Cardio workouts are one of the highly recommended forms of exercise, but over time your joints may not have the temerity to continue sustaining high-intensity workouts.
An elliptical machine is what you need to safely take your cardio workouts to the next level. Ellipticals are ideal for full-body workouts.
We have taken the time to conduct deep research on the various elliptical machines available in the market currently. Through testing them out ourselves and reading reviews posted by other users, we have compiled this detailed review to present you with the best elliptical for home use.
Scroll down below to find out more.
Top 3 Picks:
| Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine | Ancheer Elliptical Machine for Home | Body Rider Elliptical Trainer and Exercise Bike | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Pros | Sturdy Compact |
Large and Clear LCD Heart Rate Sensor |
Relatively Affordable Adjustable Seats |
| Price | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
5 Best Elliptical For Home Use Reviewed
#1. Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine
The Schwinn 470 elliptical machine deserves a top spot because of very many excellent reasons.
To begin with, it is equipped with a horde of features you won’t find in most of the top-tier elliptical machines in the market currently. 
The manufacturer has left no stone unturned in ensuring that you will get the most out of your workout session with superior ergonomics, comfort, and other features that will make you look forward to every cardio session.
Features
Here is a brief look at some features that makes this elliptical stand out from the rest:
Endless Workout Options
Whether you are just getting started or you are a pro looking for more challenges, you will get exactly what you need with the over 20 workout programs and over 25 levels of resistance to broaden your workout intensity options.
Superior Tracking Capabilities
In all forms of exercise, it is always a good thing to have a way of tracking your progress. This is the only way to know if you are moving towards your fitness goals.
The Schwinn 470 elliptical comes with superior tracking capabilities that will help you keep a close eye on your distance, speed, pace, time, calories burned, and heart rate among other data.
Bluetooth Connectivity
You can synchronize this elliptical with the Schwinn Trainer App and other apps that you could be already using to track your fitness.
Foot Motion Technology
This elliptical machine features foot motion technology with 20” stride foot motion technology.
This works by stimulating the natural running motion. And you will feel that you are running outdoors and not on an elliptical.
Travel the Globe with the World App
The machine is compatible with the World App. This app is ideal when you need the machine to help customize your workout. It will automatically adjust to your speed, while at the same time helping you discover a variety of route lengths and destinations that will help you have a more fulfilling workout.
Compact
This implies that you don’t need a lot of space to set up the machine and enjoy your cardio workouts.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Compact
- Comes with 29 workout programs
- Has Dual Track LCD
Cons
- Pedal pads generate a little of noise
Conclusion
A perfect elliptical machine should be able to do more than just pump your heart rate. The Schwinn 470 elliptical machine is designed for just that.
Besides pumping your heart rate up, it will also target most of the other muscles in your body, leading to a wholesome full-body workout.
It also comes with the technology to track your progress and present you with additional workout options. This will intuitively and enjoyably make you fall in love with your workout session.
Why we decided to put this Elliptical for Home Use in #1?
Our main motivation for putting this elliptical machine the first on our list is because of the technology it comes with, ease of use, and the incredible satisfaction expressed by the bulk of its users.
Related: Best Under Desk Elliptical
#2. Ancheer Elliptical Machine for Home
One of the greatest considerations when shopping for the best elliptical for a home gym is normally the size.
You will indeed find a great deal of compact elliptical machines, but these usually compromise performance for space.
That is not the case with the Ancheer Elliptical Machine. It is compact but very functional, with a range of features that you won’t find in most elliptical machines within its price range.
Features
Here is an overview of the machine’s top features:
Precision-Balanced Flywheel
This home exercise equipment features a precision-balanced flywheel and a v-belt drive that allows for smooth operations.
It has an optimal stride length of 18-inches – sufficient enough to give you all the benefits of running, and gentle enough on your knees and arms.
Adjustable Magnetic Resistance
The machine comes with ten levels of magnetic resistance. These you can easily and quickly adjust depending on how hard or how soft you want to go with your workout.
Portable and Adjustable Non-Slip Foot Pedals
The last thing you want when working out on an elliptical is to slip and get an injury. This has been avoided in this elliptical with the inclusion of portable and adjustable non-slip foot pedals.
Detailed Digital Display
Get to view real-time information on distance covered, current speed, calories burned, heart rate, and room temperature on a digital display.
This will tell you your current rate of performance so that you know the progress you are making whether you need to make any adjustments.
Easy App Integration
This machine can be easily integrated with the Qiber fitness app. It gives you the chance to monitor your progress against other fitness enthusiasts all over the world.
Pros
- Large and clear LCD
- 10 levels of magnetic resistance
- Heart rate sensor
- Adjustable non-slip foot pedals
- Comfortable handlebars
- Very quiet operations
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Conclusion
This may not be the cheapest elliptical on the list yet, but if you want a compact and highly functional elliptical, then it will get the job done for you.
