Best Elliptical Machine Reviews 2023

We all want to have that great-looking body and feel healthy and strong. To achieve this, we have to make time to do some exercise, either at the gym or at home. With the many elliptical models on the market, it's difficult to find one that will give you value for your money. We have made a comprehensive list of five of the best elliptical machine brands and selected a unique product from each. If you want an outdoor elliptical machine, we have a review for that as well!
Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Step Weight
Programming
Stride Length
Size
Resistance
Our Top Choice

Sole E35 Elliptical Machine

Sole offers reliable and durable fitness equipment engineered to provide superior quality and performance. This is one of the reasons it is widely acclaimed all over the country.
Heart rate monitor. 20 to 22-inch stride. Power incline. Adjustable foot pedal. Great warranty. Built-in speakers.
If you’re tall, you might need a high ceiling.
375 pounds
10 Programs
22 inches
27 by 58 by 83 inches/ 215 lbs
ECB
Best Value

Gazelle Edge Elliptical Machine

For many years, Gazelle has been creating exercise equipment that is trusted to strengthen your body and burn some fat without risking injury, and all the while having fun.
Steel construction. Foam handlebars. Works both upper and lower body. Reduces risks of injury. Lightweight and collapsible.
It is not upgradable. You have to buy another if you need more resistance.
250 pounds
Not Programmable
Free
43 x 28 x 53.8 inches/ 42 lbs
No Resistance

Octane Fitness ZR7 Elliptical

Octane Fitness is a renowned brand in the fitness industry because it manufactures effective exercise machines with zero impact on the joints and muscles to avoid injuries.
Functions as a stair climber, elliptical and treadmill. Zero-impact design. Simulates real-life jogging. Constructed with quality materials.
Quite expensive, but offers value for your money.
300 pounds
36 Programs
58 inches
63 x 38 x 59 inches/ 195 lbs
No Resistance

Schwinn® 430 Elliptical Machine

Schwinn is all about creating durable, reliable products for use in the home by the casual user and fitness enthusiast alike. Its line of ellipticals is extensive, to say the least!
Two user profiles. Dual display. Full-body workout. Built-in speakers. USB port. Ergonomic handlebars.
Does not include a chest strap.
300 pounds
22 Programs
20 inches
70 x 28 x 71 inches/ 182 lbs
20 Levels

Stamina® Inmotion® E1000 Compact Strider

Founded in 1987, Stamina consistently produces effective exercise equipment which helps beginners and advanced members of the ‘fitfam.’
Compact and lightweight. Non-slip pedals. Effective for cardio. Easy to use.
No screen to monitor vital feedback.
250 pounds
Not Programmable
No Stride
24 x 20 x 12 inches/ 24 lbs
No Resistance

(Updated )
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How Do I Choose the Best Elliptical Machine?

You may not achieve much toward fitness without the right training gear and knowledge. Joining a fitness group might be a good idea, but you need to commit yourself, which most of us are unable to do. You can train at your own convenience with the right equipment, such as an elliptical machine, in the comfort of your home. You only need a small space, since it’s not that big. By the way, there are also ellipticals designed for outside use, and we have a separate review for those if that's what you are looking for.



Talking about ellipticals for outside, there is one product that we’d like to give an honorable mention. The ElliptiGO 8C is a perfect blend of elliptical and bicycle. It rides just like any other bicycle but pedals like an elliptical. One word for it is ingenious!



Since it's designed to train your whole body, an elliptical machine will help you tone and shape your muscles while you lose weight. You might want to consider one with a cup holder, so you can sip from your water bottle as you burn the fat.



Elliptical machines come in different sizes. You will often find the compact machines that are not much more than pedals, but they will surely serve their purpose by giving you a good workout. The other product we want to give an honorable mention to is the Cubii Jr: Desk Elliptical, which is so compact and lightweight that it can easily be carried around. It also has eight resistance levels so you can adjust the intensity of your workout.



The best ellipticals are easy to use and ergonomic, but it is important that you also have the right footwear when using the machine. Running shoes would be the best option. And yes, you can use these pairs in your daily jogs as well. It’s time to take action and lose weight with this efficient and effective machine.
Price
Having the gym experience in the comfort of your home motivates you to follow your training schedule. Sometimes you just don't have time to go to the gym with your busy schedule, and when you find the time, the gym is packed, making it difficult to use your preferred machines.



