In recent years ellipticals have taken the fitness industry by storm, rapidly becoming one of the most popular tools for cardiovascular conditioning. Taking into account the full-body nature of the exercise, combined with the absence of impact on the user’s joints; it is no surprise that ellipticals have experienced this surge in popularity.  Achieving your fitness goals starts with having the proper equipment, so this guide is designed to connect you with the machine that will meet all of your criteria and put you on the path to better health.

Best Compact Ellipticals

Octane Q37:

Measuring in at under five and a half feet in length, Octane has done an outstanding job of creating a compact elliptical that will fit in most settings without taking over the room. Despite its efficient size, the Q37 makes no sacrifices when it comes to smoothness or durability. Unlike most fitness companies who produce a broad range of training equipment, Octane Fitness dedicates 100% of its research and resources towards designing industry-leading zero impact cardio machines. This highly specialized approach has resulted in the creation of some of the most natural feeling and biomechanically correct elliptical trainers on the market. One proprietary feature highlighted on the Q37 is that the handlebars converge to the midline of the user’s body, which simulates a more realistic running motion than the traditional fore and aft movement traditionally found on ellipticals. For the reasons outlined above, Octane has been featured as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things as well as a Consumer Reports Top Rated Elliptical for 2017. The Octane Q37 is one of the best options for the space conscious consumer who is looking for a premium quality elliptical trainer.

Best Features:

• User Friendly Console
• Smooth, Natural Feel
• Customized Workout Boosters
• Biomechanically Correct
• Multi-Grip Handlebars

Kettler Unix E:

If size is one of the most important factors contributing to your elliptical decision, then it would be foolish to overlook the Kettler Unix E . It boasts the most compact footprint of any elliptical on the market, at less than five feet long and merely two feet wide. Another feature that makes this elliptical stand out from its competitors is the wide range of resistance levels it offers. With over 75 resistance levels, the Unix E allows the user to make gradual adjustments to the tension which provides plenty of room for progression and is also perfect for injury rehabilitation. The console offers 48 programs to ensure that the workouts will stay fresh and 4 user profiles to simplify the operation of the machine. Combining German engineering, exceptional smoothness, and an unparalleled footprint, Kettler’s Unix E is in serious contention for the title of best compact elliptical.

Best Features:

• High Quality German Engineering
• Smallest Elliptical Available
• Wide Range of Resistance Levels
• Extensive Programming Options
• Smooth and Quiet

Best Ellipticals For Your Home

Life Fitness E1:

The Life Fitness E1 is a rear-drive elliptical that recreates a similar experience to the elliptical most commonly found in gyms and health clubs all over the world. The design is sleek and the operation is very intuitive; even for those with minimal experience using elliptical trainers. The E1 features maintenance-free ball bearings which make for a virtually silent operation, which is an important consideration for those who do not want to disturb family members with early morning or late-night workouts. This Life Fitness elliptical machine has a middle of the road 20 inch stride length, which makes the machine compatible with a wide range of individuals. Quiet, affordable, and easy to use; the Life Fitness E1 is an industry leader when searching for a high quality residential elliptical.  

Best Features:

• Maintenance Free
• Virtually Silent Operation
• User-Friendly Console
• Suspension Technology
• Aesthetic Appearance

Vision S7100HRT :

There are plenty of ellipticals that offer incline as a feature, but few do it better than Vision Fitness. The Vision S7100HRT is a suspension elliptical which is superior to those with a ramp because it allows for a full range of motion, and minimizes the shearing force on the knees that is present when a ramp is used. This elliptical trainer is perfect for someone who is looking to make swift changes to their body composition because running on an incline recruits some of the largest muscles in your body, which carries over to more calories burned, and faster results. In addition to having variable incline, the S7100HRT also has an adjustable stride length which allows users to customize the machine to fit their body perfectly. Take into account all of these features in conjunction with the compact size, substantial warranty, and reasonable price point of this elliptical machine, and you simply can’t go wrong.  

Best Features:

• Incline Facilitates Efficient Workouts
• Suspension Technology
• Above Average Warranty
• Compact Footprint
• Adjustable Stride

True ES700:

True has succeeded in creating one of the most adjustable elliptical trainers on the market in their ES700. With a stride that can be adjusted from 16 to 27 inches, this elliptical machine can accommodate users of any size and shape. The ES700 also offers multi-grip handlebars that allow the exerciser to manipulate which muscles are being emphasized (arms, shoulders, back, chest, etc.). This elliptical also offers a wide range of programming options to keep your workouts fresh and exciting. Measuring in at just over 4 feet long, it is sure to fit in even the tightest of workout rooms. Another frequently overlooked feature that this True Elliptical possesses is the ease of entry. The machine has a low step up height and long side rails that allow the user to support themselves when entering or exiting the machine. True has gone above and beyond in making one of the nicest premium ellipticals for home use in the ES700.  

