Creating the perfect home gym requires equipment that delivers results without compromising on space or comfort. An elliptical trainer stands out as a premier choice for achieving a low-impact, full-body cardiovascular workout. It’s gentle on the joints while effectively burning calories and building endurance.
With so many models available, selecting the right one for your needs and space can be a challenge. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best elliptical training machines, from compact under-desk options to feature-rich full-size trainers, helping you find your ideal fitness partner.
Our Top Elliptical Machine Picks
- YOSUDA Elliptical Exercise Machine, 3-in-1
- UMAY Elliptical Machine for Home
- HARISON Elliptical Machine for Home 350 LBS Capacity
- MERACH Elliptical Machine, Self-Powered with Hyper-Quiet Magnetic Drive
- Sunny Health & Fitness Essential Smart 2-in-1 Cross Trainer
- Power Cord for ProForm Elliptical Smart Strider
- ICON Health & Fitness Left Leg for NordicTrack Freestrider FS7i
- E35 Elliptical Gym Equipment for Home and Studio
- Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical Peddler
- Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine
YOSUDA Elliptical Exercise Machine, 3-in-1
Maximize your workout variety with the YOSUDA 3-in-1 machine. This innovative piece of equipment combines the motions of an elliptical, a cardio climber, and a stair stepper into one compact unit. The 45° incline setting intensifies your session, targeting different muscle groups for a comprehensive calorie-burning and cardiorespiratory workout.
Built with a 15mm thickened frame tube and heavy-duty stabilizers, this machine offers outstanding stability for users up to 300 lbs. The 18 lb flywheel and 16 levels of magnetic resistance provide a smooth, quiet ride that can be customized from gentle gliding to a challenging climb, making it easier to break a sweat than on traditional ellipticals.
UMAY Elliptical Machine for Home
For those who value peace and quiet, the UMAY Elliptical Machine is an excellent choice. Its ultra-quiet magnetic drive system ensures your early morning or late-night workouts won’t disturb others in your home. This allows you to focus entirely on your fitness goals without any distracting noise.
This machine is designed for user comfort and accessibility. It features an optimal 15.5-inch stride length that mimics your natural gait for a low-impact, joint-friendly workout. With eight levels of resistance, it accommodates everyone from beginners to advanced users, while the textured, anti-slip pedals provide secure footing throughout your exercise session.
HARISON Elliptical Machine for Home 350 LBS Capacity
The HARISON Elliptical prioritizes user safety and convenience. It features oversized, anti-slip textured pedals that enhance grip and stability during your workout. A digital monitor conveniently tracks time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse, giving you a clear overview of your progress with every session.
This model is remarkably easy to set up and move, arriving 90% pre-assembled for a setup time of under 30 minutes. Built-in transport wheels add to its maneuverability. With a robust 70-pound mainframe supporting users up to 350 lbs and accommodating heights from 5’1″ to 6’7″, it’s a durable and user-friendly option for the whole family.
MERACH Elliptical Machine, Self-Powered with Hyper-Quiet Magnetic Drive
The MERACH Elliptical offers a smart, connected fitness experience. It provides a low-impact, full-body workout that effectively tones legs, glutes, arms, and core while being exceptionally gentle on the knees. This makes it suitable for all fitness levels and ideal for injury recovery.
Standout features include a generous 19-inch stride that comfortably accommodates users up to 6’5″ tall. Through the MERACH App, you receive personalized fitness plans, and it is also compatible with the KINOMAP app for a vast library of workout choices. The advanced steel bearings ensure a smooth, commercial-grade operation right in your home.
Sunny Health & Fitness Essential Smart 2-in-1 Cross Trainer
Experience ultimate workout versatility with this 2-in-1 trainer from Sunny Health & Fitness. It seamlessly transforms from an elliptical into a stationary bike, providing two distinct cardio workouts in one compact machine. This allows you to diversify your routine and target different muscle groups as needed.
You get a full-body, low-impact exercise that delivers the benefits of running without stressing your knees. By connecting to the SunnyFit App, you can sync with your fitness goals, track progress, and personalize workouts. Gain access to over a thousand workouts and tens of thousands of global routes to keep your routine fresh and engaging.
Power Cord for ProForm Elliptical Smart Strider
This product is a dedicated replacement power cord designed for a wide range of ProForm elliptical trainers and other cardio equipment. If your machine has lost power or you need a spare cable, this is an essential accessory to get your home gym back in operation.
It is compatible with numerous ProForm models, including the Smart Strider 390, 395, 475, and 510 E, among many others. It also works with various ProForm treadmills, stationary bikes, and recumbent bikes. Always confirm your specific model number against the compatibility list before purchasing to ensure a perfect fit.
ICON Health & Fitness Left Leg for NordicTrack Freestrider FS7i
This is a specific replacement part (Part #384513) for the NordicTrack Freestrider FS7i Elliptical. It is intended for users who need to repair their existing machine, ensuring it continues to function smoothly and safely.
When ordering replacement parts for exercise equipment, it is crucial to locate your model name and serial number to verify compatibility. This part is a genuine component designed to restore the performance and integrity of your NordicTrack elliptical.
E35 Elliptical Gym Equipment for Home and Studio
The E35 Elliptical is a premium, studio-quality machine built for a serious home fitness experience. It features a space-saving design that fits seamlessly into your home environment without sacrificing performance. The machine includes a power incline with 20 levels for added resistance and variety in your workouts.
A major highlight is the integrated 10-inch touchscreen that provides seamless access to the free Sole+ app. This integration offers hundreds of guided fitness classes to keep you motivated. The stable design, with four rear wheels on sturdy rails, minimizes side-to-side motion for a secure and comfortable feel during use.
