Elliptical Buying Guide (2026): How to Find Your Perfect Match

While some people question whether low-impact cardio delivers the same heart-health and calorie-burning benefits as high-intensity workouts, the best ellipticals can actually engage more muscle groups than a treadmill or exercise bike. In fact, one comparative study¹ found that elliptical training and treadmill workouts produce similar energy expenditure and oxygen consumption, with elliptical training even leading to a higher heart rate in some cases.

So, if you’re ready to step up your cardio game, investing in one of these joint-friendly machines can be a fantastic option. However, before you buy one, you need to consider factors such as your available space, fitness goals, and budget.

That’s exactly why our team of expert product testers developed an in-depth elliptical testing methodology to evaluate the top options on the market. To help you find the right fit (and avoid making an expensive mistake), our squad put together this handy elliptical buying guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be armed with the knowledge you need to make your purchase with complete confidence and zero regrets.

Types of Ellipticals

There are three main styles of ellipticals, and the difference lies in where the flywheel is located. You can choose from a front-, center-, or rear-drive machine. Essentially, they all function in the same way and can yield similar results, but the workout experience will feel slightly different for each type of elliptical. 

Here’s a quick rundown of each:

• Front-drive elliptical: Because the flywheel is located at the front of the machine, your body may shift slightly forward during use. This can create a motion that feels similar to a stair climber machine. The stride may feel a bit less natural, but a front-drive elliptical typically engages your quads more heavily.
• Rear-drive elliptical: With the flywheel at the back, this machine can provide a smoother motion that feels more akin to walking. However, rear-drive ellipticals are often larger and more expensive than front-drive models.
• Center-drive elliptical: The flywheel is positioned between the pedals, resulting in a more upright posture and a more balanced feel. Although these are less common in home gyms, they can offer a compact footprint and efficient motion plane.

Which Elliptical Is Right For You?

Still weighing your options? This comparison chart breaks down key factors to consider when deciding which type of elliptical to buy.

RELATED: How Much Does an Elliptical Cost?

Elliptical Specs to Look Out For

From the programming options to the flywheel weight to the type of display, there are several features you should focus on when assessing an elliptical machine. Let’s take a closer look at which specs should be on your radar.

Programming Options

It’s understandable if you are drawn to purchasing a cross-trainer for the ability to stream subscription-based programming. Interactive programming can help keep your cardiovascular routine from getting stale, and instructor-led workouts can serve as good reminders to assist with maintaining good technique. 

Interactive programming typically comes with a monthly subscription fee, with options ranging from as low as $10 to more than $40 per month. 

Some NordicTrack and ProForm cardio machines have built-in touchscreens for using iFIT, where you can choose from a vast selection of pre-programmed workouts led by a variety of instructors that are filmed in locations around the world. 

JRNY is another dynamic programming option offered through Bowflex. It offers workouts for a variety of cardio equipment. 

Elliptical trainers like the Bowflex M6, Horizon EX-59, and the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912 Magnetic Elliptical come with preset workouts hardwired into the machine, meaning there are no subscription-based fees to access available modules. These machines generally have less than a dozen different preset workouts, giving you some variety but certainly nothing compared to online programming. 

It’s also worth noting that many ellipticals have a media shelf where you can set your own tablet or smartphone and choose the fitness streaming service of your choice (or watch your favorite show during a long bout of steady-state cardio).  

RELATED:  HIIT Elliptical Workouts

Resistance Levels

For home elliptical machines, there are two common types of resistance options offered: air resistance and magnetic resistance. 

Air resistance in an elliptical will typically equate to a lower-cost machine, because it doesn’t provide adjustable resistance and functions more like an air bike; the faster you pedal, the more the resistance increases. As the fan intakes more air, the fan blades have increased resistance to push against. 

It’s also uncommon for budget elliptical machines to have an adjustable incline—a feature that can change the resistance in a different way than the flywheel. Adjusting the incline can target your hamstrings and glutes to a greater degree, mimicking an uphill climb.

RELATED: Best Elliptical With Incline

Magnetic resistance elliptical machines range from budget-friendly to high-end and commercial-grade. The difference in the price will vary depending on the way the resistance is adjusted: manually, motorized, or electromagnetically. 

Manual adjustments on an elliptical are similar to a manual studio cycling bike with a resistance knob. Motorized systems work with just a press of a button on your elliptical console, which communicates with a small motor to adjust a magnet toward or away from the flywheel. 