Having an elliptical machine at home is ideal for exercising all parts of your body. The moving footplates mimic a running motion, with the moving handles enabling you to train your arms. Advanced elliptical machines with added features can cost well over $2000. You can also find some elliptical machines for less than $500 with some of the same features as the high-end machines, but without the little extras that can be quite necessary to achieve your long-term goals. Machines on the high end of the price spectrum also have sturdier and heavier frames and come in larger sizes. But avoid the cheap elliptical machines, which are the exact opposite.
Features
Living a healthy lifestyle involves body, mind, and spirit. You do not have to do a lot or spend a lot of time in the gym unless you are a bodybuilder. With a quality elliptical, you can have a proper full-body cardio workout. It’s important that you check the size of the foot pedals, the hand grips and the level of resistance, as these are vital aspects of any of these machines.



Here are some other features you should examine:

  • Step Weight - Ensure that you check the maximum weight the machine can hold.
  • Stride Length - This is the distance the steps move forward or backward. Checking this is important to ensure that you place your machine where there is enough space, especially if it’s next to a wall.
  • Stability - The machine's movement should be stable. Since you will be moving from side to side in a running motion, a stable machine prevents you from toppling over.
  • Resistance - Elliptical machines come with a range of resistance so you can work your muscles harder. It’s important that you test this feature at the store and make sure the controls are working properly.
  • Display - This is the screen that shows you the progress of your exercise. It should be clear, with good background lighting.
  • Built-in Fan - Some machines come with this feature that helps you keep cool as you are exercising.
  • Heart Rate Chest Strap - This helps keep track of your heart rate as you exercise.
  • Extras - There are other features present in selected machines, such as media trays, USB connectivity, built-in speakers, quiet drive systems and water bottle holders, among others.
Construction and Design
Elliptical machines come in sizes from small to large, with different designs. You may want to consider the overall frame of the elliptical. If you are a heavy adult, consider a large and sturdy frame that can support your weight. Some have a bottle holder placed strategically on the front of the machine, where you can keep your water bottle while training. Foot pedals come in different sizes. Some come with cushions, while some come without. They help keep you from slipping off the machine while training.



Check the handles for training the upper body. You will find some that move in an alternate direction to the foot pedals, while others are stationary. Some handles have molded hand grips. If you get one without them, you can get some training gloves to grasp the handles.



Elliptical machines come with a screen and a control panel placed at the front. The control panel has its controls strategically placed so you can reach them while training.
Performance and Ease of Use
When examining the performance of the elliptical machine, consider the movement of the foot plates and the handles, and the incline range, in addition to other features. To get the most out of this machine, driving it faster isn’t always better. It comes with a resistance feature that you can adjust on the control panel. You can adjust the incline or resistance to your liking, or change the movement to make the exercises more difficult, thus working your muscles better.



Some advanced elliptical machines have extra features such as chest straps that keep track of your heart rate. If you want to listen to some music while training, you may want to consider a machine with USB connectivity and built-in speakers. The built-in fan in some machines cools you off when you are training.

What is the Best Elliptical Machine?

Now you know about elliptical machines and what you want from an ideal choice. It is time to read our review of individual brands and products to find the best elliptical machine for your particular needs.
Our Top Choice
If you need an exercise machine that offers adjustability, durability, and performance, go for the Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical, which also affords you the luxury of music. If you’d like to get a rower from this brand, try out the Sole SR500 Rower, which simulates an eddy current with a magnetic air-resistant system.

Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine With Heart Rate Monitor – Available With or Without Expert Assembly

Solé Elliptical Machine E35-2013 – Without Expert Assembly


Features
Sole manufactures fitness equipment that is engineered for performance. The machines are made with durable materials and are designed to be rugged enough to handle rigorous routines. Its exercise equipment such as exercise bikes, treadmills, and ellipticals are widely used in hotels and gyms nationwide for their style and strength. It is one of the fastest-growing exercise brands in the US and Canada. It has a widespread distribution system and a strong commitment to customer support and aftersales services.



The Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical comes armed with specs normally found on machines at double the cost, like cushioned and adjustable foot pedals, a vibrant 7.5-inch LCD display, and a strong frame that provides a smooth and efficient workout. So, even if you, the user, crack under the pressure, this elliptical won’t. In addition to challenging workout programs, the E35 also has speakers so you can connect your music sources to it and ‘jam’ while you work out. The following are some other great features of this awesome elliptical:

  • 25-pound flywheel weight with high gear ratio
  • Two custom programs
  • Stationary handle bars with built-in pulse sensors
  • Two heart rate programs and six standard programs
  • Fully adjustable ramp angle for variable workout
  • Built-in cooling fan
  • Water bottle holder
  • 20-inch maximum stride length
  • Heart rate chest strap
  • Lifetime warranty on the frame
  • Five-year warranty on electronics and parts
  • Two-year warranty on labor costs
Best Value
If you’re new to exercising and you need a low-impact, yet effective way to exercise, go for the Gazelle Edge Elliptical Machine. It is made of steel and has padded handlebars. If you’d like a similar machine with a higher capacity, go for the Gazelle Freestyle Step Machine, which also provides a low-impact workout and dual-action split suspension.

Gazelle Edge Elliptical Machine With Foam Handlebars

Gazelle Elliptical Machine 1285


Features
Gazelle is a trusted brand in the fitness industry for its innovatively designed elliptical machines. The simple mechanics it adopts make its machines easy to use without any complications. Its machines are so effective they are endorsed by the famous American personal trainer Tony Little. This is proof of the benefits you will get from its exercise machines that help you strengthen your body and shed some weight.



The Gazelle Edge is a great entry-level elliptical machine that offers low-impact workout routines to help you raise your cardiovascular endurance, tone your muscles, and burn those calories. Constructed of steel, it is firm and stable on the ground with its wide base and non-skid platform. Its high-density foam handlebars give you a comfortable and firm grip.



It has a small screen that displays feedback on distance, time, calories burnt, and speed. This machine simultaneously works both the upper and lower body. Regardless of your fitness level, this machine will give you some great workout benefits without the risk of injury. It offers a wide range of motion with its gliding technique, which is why this machine is ideal for entry-level exercises, as it puts no strain on your joints and muscles.



This low-maintenance elliptical machine is collapsible, as it can easily fold flat so you don’t need a lot of space to store it when not in use. The machine has a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds, even though it is relatively lightweight at 45 pounds. It comes with a total-body workout DVD and nutritional guide. It also has a 12-month manufacturer warranty, which is Gazelle’s proof of confidence in its product.
Simulate walking with short strides, or take full advantage of the Octane Fitness ZR7’s design and increase speed to replicate an all-out running motion with its 58-inch stride. If you’d like a more recent version, go for the Octane Fitness ZR8 Zero Runner, which has a heavy-duty frame, aircraft-grade aluminum legs, lightweight pedals, and more.

Octane Fitness ZR7 Zero Runner With Zero-Impact Design – Available With or Without Expert Assembly

Octane Fitness Elliptical Machine 107300-500 – Add Assembly


Features
Octane Fitness was founded in 2001 by two veterans in the fitness industry who decided to revolutionize fitness exercise with innovative and high-performance exercise equipment. Since inception, it has been creating effective exercise machines with a particular focus on non-impact training. This is so users can achieve the maximum benefit of their workout routines without having to endure wear and tear on their joints and muscles. This approach has distinguished the company from the rest and helped its products bag many awards. This is why we are featuring one of its elite elliptical machines.



As one of the few fitness equipment manufacturers in the world completely focused on generating zero-impact cardio machines, Octane Fitness stands at the head of the pack when it comes to experience with ellipticals. If you’re looking for a real running experience without the wear and tear on your joints, look no further than the Octane Fitness ZR7 Zero Runner. It is pure ingenuity when it comes to ergonomic elliptical machines. Here are some other features of the acclaimed ZR7:

  • Whether it’s walking, jogging, or an all-out sprint, the ZR7’s unique design gives you the same motions without slapping your feet on the ground.
  • Like to keep track of your goals and see your progress? No problem. The ZR7 is compatible with the SmartLink app to customize training regimens based on your specific goals and uses Bluetooth 4.0 for mobile connectivity.
  • Stride like a gazelle with its 58-inch maximum stride. That way, you can practice like a pro athlete does and burn off those calories.
  • Track your heart rate and other workout data with the heads-up display.
  • Don’t like tripping after you cross the finish line? The ZR7 is completely cordless, not because it runs on battery, but because it is self-powered, which saves you money on energy bills.
  • Runs multiple programs, such as tone-up programs, endurance programs, and more, so you can choose the one that suits your particular needs.
  • The ZR7 operates smoothly and is quiet so the whole neighborhood will not be alerted whenever you use your elliptical machine.
  • This machine also has the unique cross circuit program that combines cardio and strength training into a single workout, which gives you faster results and better conditioning.
  • It has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds.
  • This awesome machine has a lifetime warranty on the frame, five years on parts, and one year on labor. How’s that for confidence on the manufacturer’s part?
This ZR7 is part of a line of elite elliptical machines, which includes the more recent ZR8 and similar ZR7000 and ZR8000. You might want to check them out also to see which suits your needs the best.
If you want the feeling of having a personal trainer, then go for the Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine, which gives you a full-body and aerobic workout to burn calories. If you’d like a less expensive model with the same great value, go for the Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine, which has 29 programs and 4 user settings and is available in 2 styles.

