For a great cardio workout that’s easy on the joints, the elliptical machine tops the list. Running on pavement or even the best treadmill can be painful for many people because of the force it creates across the knees and hips. Using an elliptical trainer forces the body into more of a gliding pattern as opposed to picking up your feet and putting them down on a hard surface.
Our Garage Gym Reviews team has tested and scored more than 30 ellipticals to date, using our in-depth elliptical testing methodology to calculate an unbiased review score for each machine. In 2025, we helped 2,817 people choose the best elliptical for their needs, and in this guide, we’ll help you find yours, too.
GGR Gold Pick — Best Elliptical Machine
The 4.4-star-rated NordicTrack AirGlide 16 stands out as the best elliptical machine we’ve tested here at GGR due to its best-in-class ergonomics, durable steel frame, incline and decline settings, and 26 resistance levels.
The 8 Best Elliptical Machines
- Best Elliptical Overall – NordicTrack AirGlide 16
- Best Elliptical with Incline – Sole E25
- Best Durable Elliptical – NordicTrack X16 Elliptical
- Best Elliptical for Comfort – Bowflex Max Trainer M6
- Best Elliptical for Small Spaces – YOSUDA EM1 Long-Stride Magnetic Elliptical Machine
- Best Budget Elliptical – Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical
- Best Under-Desk Elliptical – Cubii Move
- Best Elliptical for Seniors – Horizon EX-59 Elliptical
Current Top Deals
- Horizon EX-59 Elliptical – Save $200
- Bowflex Max Trainer M6 – $300 off plus free shipping
- YOSUDA EM1 Long-Stride Magnetic Elliptical Machine – Get 15% off sitewide + up to $500 off select products
Latest Updates
In July 2026, we updated our best overall pick to the NordicTrack AirGlide 16. While admittedly a premium pick, it has enough high-end features—including incline and decline settings and 26 resistance levels—to still maintain solid value. The Sole E25 now serves as the best elliptical with incline due to its incline range that reaches as high as 20%.
How We Selected the Best Ellipticals
Our durability score reflects how long we think a given elliptical will last based on our testing. To earn 3 out of 5 stars, we need to see little to no shifting during the workout, a weight capacity of at least 275 pounds, and a 16- to 20-pound flywheel. Higher scores are awarded to machines with above-average weight capacities, or those that showcase impressive stability during sessions.

Most ellipticals have at least a handful of built-in workouts for users to choose from, though the quality can vary greatly across machines. To earn 3 out of 5 stars, the elliptical should have a modest library of workouts that can be easily started with a few button pushes. We give higher scores to machines with access to streamable video workouts, live classes, and more.

For ergonomics, we’re rating how comfortable a given elliptical feels in use by carefully assessing the handlebars, pedals, and stride length. To earn a 3 out of 5, an elliptical should have both fixed and moving handlebars, oversized pedals that can fit most feet, a stride length of 18 to 20 inches, and soft grips on the handles for in-hand comfort. We give higher scores to ellipticals with adjustable incline settings, which can help increase the challenge of your workout.

To ensure our ratings are fair, unbiased, and thorough, we spend plenty of time using and testing every feature of a given elliptical before assigning a final score. To date, we’ve tested over 30 of the most popular ellipticals on the market, and continue to test as many as we can get our hands on.
After testing, we score each machine using our elliptical testing methodology, which helps us rate a given elliptical on a scale of 1 to 5 in categories like tech capabilities, footprint, customizations, and more.

The GGR team of expert testers is made up of certified personal trainers, runners, weightlifters, CrossFit enthusiasts, gym owners, and more. We also consulted with exercise physiologist Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD, to discuss the benefits of elliptical training. Then, we had Dr. Bilal Ahsan—a resident physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)—review the content for accuracy.

