The 9 Best Elliptical Machines for Home of 2024, Tested

We Also Tested These Elliptical Machines

In addition to the nine products that made our list, we tested ten others that didn’t make the cut. These three had some noteworthy features, but ultimately lacked key elements that we look for when selecting our favorite ellipticals.

• Horizon Fitness’s EX-59 Elliptical provided a good HIIT workout, but we didn’t like that our iPad kept sliding in its holder and that the machine didn’t have a monitor or speakers. 
• Sunny Health & Fitness’s Performance Interactive Series Elliptical was left off our list because we found it more unstable than other options—it wobbled during testing. 
• Merach’s E17 Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine can provide a good workout, but it’s overall too wobbly to make the cut as a top pick. It also squeaks when we ride it.

What We’ve Updated

Since publishing this article last, we’ve tested several new models and updated our recommendations to include ellipticals that outperformed our previous picks. We’ve also further researched key features essential for anyone in the market for an elliptical, including stride length, workout programs, and overall stability. To enhance the accuracy of our content, we interviewed two additional certified personal trainers, ensuring that all claims about the benefits of using an elliptical and what to consider when choosing a quality machine are thoroughly supported.

What to Look for When Shopping for an Elliptical Machine

• Resistance Levels: Most elliptical machines are equipped with adjustable resistance levels, which allow you to increase or decrease the tension of your stride. Higher-end ellipticals typically offer a wider range of resistance levels, which allows you to engage in endurance, high-intensity, or more advanced training exercises.
• Stride Length: Stride length is the distance between the two pedals of the elliptical when in motion. A longer stride length (typically 18 to 22 inches) can accommodate taller people. Conversely, shorter stride lengths are more suited for shorter people and can engage the quads more.
• Workout Programs: Most ellipticals come with built-in workout programs that you can follow on the elliptical’s display. Barebones options typically only offer timed workouts pre-set to specific resistance and incline levels. Higher-end ellipticals, on the other hand, often offer instructor-led classes. To access these classes, you typically need to download an app and pay for an additional subscription. 
• Stability: It’s very important to find an elliptical machine that’s stable when you ride it. A machine that wobbles when you’re pushing yourself during a workout can be distracting and unsafe. While you might be tempted to save on a cheap elliptical, these machines are often not as sturdy or well-built and may make your workout less effective and enjoyable. You’ll typically find that investing in a well-built elliptical that costs more upfront is worth it for a smoother ride.

How We Tested the Elliptical Machines

In our search for the best ellipticals, 12 testers ranging from beginner to advanced tested 19 options from reputable and well-known brands at home. These ellipticals were tested at home for a total of 110 hours. When testing, we evaluated each elliptical based on the following key criteria.

• Setup: When setting up and assembling each elliptical, we note how easy the process is and how long it takes us. We evaluate the quality of the manufacturer’s setup directions and how easy they are to follow. We also note whether the elliptical has any features like wheels or foldability that make it easier to move and store when not in use.
• Fluid Motion: While riding each elliptical, we note whether each stride feels fluid and smooth or jerky and wobbly. We ride the elliptical at different resistance and incline levels to determine whether the fluidity of the machine changes from a low-intensity workout to when we’re really pushing ourselves. 
• Performance: To determine a performance score for each elliptical, we paid attention to how we felt after each workout. Did the elliptical offer enough resistance and incline range to give us a good workout based on our current fitness level? Was our workout interrupted or made less effective by a wobbly or noisy machine, or did the machine give us a smooth, enjoyable ride? 
• Adjustability: An elliptical receives a high adjustability score if it includes many resistance level options and some incline or decline options. We also note how easy it is to switch between levels using the machine’s controls and whether the machine transitions fluidly or feels jerky.
• Features: To evaluate each elliptical’s features, we note whether it has a good display or monitor that lets us stream workouts or see our stats clearly. We also note whether the machine has a built-in heart rate sensor, Bluetooth compatibility, and an emergency stop button for safety. We note whether it has water bottle and tablet holders and whether the handlebars feel comfortable and the pedals feel spacious.
• Value: We wait to look at each elliptical’s price until after we’ve evaluated it for all other key features. Based on a median price of $499, we determine whether we think the elliptical is worth its price based on its quality. We give an elliptical a high value score if we’d gladly pay what it’s priced at or even more based on its quality. We also note whether we’d recommend it to a friend and how regularly we’d use it.

Our Experts

We spoke to three certified personal trainers for expert insight into what makes a quality elliptical and advice on what to look for in a quality machine. 

• Salsabila Aboulalazm, CPT, NASM certified personal trainer, freelance trainer, and trainer at Iron Culture in North Bergen, New Jersey
• Ramy Mohamed, CPT, NASM-certified personal trainer at Iron Culture in North Bergen, New Jersey
• Nicole Thompson, CPT, ACE-certified personal trainer, medical exercise specialist, group fitness instructor, and health coach

Frequently Asked Questions 

Should I get an elliptical or a treadmill?

Ellipticals and treadmills are both good options for cardio workouts. Mohamed recommends ellipticals for anyone with sensitive joints or prior knee injuries since they offer a lower-impact workout. Aboulalazm also recommends ellipticals for people recovering from an injury and older individuals. 

Is an elliptical good for cardio? 

Yes, using an elliptical properly and regularly can help improve your cardio capacity and stamina. Thompson says that since the elliptical uses large muscle groups that require increased blood flow and oxygen, using an elliptical for 20 or more consecutive minutes can be considered an effective cardio workout for many individuals. 

What muscles does the elliptical work?

When used properly, the elliptical targets the major muscle groups of the legs, including the glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves. And if you use the handlebars when riding an elliptical, it also works upper body muscles, including your biceps, triceps, chest, and back.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Jack Byram is a freelance writer contributing to Verywell Fit since 2022. He covers all things wellness and health, ranging from exercise to sleep. As an avid gym fanatic, Jack is always trying out new equipment and techniques to maximize his exercise and recovery. He has used numerous ellipticals in the past and appreciates it as a less taxing form of cardio on the joints.