machine, you get an iFIT family membership free for 30 days. This means you and up to four other people can access your own profiles on the machine. After a year, if you want to keep iFIT, you’ll have to fork over about $39/month to keep that family member. Without the iFIT subscription, you can still access a few free workouts, but honestly, I would just point you to a more affordable machine at that point.

NordicTrack pretty much throws everything at you with this one: Bluetooth speakers, cooling fan, heart rate monitoring, and cushioned foot pedals. There are also fixed and moving handles; though Lindsay points out that due to where the grips are on the moving handles, there is essentially only one place to put your hands, and she would have liked more options.

RELATED: Best Elliptical Workout

One unique aspect of the 14i that you don’t find on many of the best ellipticals is the adjustable stride length. You can set the stride to either 17.8 or 18.5 inches. This is another key difference between this and the previous iteration, the Commercial 14.9, which allowed a stride length of up to 20 inches, which is more ideal for people over 6 feet tall. Another “downgrade” we found between the two machines is that the AirGlide’s weight capacity is just 300 pounds, compared to the Commercial 14.9’s 350 pounds.

We assembled the Commercial 14.9, and it took a few hours. With the AirGlide, we chose white glove assembly, but it was a bit of a disaster due to missing parts. If you put this together by yourself, keep in mind that you have to do the wiring and lift some fairly heavy pieces. Also, the AirGlide weighs more than 240 pounds and isn’t easy to move, so assemble it where you plan to keep it.

For more on this great machine, check out our full NordicTrack AirGlide 14i review.

Best Elliptical Machine Runner-Up: Sole E25

Good for: People who want a durable elliptical

Runner-Up

Sole E25

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Budget friendly and under $1,200
• Lifetime warranty on the frame
• User capacity of up to 350 pounds
• Large footprint at 71” H x 70” L x 24” W

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Under $1,200
• 20 levels of resistance
• 350-pound weight capacity
• Heart rate chest strap included
• High-quality heavy-duty steel frame

Cons

• Difficult assembly with unclear instructions
• Heavy at over 212 pounds
• 20-inch stride length does not adjust

Bottom Line

The SOLE E25 Elliptical provides effective workouts through its use of comfort and natural feel. The quiet front drive system, inward foot pedal design, and heavy duty steel frame all create a smooth, effective workout.

For around $1,200, the Sole E25 is a serious force to be reckoned with. Both myself and Lindsay Scheele, expert GGR product tester, used this machine and agree that it’s selling point is its affordable price and the fact that it’s packed with high-end features. The elliptical is constructed using durable steel and comes with cooling fans, Bluetooth speakers, 10 preset workouts and oversized foot pedals.

Not only do you get a lifetime frame warranty, but you also get three-year parts, and one-year labor warranty. Sole Fitness also offers an unbeatable return policy and money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your machine within 30 days of purchase, you can return it for a full refund. They’ll even pay for the return postage, which is virtually unheard of.

RELATED: Sole F65 Treadmill Review

The actual workout experience on the E25 is very pleasant for the price. There is slight shaking when in use, probably due to the lack of floor stabilizers, which means it got a 4.5 instead of a 5 out of 5 for durability. It definitely wasn’t a dealbreaker for me, but it is worth noting.

This is a simple monitor; since you’re not paying top-dollar, you can’t expect a fancy touchscreen. And if that’s okay with you, you’ll still get a variety of information shown on the LCD screen like time elapsed, calories burned, and pace. I usually prefer more advanced technology, but something about the simplicity and easy-to-use functionality of the E25 stood out to me.

My big callout with the E25 is the difficult assembly. When we first ordered this machine, white glove assembly wasn’t an option. Now, two years later, you can pay a whopping $350 for assembly in the room of your choice. If you have the money, I say spend it: the poorly written instructions and difficult-to-follow pictures let to a 2+ hour assembly for me (and I’ve assembled many commercial-grade treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals much quicker than that).

For more, check out my full Sole E25 review or watch Lindsay’s Sole E25 elliptical video review.

Best Elliptical for Comfort: Bowflex Max Trainer M6

Good for: Someone looking for a quality machine with guided programming

Best Elliptical for Comfort

Bowflex Max Trainer M6

GGR Score: 4.2

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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.