Best Ellipticals Video Review
Best Elliptical Overall: NordicTrack AirGlide 16
The NordicTrack AirGlide 16 delivers a smooth, joint-friendly workout with the stability and premium features you'd expect from a commercial-style elliptical. Its large touchscreen, adjustable stride, and incline/decline training capabilities make it especially great for people with knee issues, though you'll need plenty of space and an iFIT subscription to get the most from it.
Best Elliptical with Incline: Sole E25
The SOLE E25 Elliptical provides effective workouts through its use of comfort and natural feel. The quiet front drive system, inward foot pedal design, and heavy duty steel frame all create a smooth, effective workout.
What our tester says:
“I appreciate that the footbeds are adjustable, since not everyone steps in the same fashion. While the handlebars are stationary, I didn’t feel any discomfort while using this elliptical.”
Best Elliptical for Small Spaces: NordicTrack X16 Elliptical
Best Elliptical for Comfort: Bowflex Max Trainer M6
The Bowflex M6 provides a heart-pumping, low-impact workout that resembles stair-stepping.
What our tester says:
“Even my kids enjoyed it from time to time! We all agreed this gets a 5 out of 5 for a butt-kicking workout.”
Best Elliptical for Small Spaces: YOSUDA EM1 Long-Stride Magnetic Elliptical Machine
Best Budget Elliptical: Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Machine
Pack a cardio workout in the comfort of your home with the SF-E3912 Pre-Programmed Elliptical Trainer by Sunny Health & Fitness.
What our tester says:
“While the basic LCD display isn’t the most spectacular, I do love that Sunny Health & Fitness offers these built-in programs to help change up your workout every now and again.”
Best Under-Desk Elliptical: Cubii Move
The Cubii move is a lightweight, portable exercise machine that allows you to seamlessly pedal while seated.
What our tester says:
“My grandfather routinely uses his Cubii while sitting in his easy chair and can use it without fear of falling.”
Best Elliptical for Seniors: Horizon Fitness EX-59
The Horizon EX-59 is a budget-friendly elliptical with an 18-inch stride length and five preset programs to choose from. What it lacks in tech capabilities (mostly just the Bluetooth speakers) it makes up for in stability. This elliptical has a locked-down feel for a budget price-point.
What our tester says:
“It certainly is not as sturdy as a commercial model, but I was really happy with the stability for the price and size. When the resistance is turned up, it really only shakes if you’re trying to make it shake.”
Our Testers
Other Ellipticals We Tested and Researched
GGR Elliptical Testing Results
Benefits of Elliptical Machines
Elliptical machines have quite a few perks in line with many cardio machines, although there are some exclusive elliptical benefits you can only reap on these specific home gym machines. Let’s go over a few of the major positives of elliptical machines.
Low-Impact Cardio Training
A 2021 study1 reports that elliptical training can be a beneficial fitness discipline for its lower impact on joints while still promoting cardiovascular output and a better quality of life. In addition, according to Harvard Health Publishing2, a 185-pound athlete can burn more calories during a general 30-minute elliptical workout than an equivalently timed session on a stationary rower at a moderate pace.
Christopher Mohr, Ph.D., RD, adds, “Low-intensity exercise can be just as beneficial as high-intensity exercise. Low-intensity activities encourage the release of endorphins and promote relaxation for better sleep, which can help improve your overall mood.”
Beginner-Friendly Exercise
Ellipticals are very simple to use, making them great for people new to the machine or to working out, in general. There are some technical cues to follow (such as standing up straight and avoiding leaning on the handlebars), but for the most part, you can just hop on and start pedaling. The learning curve is low for beginners, so advanced exercisers just have to increase the resistance or pedal harder to get the most out of their workouts.
Can Aid in Fat Loss
Harvard Health2 estimates that a 185-pound person burns 378 calories during 30 minutes on an elliptical machine. Because elliptical workouts can burn calories, they can assist in losing fat and weight—provided that the exercise helps you create a calorie deficit. Elliptical use alone won’t supply this, but when paired with proper diet and recovery, it can help you reach your weight loss goals.
Dr. Mohr explains, “Regular physical activity, like using an elliptical several days a week, can aid in managing and maintaining a healthy body fat percentage. It does this by burning calories, which can help create a calorie deficit when combined with a nutritious diet.”
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Ellipticals
There are countless ellipticals on the market that could be great for your home workout routine. However, an elliptical is really only good if you’re actually going to use it, so here’s a brief elliptical buying guide you can use to help you. make the right decision.
Make sure you spend your money wisely by considering the following criteria.
Durability
If you’re going to make a sizable investment in an elliptical, then that machine should be built to last. Look for a heavy flywheel at about 20 pounds or more. Heavy flywheels help keep the machine from rocking all over the place. Also consider the weight capacity of a machine. Cheap cardio equipment sometimes can’t even accommodate a full-grown adult. Make sure the equipment you’re buying can hold your weight.
Resistance and Incline Levels
