These are the top five best elliptical machines on the market, chosen from hundreds of models.
Contents
- 1 #5 Gazelle Edge
- 2 THE GOOD
- 3 THE BAD
- 4 The Breakdown
- 5 #4 Horizon Fitness EX-59-02
- 6 THE GOOD
- 7 THE BAD
- 8 The Breakdown
- 9 #3 Schwinn 430
- 10 THE GOOD
- 11 THE BAD
- 12 The Breakdown
- 13 #2 Nautilus E616
- 14 THE GOOD
- 15 THE BAD
- 16 The Breakdown
- 17 #1 Precor AMT 835
- 18 THE GOOD
- 19 THE BAD
- 20 The Breakdown
- 21 Elliptical Machine Reviews & Comparisons
- 22 #1
- 23 #2
- 24 #3
- 25 #4
- 26 #5
- 27 Best Overall Elliptical Machine
- 28 Best Elliptical Machine For The Money
- 29 Elliptical Trainer Buyer’s Guide
#5 Gazelle Edge
$85.48
THE GOOD
- Range of Motion
- Easy to Use
- Transportation
THE BAD
- No Bells and Whistles
The Breakdown
While it doesn’t offer a myriad of workout options like other models, the Gazelle Edge is unmatched in its full range of motion. Not only does this model go forward and backward, but there’s no limit to stride length. This elliptical machine’s small digital display also monitors speed, distance, calories burned and more. In addition, this model is one of the most compact elliptical machines on the market- at just 42 pounds, it’s extremely simple to fold and store away.
Because the Gazelle Edge doesn’t offer programs and other workout features, it’s simplicity makes it very easy to use. You can go from running to walking without stopping on this machines extra-wide nonskid foot platforms, while the split suspension is incredibly efficient and quiet. The Gazelle Edge is ideal for all fitness levels, from beginner to advanced, and will reduce pressure on your joints, help you burn calories, tone your muscles and improve your cardiovascular endurance.
#4 Horizon Fitness EX-59-02
$649.00
THE GOOD
- Convenient LCD Display
- Resistance
- Ease of Use
- Warranty
THE BAD
- Technical Issues
The Breakdown
Get up and moving quickly with the convenient features on the Horizon Fitness EX-59-02. With its easy-to-use LCD monitor, 10 programs and 10 resistance levels are just a click away. It’s display also monitors measurables such as distance, speed, calories burned and more.
The EX-59-02 accommodates a variety of body types with its 18-inch stride length, while zero overlap in the pedals ensures the user experiences an easy, natural motion. Both of these features help to reduce injury. For your listening pleasure, there’s also built-in speakers and audio-in jacks to hook up your devices and play your favorite workout playlist.
For all the Horizon Fitness EX-59-02 has to offer, it has an affordable price to match. Enjoy this elliptical machine for years to come with its lifetime frame warranty.
#3 Schwinn 430
$557.00
THE GOOD
- Impressive Features
- Family Options
- Connectivity
- Informative LCD Displays
THE BAD
- Warranty
The Breakdown
Vary your routine on a daily basis with the plethora of options on the Schwinn 430. Featuring 22 programs, 20 resistance levels and a six-position incline, this machine is great for those looking for a challenge.
Outside of its wide range of workout options, the Schwinn 430 is a great family bike because of its connectivity. Not only does this model store two user profiles, its USB port also offers data tracking and exchange through multiple apps and charges your devices while you workout. In addition, it has a built-in three-speed fan, speakers and is MP3 compatible. Challenge yourself and track your progress with the Schwinn 430.
#2 Nautilus E616
$750.00
THE GOOD
- Versatile Workouts
- Family-Friendly
- Great Connectivity
- Dual LCD Displays
THE BAD
- Warranty
The Breakdown
Never fall into a stagnant workout routine with a variety of options on the Nautilus E616. With 29 workout programs, 20 levels of resistance and a motorized incline, this machine provides a challenge for even the most seasoned runners.
The Nautilus E616 offers tremendous connectivity to keep up with everyone in the family. This machine stores up to four user profiles and also has Bluetooth capability for data exchange with various apps. Plus, it’s MP3 compatible, has built-in speakers and a three-speed fan to keep you cool during intense workouts.
Not only is this machine’s LCD display backlit, but it monitors 13 different workout measurables, including strides per minute, distance and calories burned. Easily track your progress and stay motivated toward your goals with the Nautilus E616 elliptical machine.
#1 Precor AMT 835
$9,099.90
THE GOOD
- Excellent Stride Length
- Challenging Features
- Adjustable Height
- Large LED Display
- Warranty
THE BAD
The Breakdown
The Precor AMT 835 is one of the most convenient and family-friendly elliptical machines on the market. With an adjustable pedal height and a stride length ranging from zero to 36 inches, this machine is incredibly accommodating for any user. Through its easy-to-use LCD screen, monitor 19 different readouts and customize its workout settings for your personal needs.