Ellipticals are inherently a low-impact cardio option, but the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 makes it even more low-impact with the addition of large, cushioned pedals, padded grips, and an adjustable media rack. So yeah, you’ll be sweating, but at least you’ll feel good doing it.

I had this machine in my small apartment for a full year, hopping on it about once a week for a sweat-inducing workout. Even my kids enjoyed it from time to time! We all agreed this gets a 5 out of 5 for a butt-kicking workout.

Over the years, Bowflex has put out a number of Max Trainer ellipticals, each one building on the last. Today, they have the M6, the M9 and the Max Total. The biggest difference, other than a jump in price, is that the M9 and the Total have a large, 10-inch color touchscreen, and a few additional resistance levels.

If you’re looking for a full gliding machine, this isn’t it. The entire Max Trainer line is more of a stair stepper with just a small stride. It will still make your quads burn and leave you breathless, make no mistake about that. But it won’t simulate running the way some ellipticals do.

I recommend the M6 because I like the price point at under $1,500, and you still get nearly all the benefits as the more expensive machines. You have to use your own tablet or phone to sync your workout with the JRNY app, which gives you endless options for workouts. JRNY actually customizes your workouts based on your performance, so the fitter you get, the more advanced the workouts become.

The M6 has many of the conveniences you want: water bottle holder, Bluetooth capability for a heart rate monitor, and even a USB charging port so if you use your own smart device, you don’t have to worry about it dying. From a footprint perspective, the M6 is only 46 inches long, which is nearly half the size of many other ellipticals. I had no problem moving it around my small space, thanks to the front transport wheels.

I’m disappointed that the warranty on this machine is just two years. Most machines have at least a five to 10-year warranty.

Check out the full Bowflex M6 review, or watch our video review.

Best Elliptical for Knee Pain: ProForm Hybrid Trainer

Good for: People who want a 2-in-one machine that is easy on the joints

Best for Knee Pain

ProForm Hybrid Trainer

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Easily adjusted to fit different body sizes
• 14 preset workouts
• Ability to work upper and lower body muscle groups
• Simple assembly
• Priced under $1,000

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2-in-1 low impact cardio machine
• Affordable at well under $1,000
• Adjustable screen for viewing while on the elliptical or bike
• Interactive programming with iFIT

Cons

• 15-inch elliptical stride may be uncomfortable for taller users
• Storing machine in non-climate-controlled spaces voids the warranty
• Some returns could incur a $250 fee

Bottom Line

The ProForm Hybrid Trainer XT offers up a recumbent exercise bike and elliptical in one piece of equipment.

The Proform Hybrid Trainer combines a recumbent exercise bike with an elliptical, which means your legs are in front of you. This puts less stress on your knees, reducing the impact they receive during a workout.

Both Coop Mitchell, founder of GGR, and I used this machine for a few workouts, both on the elliptical and on the recumbent bike. It got a near-perfect score of 4.8 out of 5 for ergonomics because of its large, cushioned pedals, comfortable seat, and adjustable screen the flips up or down depending on if you’re on the elliptical or on the bike.

Recumbent bikes are great for people who need an ergonomic seat and the ability to get their legs moving. They won’t give you much of a cardio workout. But, on this hybrid trainer, that’s what the elliptical is for.

The console on this machine is a very basic LCD display. And there is no media shelf where you can put a phone or a tablet to watch a show, no cooling fans, no Bluetooth speakers. However, the LCD display does rotate down for easy access when you’re biking, and up for when you’re using the elliptical.

Also, there are 14 preset workouts – 7 elliptical, 7 bike – you can access. You get a 30-day free trial of iFIT with your purchase of the Hybrid Trainer. I was able to connect my iPhone to the machine to launch iFIT, and the app automatically adjusted resistance settings during the workout.

This is still a very basic machine. The assembly gave me no issues, as ProForm has clear instructions. All in, it only took me an hour to put together this machine. Although the footprint itself is big (70.5 inches long and 24.5 inches wide), the Hybrid Trainer features transport wheels on the front that made it very easy to move.