Best Features:

• Adjustable Stride
• 10 Year Parts Warranty
• Compact Footprint
• Multi-Grip Handlebars
• Long Side Rails

Best Ellipticals For Runners

Octane ZR8:

The Octane ZR8 is the ultimate training apparatus for serious runners who have longevity in mind. The Zero Runner is similar to an elliptical in the sense that it eliminates any impact from your cardio workout, but it is unique because it allows the runner to maintain their true stride rather than being forced into a fixed range of motion. The fact that this machine allows the user to execute the same form as if they were running on a track means that it is especially effective in carrying over to the runner’s sport. It has a futuristic glass display that will link up with an iPad, which provides useful features like workout tracking and stride tracing. The design of the machine allows users to enjoy the feeling of running without the impact and risk of injury from high volume track or trail running. Any serious runner whose body needs a break should take a serious look at the Octane ZR8.  

Best Features:

• iPad Connectivity w/ Smartlink
• Open Stride Up to 54”
• 35 Built In Programs
• Great For Sport Specific Training
• Adapts to User’s Morphology

Matrix A50:

The Matrix A50 is a suspension elliptical that offers steep inclines which make for efficient fat blasting workouts. It uses advanced electromagnetic resistance instead of the magnetic brake more commonly found on its competitors, which basically means there are less moving parts which results in a longer lasting machine. Matrix offers state of the art touch screen consoles that provide entertainment options like Netflix, Virtual Training, Youtube, and Facebook, which make your workout much more enjoyable. Combine the ability to run on an incline with the virtual training courses, and you have created the most realistic trail running experience attainable from the comfort of your own home. Matrix also has one of the beefiest warranties in the industry, backing up the A50 with seven years of parts warranty and two years of labor.  

Best Features:

• Multi-Grip Handlebars
• Electromagnetic Resistance
• 7 Year Parts Warranty
• Pedals Don’t Protrude from the Frame
• 24%-54% Adjustable Incline

Life Fitness E5:

The E5  possesses many of the same features as the E1, such as being maintenance-free and nearly silent when in use. However, this machine goes above and beyond by providing electronic adjustable stride, advanced programming options, and multi-grip handlebars. The adjustable stride ensures that the fit of the machine can be tailored to the user, creating an ergonomic fit. Having the ability to change the stride length also allows the runner to create a more realistic feel than using a fixed-stride machine. The additional programs like Leg Sculptor and Total Body Trainer allow you to target your problem areas and keep your workouts fresh. And the multi-grip handlebars allow you to target specific upper body muscle groups depending on where you grip. Running on the Life Fitness E5 is a great alternative to logging 20+ miles a week on a track or hard asphalt. Your body will thank you!  

Best Features:

• Adjustable Stride From 18”-24”
• Multi-Grip Handlebars
• Maintenance Free
• Virtually Silent Operation
• Suspension Technology

Best Ellipticals By Price

Purchasing an elliptical can be a significant investment so it is crucial that you make the right decision the first time around. Conducting independent research can be very misleading because there is a plethora of cheaply-made low-cost ellipticals on the market that skew the perception of potential consumers. To simplify the buying process we have put together an easy to read guide that rates the best value ellipticals at each price point.

Best Elliptical Under $2000

Octane Q35:

Octane is a company that specializes in producing ellipticals exclusively. For that reason, the stride and handlebar movement on the Octane ellipticals are among some of the smoothest and most natural elliptical machines available. The Octane Q35 is a great well rounded elliptical trainer, used and loved by all types of users, from personal trainers to your average home user. The welded steel frame and relatively simple design make for an extremely durable machine.

The Q35 offers a broad range of exercises, with 5 preset programs to accommodate everyone’s separate needs. It has unique wide pedals to endure comfort and reduce stress on your joints. Octane didn’t cut any corners when it comes to safety either, featuring a self-contained design to the console and pedal lockout for children. 

Best Features:

• 8 separate workout programs
• Great display screen size
• Oversized pedals
• Ready rack, accessory tray
• Mom Mode – Safety lock

Best Elliptical Under $1500

LifeSpan E3i:

The Lifespan E3i offers unparalleled value in the realm of elliptical trainers. At less than $1500 dollars, it is the only elliptical even remotely close to this price point that provides an adjustable ramp to allow for changes in incline. Elevating the incline will increase glute and hamstring activation which will in turn increase the efficacy of the workout. This model from LifeSpan also offers a cool proprietary technology called CoreBalance that will make the user aware if they are favoring one side of their body over the other. With a warranty that is about twice as good as the industry standard, the Lifespan E3i is a no brainer at this price range.

Best Features:

• 20 Levels of Incline and Resistance
• Core Balance Technology
• 5 Year Parts and 2 Year Labor Warranty