There are basically two adjustable workout factors on ellipticals, with the first being resistance. Resistance levels make pedaling harder, hence giving you a more intense workout. The more levels there are, the more variety you might have in your exercise. Typically, most machines have at least 12 to 15 resistance levels.
RELATED: Elliptical Vs Walking
Incline levels are a bonus feature found on maybe just 20% to 30% of the machines out there. A 2021 study3 found that pedaling on an incline is great because it can change lower-body mechanics and activate different muscles compared to level-ground pedaling. Keep in mind that an incline usually indicates a separate motor in the machine, which could, in turn, require more maintenance.
Guided Workouts
Yes, you can just hop on a machine and get going, adjusting the resistance on your own. However, there are experts who put together workout modes that help you reach your fitness goals, such as fat-burning programs that have you exercising at about 70% of your maximum heart rate.
Quality ellipticals will come with at least a few built-in programs, ranging from interval sessions to hill workouts to heart-rate-based exercise. You can find machines that go the extra mile with interactive programming through apps, like NordicTrack’s iFIT membership or the Bowflex JRNY app.
Flywheel
A flywheel is one of the most important components of any elliptical machine. This rotating disc provides resistance and enhances the machine’s overall stability. Depending on the model, the flywheel may be located at the front, middle, or rear, and it plays a major role in ensuring smooth, consistent motion as you pedal.
When shopping for an elliptical, look for a flywheel that weighs around 18 to 20 pounds. You don’t want it so heavy that moving the machine becomes a chore, but it should be substantial enough to anchor the elliptical and keep it from rocking or wobbling during use. Lighter flywheels can also be noisier than others given their quick revolutions—a quality worth considering if you prefer to train with quiet equipment.
Max User Weight
We’ve found that the average maximum user weight for an elliptical is 330 pounds. For your safety, be sure to check your machine’s maximum weight rating before making your purchase. Having an appropriately rated elliptical can also ensure you aren’t putting excessive strain on the build components, extending the lifespan of your at-home gym equipment.
RELATED: Best Treadmill for Heavy People
It’s important to note, too, that an elliptical doesn’t need to be heavy to have a high weight capacity. The Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Machine, for example, weighs just 104 pounds—below the 179-pound average. Despite its lightweight design, the machine can support athletes up to 330 pounds.
FAQs About the Best Ellipticals
Which is the best elliptical machine for home use?
We’ve tested more than 30 ellipticals, and our pick for the best elliptical machine for home use is the NordicTrack AirGlide 16. It comes with several conveniences, the option for excellent programming, and offers a lot of value even at its premium price. However, the best elliptical for you will depend on your training goals, budget, and space constraints.
Is 30 minutes a day on the elliptical enough to lose weight?
Thirty minutes a day on the elliptical can help you lose weight because it helps you burn more calories. However, exercise alone will not cause weight loss if you eat too many calories for your activity level. GGR Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, adds, “Combining aerobic exercise with strength training can help burn calories and build muscle. This combination can also boost your metabolism and support long-term weight loss.”
Is 30 minutes on the elliptical better than walking?
Using the elliptical for 30 minutes can be better than walking. It puts less stress on your joints while engaging more muscle groups, which can help you burn more calories than walking. That said, walking is still an effective way to burn calories and add more movement to your day. The form of exercise you choose will depend on your goals and which equipment you have access to.
What are the disadvantages of an elliptical?
Some of the disadvantages of an elliptical are that it takes up a lot of space, the movement can feel repetitive, and it may not be as effective for improving bone density as other forms of exercise.
Are ellipticals better for knees than treadmills?
Ellipticals can be better for the knees than treadmills. The gliding motion is less stressful on the knees than higher-impact forms of exercise, such as running. This makes elliptical machines suitable for people with arthritis or a history of joint injuries.
References
- Bosch, A. N., Flanagan, K. C., Eken, M. M., Withers, A., Burger, J., & Lamberts, R. P. (2021). Physiological and metabolic responses to exercise on treadmill, elliptical trainer, and Stepper: Practical implications for training. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 31(2), 135–142. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33477112/
- Calories burned in 30 minutes of leisure and routine activities. Harvard Health. (2021, March 8). https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/calories-burned-in-30-minutes-for-people-of-three-different-weights
- Hummer, E. T., Murphy, E. N., Suprak, D. N., Brilla, L. R., & San Juan, J. G. (2021). Movement direction impacts knee joint kinematics during elliptical exercise at varying incline angles. The Knee, 29, 201–207. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33640619/















































