Read the full ProForm Hybrid Trainer review.

Best Elliptical for Small Spaces: NordicTrack FS10i

Good for: People living in small spaces who want a compact elliptical

Best Elliptical for Small Spaces

NordicTrack FreeStride FS10i

GGR Score: 4.1

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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

The NordicTrack FS10i gives you all the perks of a large-sized elliptical in a much more compact design, making it a perfect option for people who live in small spaces to get compact stair steppers.

This is a center-drive elliptical, which means that the resistance mechanism is in the middle of the machine, as opposed to having the flywheel in the front or back. That means that the overall footprint of the FS10i is smaller than a traditional elliptical.

It also means, however, that the movement pattern is a little different from the traditional elliptical movement. In fact, it’s more of a 3-in-1 machine: a stair stepper, and elliptical, and a treadmill.

“I got on the machine and started using it like a traditional elliptical, which was no problem,” our product tester reports. “I then tried to do a stepping motion, which was harder than I thought it would be. It almost felt like the oversized pedals didn’t want to transition with me.”

In terms of customizations, the FS10i scores a 5 out of 5 with us, as it has up to a 10% incline as well as 24 levels of digital resistance. It is equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen that streams iFIT, should you choose to subscribe to that programming (which we love, as evidenced in our iFIT review).

RELATED: Best Compact Exercise Equipment

We ordered the FS10i with white glove assembly to see how NordicTrack handles putting a machine together for the customer. Halfway through, the build was haulted due to missing parts. The builders had no information on how to get the parts, so we reached out to NordicTrack to send them. The downside for the buyer when this happens is the white glove serves does not come back out, so we had to finish the build ourselves.

In terms of portability, you definitely can move this machine, but it’s heavy at 284 pounds. I personally lifted it to move it, and even with the wheels on it, it was a difficult job.

For more, check out our NordicTrack FS10i review.

Best Elliptical for Beginners: ProForm Carbon EL

Good for: People new to fitness looking for guided workouts

Best for Beginners

ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical

GGR Score: 3.8

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Product Highlights

• 18 levels of silent magnetic resistance 
• 0 to 20 degrees of manually adjustable incline 
• 5” high-contrast multi-color display 
• Tablet holder 
• iFIT-compatible with SmartAdjust technology 
• Steel frame 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 18 levels of silent magnetic resistance
• 0-20 degrees of incline
• SmartAdjust technology allows iFIT trainer to adjust resistance
• Free 30-day iFIT membership
• Free shipping

Cons

• Incline adjusted manually
• 275-lb user weight capacity
• Long assembly process

Bottom Line

The ProForm Carbon EL elliptical is an affordable machine with both resistance and incline abilities if you’re looking for guided workouts. If you don’t think you’ll use iFIT, there’s probably a better machine for you.

One of the hardest things about starting an exercise program is knowing where to start. If you’re new to the scene, then buying fitness equipment with built-in exercises is a must. The ProForm Carbon EL includes a free 30-day trial of iFIT programming, which is interactive, trainer-led workouts for all fitness levels. As you get more fit, the program makes adjustments to your workouts to help you progress.

Another reason this is a great machine for beginners is because it’s affordable. It is priced at under $800, which may be a little more palatable for beginners compared to high-end ellipticals. If you’re just starting out, you may not be prepared to make a sizable investment.

One feature we love about the EL is that it is an extremely quiet machine. Our testers used it for several workouts, and found that the silent magnetic resistance translated to a very quiet workout. We also rated it high — a 4 out of 5 — for customizations and ergonomics because it has an adjustable stride length to accommodate most users as well as 18 levels of resistance. You’ll also find a 20-degree adjustable ramp, adding incline to your workouts.

At 202 pounds, this is a heavy machine. We were able to move it around our space, but we still recommend assembling this wherever you’re going to use it so you don’t have to move it up or down stairs. Speaking of assembly, if you choose to do it on your own, grab a friend: There are a lot of pieces and a lot of steps, and having someone else there to help with the heavy lifting will come in handy.

Read more in our ProForm Carbon EL review.