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical Peddler
Stay active even while you work with this compact under-desk elliptical. It provides a low-impact workout perfect for burning calories and toning leg muscles without putting strain on your joints. Its slim profile allows it to tuck easily under most desks.
Featuring a belt drive mechanism with magnetic resistance, this mini elliptical ensures a quiet, smooth, and virtually maintenance-free operation. The innovative pedal motion trajectory prevents knee contact, allowing for comfortable movement while you sit, making it simple to integrate exercise into your daily routine at home or in the office.
Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine
The Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine is a well-regarded model known for its robust build quality and extensive features. Schwinn has a long-standing reputation for producing reliable and effective fitness equipment, making this a trusted choice for many home gym enthusiasts.
It typically includes a variety of workout programs, multiple resistance levels, and connectivity options to enhance your training experience. While specific features can be confirmed on the product page, the Schwinn 470 is consistently praised for delivering a smooth, quiet, and challenging workout that stands the test of time.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Elliptical Training Machine for Your Home Gym
So, you’ve decided it’s time to add an elliptical trainer to your home gym. That’s a great move for a low-impact, full-body workout. But walking into a store or browsing online can feel overwhelming with all the choices. I’ve been there, and I can tell you that focusing on a few key features makes the decision much easier.
First, think about the stride length. This is a big one. If the stride is too short, you’ll feel cramped and won’t get a good range of motion. If it’s too long, it can be uncomfortable on your joints. For most people, a stride length between 18 and 22 inches is the sweet spot. It accommodates a wide range of heights and feels natural. If you’re on the taller side, you’ll definitely want to look for a machine at the upper end of that range or even beyond.
Next up is the drive system and resistance. You’ll mainly see front-drive, rear-drive, and center-drive ellipticals. Front-drive models are often more compact and budget-friendly, but they can have a less fluid motion. Rear-drive ellipticals typically offer a smoother stride that feels more like running. Center-drive models, often found on ellipticals without arms, position the pedals closer together for a different feel. For resistance, magnetic systems are quiet and require less maintenance than older systems, which is perfect for a home environment where noise might be a concern.
Don’t forget about the console and programs. A basic console that tracks time, distance, speed, and calories is standard. But if you get bored easily, look for machines with built-in workout programs that automatically change the resistance to keep things interesting. Many modern machines also have connectivity for apps, which can simulate outdoor trails or connect you with a virtual trainer. This can be a real game-changer for motivation.
Finally, consider the build quality and footprint. Check the user weight capacity; a higher capacity usually indicates a more robust frame. Measure your space carefully, including ceiling height, and look for features like transport wheels that make moving the machine for storage a simple task. Reading reviews from other home users can give you honest feedback on durability and customer service. By thinking about your space, your budget, and how you like to work out, you can find one of the best elliptical training machines for home gyms that fits your life perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I use my elliptical trainer to see results?
For general health and fitness, I aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio per week. That breaks down to about 30 minutes on your elliptical, five days a week. If you’re focusing on weight loss, you might want to increase that to 45-60 minutes, 4-5 times a week. The key is consistency. Listen to your body and mix in some strength training and rest days for a balanced routine. Even 15-20 minutes a day is better than nothing and can help build a solid habit.
Is an elliptical better for my knees than a treadmill?
In my experience, yes, generally it is. The elliptical provides a low-impact workout, meaning your feet never leave the pedals. There’s no jarring impact on your knees, ankles, or hips like there can be with each step on a treadmill. This makes it an excellent option if you have joint issues, are recovering from an injury, or are carrying extra weight. It’s a fantastic way to get a strong cardio workout without putting stress on your joints.
What is the difference between a regular elliptical and a cross-trainer?
This is a common point of confusion. Typically, the terms are used interchangeably. However, sometimes “cross-trainer” specifically refers to an elliptical that also has moving arm handles. This allows you to work your upper body—your chest, back, and arms—simultaneously with your lower body, giving you a true full-body workout. A machine labeled just as an “elliptical” might have fixed arms or no arms at all, focusing the workout primarily on your legs and glutes. When you’re shopping for one of the best elliptical training machines for home gyms, check if the arms are movable if a full-body session is what you’re after.
Can I build muscle using an elliptical?
While the elliptical is primarily a cardiovascular machine, you can definitely use it to tone and strengthen your leg muscles, glutes, and even your core. To focus on muscle building, try using a higher resistance level. Instead of going for speed, concentrate on pushing and pulling through the stride with controlled power. Some models even offer an incline or ramp feature, which can target your glutes and hamstrings more directly, similar to climbing hills. For significant muscle mass building, you’ll still need to incorporate weight training, but the elliptical is a great tool for muscular endurance and toning.
How important is the flywheel weight?
Flywheel weight contributes significantly to how smooth the elliptical feels. A heavier flywheel, often 18 pounds or more, creates more momentum. This results in a smoother, more natural circular motion that feels less jerky. Lighter flywheels can sometimes feel a bit choppy, especially at lower speeds. For a comfortable, gym-quality feel at home, I recommend looking for a machine with a heavier flywheel. It makes a noticeable difference in the quality of your workout.
Do I need an elliptical with a power incline?
A power incline is a nice feature, but it’s not a necessity for everyone. The main benefit is that it adds variety to your workouts and increases the intensity by simulating uphill climbing. This can target different muscle groups, like your glutes and hamstrings, and help you avoid fitness plateaus. If you’re on a tight budget, you can find many excellent machines without it. But if you want to maximize your workout variety and challenge your body in new ways, an incline is a valuable addition.