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine With 2 User Profiles Dual Display And Built-In Speakers

Schwinn Elliptical Machine 100326


Features
Schwinn has been producing fitness products for a long time and continues to stand out for its ingenuity in creating new ways to help you in your workout. Being well-known for its lines of cardio machines, you can be certain that Schwinn will be able to offer the ideal elliptical for you. Even with all the quality and performance that comes with its products, it still manages to offer them at reasonable prices.



The Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine offers high-end features without the high-end price. It gives you a full-body and aerobic workout without the accompanying strain on your joints and muscles so you don’t feel sore after workouts, rather energized. Here are some more features of the Schwinn 430:

  • 22 Programs – It has 9 profiles, 8 heart rate controls (for beginners and advanced), fitness tests, and other additional features.
  • Schwinn DualTrack – It has a two-LCD window system that lets you monitor up to 13 different exercise feedback aspects.
  • Schwinn Connect – It has a USB data transfer functionality that lets you monitor time, distance, and calories goals on the Schwinn website and is also compatible with MyFitnessPal.
  • Sealed acoustic speakers for music while you work out
  • 20 levels of eddy current resistance
  • USB port to charge your phone or upload data
  • Ergonomic moving and static handlebars
  • Large foot plates for convenience
  • 10 keys to control resistance
  • Can handle 2 user profiles.
  • 300 pounds of maximum user weight
  • Ten-year warranty on the frame, two for mechanical failures, one for any electrical problems, and 90 days for labor
If you are short on space to fit the full-blown elliptical machine, try out the Stamina InMotion Elliptical Trainer, which is compact and still helps you burn unwanted calories. If you’d like a different design with the same value, try out the Stamina InMotion Compact Strider, which has adjustable tension and a monitor to track distance.

Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer With Non-Slip Pedals – Available In 3 Colors

Stamina Elliptical Machine 55-1610 – Black


Features
Stamina as a company was founded in 1987, and since then, it has been manufacturing high-quality and top performance products that have, over the years, made it a top brand in the fitness industry. Stamina has partnered with many other brands and professionals in the fitness industry to create many products such as Body by Jake, BodyShaping, Tony Little, Brenda DyGraf, Gold’s Gym, Joyus, etc. Successful products and partnerships like these are what makes Stamina a highly respected brand that all fitness junkies have come to love.



Are you having a problem with going to the gym because of time (or you’re just being lazy), and you don’t have enough space or budget to accommodate exercise equipment in your home? Not to worry, we’ll solve that problem. We present to you the Stamina InMotion Elliptical Trainer. A compact and affordable elliptical machine that lets you work out almost anywhere and helps you burn calories and tone your muscles.



The InMotion E1000, as small as it is, helps you achieve great cardio results and reach your weight loss goals. You must have noticed how crowded the elliptical machines at the gym are. The reason is that elliptical exercises tone your back, legs, thighs, and buttocks while increasing your stamina. Its advantage over jogging is its low impact on your joints and muscles. That way, you don’t feel so sore after routines – soreness really decreases your motivation!



This strider is lightweight enough to be carried wherever you want so you don’t skip your routines. It is fitted with non-slip pedals that secure your feet in place. This compact trainer can be used both at home and in the office, basically anywhere you need to use it. This is a great advantage over the bigger ones, considering that you get similar results and you won’t pay nearly as much.

Get the Best Elliptical Machine of 2023!

Now it’s time to hit the ground running and shape up your body. With the five top-rated products we have selected for you, we hope that you have already found one that will get you going. If you haven’t, these brands have more options that you can choose from. We are committed to ensuring that you get the right machine!

Our Top Choice

Sole E35 Elliptical Machine

Best Value

Gazelle Edge Elliptical Machine

Octane Fitness ZR7 Elliptical

Schwinn® 430 Elliptical Machine

Stamina® Inmotion® E1000 Compact Strider