Best Budget Elliptical: Horizon Fitness EX-59

Good for: Someone looking to get the most out of an elliptical at a reasonable price

Best Budget Elliptical

Horizon EX-59 Elliptical

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Elliptical with Bluetooth connectivity
• 18-inch stride length
• 14-pound flywheel
• 10 levels of magnetic resistance 
• 300-pound max user weight capacity 
• Has a built-in device holder and USB port 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Price
• Bluetooth connectivity
• 18-inch stride length
• Lifetime frame warranty
• 5 preset programs
• Textured foot pedals
• 10 resistance levels
• Bluetooth speakers

Cons

• Lighter flywheel
• User weight capacity is on the lighter side
• No touchscreen display
• 10-inch step-up is high
• No incline options
• No flywheel warranty

Bottom Line

The Horizon EX-59 is a budget-friendly elliptical with an 18-inch stride length and five preset programs to choose from. What it lacks in tech capabilities (mostly just the Bluetooth speakers) it makes up for in stability. This elliptical has a locked-down feel for a budget price-point.

Horizon Fitness does a great job of giving you a lot of features at an affordable price. I see this, especially in their treadmills and their ellipticals. We used to have the brand’s 7.0 AE in this spot, but it was discontinued in the summer of 2023. Fortunately, we have also used and tested the EX-59, and at around $600, this was a shoe-in for our favorite budget elliptical.

Lindsay Scheele, lead reviewer for GGR Everything, used the EX-59 and rated it a 4 out of 5 for overall value because she says it’s at a good price for what it offers.

So, what does it offer?

Lindsay rated this machine a 4 or higher in several categories, including conveniences. The EX-59 comes with three water bottle holders, a large shelf to place your smart device, a USB charging port, built-in speakers, and an audio jack for headphones. She also gave this machine a 4 out of 5 for ergonomics, because you’ll find fixed and moving handlebars as well as large foot pedals.

When it comes to her actual workout, Lindsay gives the EX-59 a 3 out of 5. “It is a very basic machine with basic programming,” she says. It’s true: You won’t find interactive workouts streaming from a fancy touchscreen on this machine. Instead, there are four programs: calories, weight loss, distance, intervals.

If you’re shopping for a budget elliptical, you can expect some budget aspects. On this machine, it’s the display. This is a very basic console, but it gives you everything you need in terms of tracking your metrics.

Lindsay says that this machine is easy to move around. It weighs 145 pounds, considerably less than higher-end ellipticals. “One person can easily move it,” she says.

Horizon claims it takes 30 minutes or less to assemble the EX-59. For more, read our in-depth Horizon EX-59 elliptical review.

Best Under-Desk Elliptical: Cubii Move

Good for: People who want to pedal while they work

Best Under-Desk Elliptical

Cubii Move

GGR Score: 3.79

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Product Highlights

• Lightweight and portable
• Tracks stride count, mileage, duration, and calories burned
• Great for under-desk use
• 6 levels of resistance

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight
• Great for under-desk pedaling
• 6 levels of resistance
• Tracks stride count, mileage, duration, and calories burned

Cons

• Does not provide a full-body workout
• May wobble on carpet
• No handle
• Manual resistance only

Bottom Line

The Cubii move is a lightweight, portable exercise machine that allows you to seamlessly pedal while seated.

Before you go any further, let me warn you: The Cubii Move isn’t your traditional elliptical. It’s more of a small pedaler you can keep under your desk, allowing you to move throughout the day.

We have used and reviewed the Cubii JR, which is no longer in production and has been replaced by a line that includes the Move, the the Go, and the Total Body+. We chose the Move for the best under-desk elliptical because it’s the most affordable on the list, and it offers much of what the rest of the line does (though the Total Body+ has handles if you want a full-body workout, but most of us need our hands to type, which is why we don’t necessarily think that’s the best for under-desk movement).

RELATED: Cubii JR Review

In our experience with the Cubii JR, which is almost identical to the Move, is great for just about anyone. Our product tester, Caroline Lubinsky, says she likes to use it throughout her workday. “My grandfather routinely uses his Cubii while sitting in his easy chair and can use it without fear of falling,” she says.