While many of its features are convenient, the AMT 835 is also made to challenge. There are 20 resistance levels, six programs and dual action capabilities to help you push your workout to the next level. This model gives you the freedom to customize a challenging and completely unique routine every time, while also providing an effective low-impact workout. Plus, it comes with a lifetime frame warranty. Personalize your workout experience with the Precor AMT 835 and enjoy all this elliptical machine has to offer for years to come.
Best Overall Elliptical Machine
With many high-end features and workout options, it’s easy to see why the Precor AMT 835 is one of the premier exercise machines on the market. Coupled with its adjustable pedal height, the AMT 835’s zero to 36-inch stride length will accommodate everyone in the family, from big to small.
There’s 20 resistance levels, six programs and a bevy of workout settings available on its LED display. With the freedom to customize a uniquely personal workout every time, this machine will challenge even the most seasoned runners. The Precor AMT 835 is certainly a long-term investment, so the lifetime warranty on the frame and 10-year warranty on parts shows commitment by Precor. This is likely the last elliptical machine you will ever need to buy.
“Having used it now for almost two months, I am convinced it will be the single piece of exercise equipment that stays with me for the years to come..” -Verified Amazon Customer
- Naturally adapt stride length from 0 to 36 inches. Open Stride technology allows users to adapt stride height from 6.8 inches to 10 inches. Visualize stride length changes in real-time with Stride Dial to target muscle groups
- 20 resistance levels (20-375 Watts). Heart Rate sensors located on fixed handlebars or use the telemetry function with a chest strap. Dual Action provides both upper and lower body workouts
- Readouts: Heart Rate: Current, Average, Max, Target; Distance: Total, Remaining, Target; Calories: Total Burned, Calories/Min, Calories/Hour; Time: Target, Elapsed, Remaining, In-Zone; Strides: Per Min, Avg, Total; Mets; Watts
- Equipment dimensions: Length 80 inches, Width 35 inches, Height 73 inches. Weight: 422 lbs. Maximum user weight 514 lbs
- 10-year warranty on parts (mechanical and electronic). 1-year warranty on labor. Lifetime warranty on frame and welds
Best Elliptical Machine For The Money
High-level features with a mid-level price make the Nautilus E616 a tremendous, low-impact elliptical machine for the money. Featuring 29 programs, 25 levels of resistance and 13 workout details on its dual LCD display, the E616 gives users incredible versatility with their training.
A USB charging port, Bluetooth connectivity and four user profiles put even more capability at your fingertips, especially with effortless data synchronization and exchange. This elliptical machine offers something for everyone at a very reasonable price point. If you’re ready to get fit, the Nautilus E616 is up to the challenge.
“I selected this product based on its numerous positive reviews and modest price, and have been very impressed to date. The machine is sturdy and operates very smoothly..” – Verified Amazon Customer
- Dimensions: 70L x 28W x 71H in.
- 29 workout programs and 25 resistance levels
- Backlit monitors display time, distance, and calories
- Motorized incline; 20-in. stride length
- Media shelf and USB charging station; adjustable fan
Elliptical Trainer Buyer’s Guide
There’s a lot of technical terms being thrown around in these reviews, so it may benefit you to brush up on some of the features to look for when purchasing the best elliptical machine for your needs. Here’s a quick breakdown of some terms you’ll often see and how they’ll relate to your workout.
Stride Length: The proper stride length is essential to the comfort of your training. Taller people need more room to step, whereas shorter people need the appropriate length to prevent overextension and injury. When looking at stride length for your desired elliptical, a machine that reaches up to 15 inches is recommended, while a wide, adjustable range will help to accommodate multiple users.
Flywheel Weight: Flywheel weight makes a big difference in both motion and noise on your elliptical. The heavier the weight, the more efficiently the wheel spins. Wheels usually start around 13 pounds, but the heavier ones are certainly more effective and desirable.
Resistance Levels: To maximize your training, your elliptical must progress as you get fit. Resistance provides a harder workout. Many elliptical machines have at least 10 levels of resistance, but higher-end models sometimes have 20 or more.
Incline: Many ellipticals allow you to adjust the foot pedals so you can elevate it, as if you were walking or running up a hill. This creates a much more intense workout, especially if you have your resistance levels set.
Programs and Display: No different than most other workout equipment, elliptical machines often have a monitor or display that allows you to track your time, distance, calories burned, heart rate and more. The higher quality the display, the more readouts you can expect. In addition, many ellipticals have a number of programmed workouts and some even allow you to create your own. Higher-end machines often have 15 or more programs to choose from.
Keep these terms in mind when comparing prices and features to find the best elliptical machine for you!