Electromagnetic resistance, also known as eddy current brakes, works without a motor using a high-tech (and fancy) aluminum disk that spins between two magnetic fields. While this type of system is pretty much silent, even during vigorous activity, these machines are mostly seen in high-end or commercial facilities.

Flywheel

The flywheel is a revolving mechanical disk that allows you to smoothly transition through speed ranges and increases the stability of the machine by storing unused rotational energy (so you don’t speed up and have the elliptical thrashing around). The flywheel not only controls how much resistance can be applied to your workout, but it’s also the drive system that allows the pedals and arms to move. 

GGR founder Coop Mitchell suggests looking for a 20-pound flywheel or heavier if you want a machine that is built for long-term use. Budget-friendly options often have flywheels in the teens, while top-dollar elliptical machines often have flywheels weighing 30 pounds or more. 

Display

When it comes to the display, you’ll almost always get more bells and whistles with a higher price tag. The elliptical trainers that come with interactive programming normally sport nice HD touchscreen displays. Lower-end models, on the other hand, will have LCD screens that offer basic stats. 

Regardless of what you’re spending, here are a few key things you’ll want displayed to get the most out of your workouts:

• Calories burned
• Distance
• Heart rate
• Speed
• Time

RELATED: Best Heart Rate Monitors

Extra Features

It’s nice to own a machine you don’t hate using. Little conveniences like a water bottle holder and a shelf for your tablet or smartphone can go a long way if you aren’t already keen on vigorous cardiovascular workouts.

Take, for example, the Exerpeutic Elliptical and Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer; these two bare-bones ellipticals can give you a great workout, but don’t offer any frills—not even cup holders. 

The budget-friendly price of a bare-bones machine won’t likely be worthwhile if you want extras like Bluetooth connectivity, heart rate monitoring, adjustable stride lengths, multiple resistance levels, or adjustable incline options. 

Safety Features

It’s worth mentioning that ellipticals, unlike treadmills, don’t have panic buttons or emergency stop tether cords. Although they are both large pieces of fitness equipment, the continuous belt on a treadmill is inherently riskier in terms of in-workout safety. 

Staying safe on an elliptical comes down to stepping on and off the machine with awareness. Start and end your workouts with warm-ups and cool-downs—not just for your body but also to make it easier to get off the exercise machine. 

RELATED: Cool Down Exercises

Budget and Value Considerations

No matter your budget, you should always ask, “Am I getting good bang for my buck?”

When shopping for an elliptical, keep these considerations in mind to maximize value and minimize your chances of making an investment you’ll later regret.

Price Tag

Prices can vary significantly when it comes to the brand you pick and the individual elliptical model. The most budget-friendly options typically start at a few hundred dollars, and prices can soar up to over $2,000 for a commercial-grade, luxury cardio machine. There are several options in the middle, as well, with prices ranging from $800 to $1,300. 

The team of product testers at Garage Gym Reviews has tried many ellipticals and other cardio machines, and the theme remains: You get what you pay for. It’s not to say you have to pay top dollar to own an elliptical, but you will likely be more satisfied—now and in the long run—if you buy the best piece of equipment you can afford, compared to going with a cheaper cardio machine that doesn’t add value to your workouts year after year.

RELATED: Best Elliptical Under $500

Warranty

In general, a higher-quality product grants a longer warranty. That’s not always the case, though. A valuable elliptical warranty should run between 10 to 15 years on the frame. Some companies offer a lifetime warranty on the frame, and most offer limited warranties for parts and labor. 

For example, the Horizon EX-59 comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and the brakes, while the Sole E25 comes with a lifetime frame warranty, a three-year warranty for the parts, and a one-year warranty for labor. 

Be advised, though, that some companies void the warranty if you store your equipment in a garage or another area that isn’t climate-controlled. For example, NordicTrack will revoke the 10-year frame, two-year parts, one-year labor warranty on the NordicTrack SE9i if it lives in your garage. This is usually due to the sensitivity of tech components like touchscreens and speakers. 

Delivery and Assembly

Prepare for a big box! Due to the size and value of the fitness equipment, you might need to be present to receive this type of delivery. This is dependent on the company and the specific machine you’re ordering.

When it comes to assembly, ellipticals have multiple moving parts and some are even motorized, which can require more steps and patience during assembly. Some companies offer professional delivery and assembly services (usually for an extra fee, of course). If this service is available, it can be worth the few hundred extra dollars to save yourself a headache. 