It features eight levels of resistance, which you control by turning a knob. The display is very simple, tracking your workout time, stride count, mileage, and calories burned.

We rated the Cubii JR highest for assembly (as there is basically none) and gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 for portability, because it weighs less than 20 pounds.

You can download the Cubii app to track your progress over time, though you have to manually enter your workout information because there is no Bluetooth connectivity on this machine.

Best Elliptical Under $1,000: NiceDay Elliptical Machine

Good for: People who want a lot of conveniences for less than $1,000

Best Elliptical Under $1,000

Niceday Elliptical Machine

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Product Highlights

• Designed with 90% pre-assembled pieces makes installation simple
• 16-lb flywheel offers 16 levels of smooth resistance with a high gear ratio
• Extra-thick steel frame is exceptionally sturdy and able to hold weights up to 400 pounds
• Fits individuals 4’9” inches to 6’2”
• Minimal noise emission measuring only 20dB

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Simple assembly
• 16 levels of resistance
• No electrical source required
• Stable
• High user weight capacity

Cons

• Short stride of 15.5 inches
• Circular stride versus oval may feel awkward
• Basic display reportedly breaks easily

Bottom Line

With eight levels of magnetic resistance, a sturdy frame, and 400-pound user weight capacity, the Niceday Elliptical Trainer may be a good choice for those needing higher weight limits.

Since this machine costs under $600, I wasn’t expecting much from it but I was quickly surprised by how good it felt during my testing period. I did a 15-minute interval workout, rotating through all the resistance settings, pedaling forward, and pedaling backward.

My verdict: This is a machine that is largely just okay, but it’s excellent if you want a basic and very quiet elliptical.

For one, it’s made with steel instead of plastic (which is what you see on most budget cardio equipment), which not only makes it more stable than other budget ellipticals but more durable as well. It also has a fantastic weight capacity at 400 pounds. However, I only gave it a 3.5 out of 5 for durability because there is quite a bit of shifting side to side while you exercise.

It also comes with magnetic resistance instead of friction resistance, which, again, you’ll often see on budget equipment in an attempt to cut down costs. The steel construction and magnetic resistance mean you’ll be able to keep this machine in your home gym much longer, giving you much more bang for your buck.

But is it worth buying in the first place? Honestly, if you just need an elliptical and aren’t looking for anything fancy then we’d say yes. Yeah, you’ll only get a basic LCD display, won’t have any water bottle holder, and the flywheel is only 16 pounds, but there’s also a lot to like about this machine.

This machine doesn’t require any electricity and has 16 resistance levels. There are ellipticals that cost twice as much as this one that don’t have half of those features. In other words, it’s not one of the best ellipticals but as I like to say it will get the job done (and then some).

I should note that it is a little shaky during use, but nothing that’s going to make you feel unsafe.

Check out the full NiceDay Elliptical Machine review for more information.

Best Elliptical Under $500: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Machine

Good for: People on a budget who don’t want a machine that feels cheap

Best Elliptical Under $500

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Just 105 pounds and easy to move
• Supports up to 330 pounds
• Fixed and moving handles for upper body workout
• 24 built-in workouts

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy-to-follow built-in workouts
• Under $600
• Machine is smooth and doesn’t shake
• 16 levels of resistance

Cons

• Warranty is below the industry standard
• Unclear assembly instructions
• Short stride length of just 15.5 inches

Bottom Line

Pack a cardio workout in the comfort of your home with the SF-E3912 Pre-Programmed Elliptical Trainer by Sunny Health & Fitness. Stride 15.

It can be hard to find good budget fitness equipment that still is of great quality. I have been on cheap cardio machines, and it’s awful. They don’t feel sturdy and they break down easily.

The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Machine surprised me with how smooth the workout was. It’s a rear-drive elliptical, which means the wheel is in the back of the machine as opposed to the front. Rear-drive machines tend to have a more natural feel than front-drive machines, but most people barely notice a difference.

Of all the best ellipticals on the market in this price range, I like this one the most because it has 24 built-in workouts, which is a lot for a machine that doesn’t have an accompanying app. Also, it’s lightweight at 105 pounds but still has a weight capacity of 330 pounds.

