An elliptical can give you an intense whole-body workout that raises your heart rate while putting minimal pressure on your joints. These fitness machines come in a variety of styles and prices, and they offer unique special features that set each elliptical apart from the next.
Here are the 10 best ellipticals of 2023. This guide can help you make an educated decision if you plan on choosing an elliptical for your home or gym.
1. Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical
Coming in at under $500 from most retailers, the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical is one of the most affordable, high-quality elliptical machines. It lacks a touchscreen and the ability to stream on-demand fitness classes, but its other features make this elliptical ideal if you like to plan your own workout regimen. The SF-E905 comes with handlebars, eight resistance levels, a pulse monitor to track your heart rate, and a digital monitor to display your progress.
2. Bowflex Max Trainer M6
The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is favored among home users who want their elliptical machines to take up the least amount of space possible. Its dimensions are 46 × 26 × 64.2 inches, and it offers a stride length of 15 inches. This elliptical by Bowflex may appeal to you if you enjoy interactive workouts, as it can stream workouts via the Bowflex JRNY app for 12 months free of charge. It also has a backlit LCD screen, USB port, media rack for your phone or tablet, and 16 resistance levels.
3. Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Machine
This elliptical machine is another space-saver for home users and costs significantly less than the space-saving Bowflex Max Trainer M6. The Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Machine has dimensions of 53.8 x 24 x 62.5 inches and offers a stride length of 18 inches. No touchscreen is available on this model, but it does connect to the Explore the World app. Special features of the 411 Compact Elliptical Machine include the ability to track your heart rate, a media rack, a water bottle holder, and 16 resistance levels.
4. ProForm Carbon E10
If you prefer workouts that are quiet and discreet, the ProForm Carbon E10 may be your best option. This elliptical machine features silent magnetic resistance that eliminates the loud friction-like noises produced by most other ellipticals. It comes with a 3-year family membership to iFit that can be displayed on its touchscreen, a 20-degree adjustable incline, and 24 resistance levels.
5. Decathlon EL520 Self-Powered Elliptical
The Decathlon EL520 Self-Powered Elliptical may be perfect for you if your goal is to reduce your carbon footprint, as it is completely self-powered and requires no electricity. As a result, it comes with no streaming capabilities, although it does have a media shelf to place your phone or tablet. Other unique features of this elliptical by Decathlon are its pedal-locking system and heart rate sensors and monitor.
6. ElliptiGO Outdoor Stand-Up Bike
This elliptical machine is one of the most unique of its kind on the market. It is not stationary and must be used outdoors. The ElliptiGO Outdoor Stand-Up Bike works similarly to a bicycle but is built to give you the same workout as a stationary indoor elliptical machine. It comes with 3 gears and the option to purchase an add-on accessory that keeps the bike in place if you decide to use it indoors.
7. Sunny Health and Fitness Air Walk Trainer Elliptical Machine
If you want a foldable machine that can be stowed away when not in use, the Sunny Health and Fitness Air Walk Trainer Elliptical Machine is an excellent option, as it can be folded to half its length. Its features include an abdominal cushion that can be adjusted for your height and a 30-inch stride capacity. One major con to this elliptical by Sunny Health and Fitness is that it has a maximum weight capacity of 200 pounds, which means its use could be limited for some in your household.
8. Sole E35 Elliptical
The Sole E35 Elliptical was specifically designed with comfort in mind, and it may be a good choice if you have a joint condition affecting your knees, ankles, and/or hips. Its pedals slope slightly inward to put less strain on all these joints. This elliptical by Sole has a stride length of 20 inches, comes with a USB port and Bluetooth speakers, and can be used with the Studio app.
9. Bowflex Max Trainer M9
This elliptical comes with 20 resistance levels to give you lots of flexibility when choosing a workout program. It comes with a 1-year membership to the JRNY app and also works with several other apps, including Netflix, Hulu, Prime, and HBO Max. Other special features that come with the Bowflex Max Trainer M9 are grip handlebars, Bluetooth connectivity, and heart rate monitors.
10. NordicTrack FS14i FreeStride Trainer
The NordicTrack FS14i FreeStride Trainer has everything you could want in an elliptical, and it is considered to be one of the highest-end machines on the market. This elliptical has a massive stride length of up to 32 inches, 26 levels of resistance, and a decline/incline option that ranges between -10% and 10%. It also comes with a cooling fan, Bluetooth speakers, cushioned pedals, a 14-inch touchscreen, and a 30-day membership to iFit.
When reviewing the above 10 best ellipticals of 2023, look for features that would enhance your workouts so you can stick with your routine and achieve your longest-held fitness goals. Your fitness trainer or physical therapist can also give you tips on choosing the best elliptical machine.