Return Policy

In addition to gathering information on warranties, it’s in your best interest to read over any available return policies. Most machines have a 30-day return policy, but with such a large piece of equipment, said returns can get challenging. 

For example, you might need to hold onto the original box and packaging to accommodate the return shipping. It’s also common for companies to charge shipping and handling fees to return an elliptical. In some cases, packages can weigh several hundred pounds, so the cost can rise quickly.  

Space, Size, and Setup

Do you have a large garage gym with plenty of room for more equipment? Or, rather, are you working within some tight confines? From the machine’s footprint to the space you have available, read on for more guidance on choosing the right fit.

Size

The size of your home gym significantly influences what you’re able to bring into the space. It’s important to consider how much free space you currently have for a cardio machine like an elliptical. 

Some ellipticals have a somewhat compact footprint, such as the Bowflex Max Trainer M6, while others, like the Horizon EX-59 Elliptical, are rather large. The EX-59 is 74 inches long, which is over 6 feet; for reference, the average running deck length of a treadmill is about 60 inches. 

Although folding ellipticals are not as common, the 80-inch-long NordicTrack SE9i folds in half and allows you to store it vertically when not in use. With an option like this, you will need to consider your upright storage options (specifically, your ceiling height), seeing as it will sit 80 inches tall in the stored position. 

We encourage you to actually measure your space with a tape measure, and preferably more than once. Eyeballing your home gym space means you’re more subject to the hassle of returns (and potentially on the hook for restocking fees). 

RELATED: Best Compact Ellipticals

Stride Length

Have you ever been on an exercise bike that is too short and feels like you’re pedaling with your knees up around your chest? When you can’t pedal through a full range of motion, it can feel awkward and a lot less powerful than it should.  

Although an elliptical functions differently than a stationary bike, you will still need to consider the stride length of the machine, so you can fully extend through the knees and hips to allow for a natural stroke. 

The industry standard for elliptical stride length falls between 16 and 20 inches. According to Coop Mitchell, GGR founder, a 20-inch stride can accommodate individuals from 5 feet, 3 inches to 6 feet, 5 inches. 

Shorter individuals can make do with stride lengths of 16 to 18 inches, while taller individuals over 6 feet will often need to opt for at least 20 inches. Although rare, some ellipticals, like the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, feature an adjustable stride length.

Weight Limit

Take into consideration the elliptical’s weight capacity—if you are at the top end of the limit, you’re headed for unstable and shaky conditions. A rugged machine, although cumbersome during the initial setup, can lend to a more stable stride and make the machine feel grounded in use. 

RELATED: 7 Elliptical Hacks

Where to Buy an Elliptical

Buying an elliptical comes down to where you shop and what you value most in the process. Purchasing directly from brand websites can ensure accurate product information, easier warranty activations, and access to customer support. However, you’ll often pay full price, and may deal with slower shipping.

Meanwhile, third-party retailers like Amazon can offer faster delivery times, competitive pricing, and a wide range of user reviews. The downside, though, is that it can be difficult to verify the product quality or get brand-specific support. In-store shopping gives you the obvious advantage of seeing and testing machines yourself, allowing you to get an accurate assessment rather than relying on secondhand information. Plus, you can speak directly with staff if you have questions.

If you’re looking to keep more money in your pocket, used ellipticals from places like Play It Again Sports, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp can be significantly cheaper, too. That said, there are trade-offs to consider, such as limited availability, inconsistent quality, and little to no warranty protection. Regardless of where you buy, it’s important to consider factors like delivery logistics, assembly needs, available space, warranty coverage, and tech features before making a purchase.

Ultimately, there’s no single “best” place to buy. Your decision should align with your budget, training needs, and comfort level with buying used versus new gear.

Elliptical Buying Guide: Final Thoughts

You may feel overwhelmed with options because there is a lot of information to consider before you buy an elliptical. The best elliptical for you, though, is the one that includes the features you deem important and works well within your budget (whether that means purchasing upfront or exploring available financing options).  

Elliptical Buying Guide: FAQs

References

1. Brown GA, Cook CM, Krueger RD, Heelan KA. Comparison of energy expenditure on a treadmill vs. an elliptical device at a self-selected exercise intensity. J Strength Cond Res. 2010 Jun;24(6):1643-9. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181cb2854. PMID: 20453685.