However, this is a motorized elliptical, as opposed to having a flywheel. The issue here is that a motor may be more susceptible to breakdown or require more maintenance. But, you get what you pay for.

I put this machine together myself, and the instructions weren’t the greatest, which is why it got a 3.8 out of 5 on our assembly rating. This is one of those companies that tries to put three assembly steps into one, so you really have to pay attention to the drawings to make sure you go in order. It took me a little over an hour to do on my own. Doable, but again, not the easiest process.

RELATED: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Machine review.

Other Elliptical Machines That We Tested and Researched

There are quite a number of elliptical machines on the market today, but not all are worthy of being named one of the best ellipticals. Here are a few others we have tested or researched.

Stamina Inmotion Elliptical: If you’re one of those people who are looking for the best ellipticals that can be used under a desk, my choice goes to this one. I haven’t tried it out for myself yet, but at $150 and more than 500 5-star Amazon reviews, it seems like a good option. I just wouldn’t stand up on it as you can see a woman doing in one of the photos.

Sole E35: This is the souped-up version of the Sole E25, and it’s a fine machine but it costs $600 more than its sibling. Is it worth it? Really, only if you’re a bigger person who needs an elliptical with a large weight capacity (the E35 can hold up to 375 pounds, compared to the E25’s 350). It also has a slightly larger screen and an additional two years on the warranty.

Bowflex Max Trainer M9: The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 comes with more tech capabilities and resistance levels than the M6, but it’s also nearly $2,000. We think most home gym owners will be fine with the M6.

Horizon EX-59: At under $500, this looks like an incredible value: A nice screen, Bluetooth speakers, water bottle holder, and 10 levels of magnetic resistance. It does have only a one-year warranty plan.

How We Picked and Tested The Best Elliptical Machines

The GGR fitness equipment testing methodology was developed by our team along with a group of fellow home gym owners who happen to be certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, weightlifting instructors, and professional triathletes. Here are the major factors we took into consideration when testing and picking the best elliptical machines.

What to Consider When Buying an Elliptical Machine

There are countless ellipticals on the market that could be great for your home workout routine. However, an elliptical is really only good if you’re actually going to use it.

Make sure you spend your money wisely by considering the following:

Best Ellipticals FAQs

Anthony O'Reilly, CPT, CNC

Anthony O'Reilly is a NASM-certified nutrition coach and personal trainer whose work has been featured in Muscle & Fitness and BarBend, and previously was an award-winning reporter and photographer for newspapers on Long Island and Queens, NY. After spending most of his life overweight, he dropped 80 pounds and took control of his health and fitness. Outside of work, he still enjoys Little Debbie cakes but offsets them with rigorous hikes and workouts. He's an avid Manchester United supporter, through thick and thin.

Further reading

Lalo Tactical Bloodbird In-Depth Review

by Cooper Mitchell

Lalo is a company making shoes for Special Ops Members that also work for the general population. The Lalo Bloodbird shoes work great for general training and although unique, are a quality shoe. Read more

Titan Fitness Releases 9-Gauge X-2 Power Rack

by Cooper Mitchell

Titan Fitness has taken one of their best-selling squat racks, the Titan T-2 and increased the thickness of the steel to 9 gauge and added features we've been asking for since the beginning. This is Titan Fitness' best squat rack yet! Read more

Get A Leg Up In The Fitness Industry with an NSCA Certification (2024)

by Lauren Strong, CPT

For a great cardio workout that’s easy on the joints, the elliptical machine tops the list. Running on pavement or even the best treadmill can be painful for many people because of the force it creates on the knees and hips. Using an elliptical trainer forces the body into more of a gliding pattern as opposed to picking up the feet and putting them down on a hard surface.Our Garage Gym Reviews team has tested more than 20 elliptical machines on the market to create a list of the best elliptical for your home gym.  » Read more about: Tested and Proven: The Best Ellipticals for Home in 2024  » Read more

9 Best Online Personal Trainers (2024): Tested by Experts

by Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L1

Looking for some guidance in your fitness app? Check out our picks for the best online personal trainers on the market. Read more