Its quiet operations, the adjustable non-slip foot pedals, and the large and clear LCD will also make you enjoy every minute of your workout session.
#3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF— E905 Elliptical Machine
If you are looking for a budget elliptical machine, but one with all the features you need to keep fit at the comfort of your home, then the Sunny Health & Fitness SF—E905 Elliptical Machine is your guy.
The machine is designed to let you have a smooth upper and lower body workout without leaving a huge dent in your pocket.
It is not only affordable but also enjoys thousands of positive reviews. This implies that so many people are delighted with it, and you will most likely be delighted with it as well.
Features
Here is a brief look at some features that make this machine garner thousands of reviews online:
8-Level Adjustable Resistance
Feel free to adjust the intensity of your workout with the 8-level adjustable resistance. All you have to do is adjust a tension knob to increase or decrease the resistance to your preference.
With this tool, you can adopt a variety of unique routines to stimulate various muscles in your body for a more effective workout.
A Large Digital Monitor
With a large digital monitor screen, you get real-time displays of how you are performing on the various aspects of your workout.
You get to see the distance, heart rate, time, calories burned, and other data that will help you stay focused on your fitness goals.
Pulse Sensors
With cardio workouts like those done using elliptical machines, you always want to monitor and maintain a certain heart rate.
A pulse sensor, you will correctly and efficiently help you know your heart rate as you workout. With it, you get to understand better your health and fitness status.
Floor Stabilizers
You don’t want to tip, swaying or rocking on uneven surfaces. The floor stabilizer is to ensure that doesn’t happen when using this machine.
Transportation Wheels
Elliptical machines are not among the lightest workout machines. And you will appreciate having a means of moving them easily whenever you have to.
With the transportation wheels, all you have to do is tilt then roll the machine to your new desired location.
11-Inch Stride
This is sufficient for short burst motions and will fit easily in nearly every space, including bathrooms and bedrooms. It is also compact, hence easy to transport and store.
Pros
- Easy to transport and store
- Compact
- Various adjustable levels of resistance
- A large digital monitor
- Small and efficient
Cons
- Not ideal for tall individuals with long strides
- Slightly noisy
Conclusion
The Sunny Health & Fitness E905 Elliptical machine is very popular among most elliptical machine enthusiasts.
Its compact size, efficiency, price, and technology make it a good choice for anyone in need of an affordable and fully functional elliptical machine.
Related: Best Elliptical under $1000
#4. Body Rider Elliptical Trainer and Exercise Bike
The Body Rider Elliptical Trainer and Exercise Bike is a unique fitness equipment that features two machines into one. You can use it as a regular elliptical machine and an exercise bike.
It broadens your workout potential to realms not possible with ordinary elliptical machines.
With it, you can achieve gentle and low-impact cardio workouts for both your upper and lower body.
Feature
Here is a look at some of the features of this dual fitness machine:
2-in-1 Elliptical Motion Design
This is a patented design that makes the machine operate like a normal elliptical and also as an exercise bike.
Adjustable Seat
You can easily adjust the seat to accommodate the heights of various users.
Tension Adjustment
With just a knob, you can increase or decrease the tension on the machine. This translates into different resistance for your workout session.
Computer Features
The machine also comes with an intuitive computer display where you can see the workout duration, the distance covered, the speed, and the calories burned.
Pros
- It is a 2-in-1 fitness machine–an elliptical and an exercise bike
- Relatively affordable
- Adjustable seats
- Compact in design
- Has high momentum fan blades for smoother and more fluid workouts
Cons
- Relatively noisy
- Some users complained of a short lifespan
Conclusion
Kill two birds with one stone with this elliptical and exercise bike machine. This is for you if you want more than just an elliptical machine.
At its price, it is a good value for money for those looking for budget fitness machines.
#5. Body Power 2-in-1 Elliptical Stepper Trainer
Last but not the least in our list of the best elliptical for home gym review is the Body Power 2-in-1 Elliptical Stepper Trainer.
This is another great choice for those looking for machines that will provide them with more capabilities than those of a normal elliptical.
It is packed with the kind of features you may need for fulfilling full-body workouts that will quickly set you up on the path of your fitness goals.
Features
Here is a brief look at some of its features:
Curve-Crank Technology
With this technology, you will have sustained tension to the Y and X axes. This is vital for getting a dead zone-free rotation as you make your steps.
Consequently, it comes with efficient motion and smooth operations that will help to supercharge your cardio workouts.
2-in-1 HIIT Trainer
You can use the machine as an elliptical trainer and an exercise stepper. With it comes the guarantee of a total body workout in the smallest of the spaces.
8-Level Adjustable Resistance
Choose how soft or how hard you would like to go by just turning the knob with the 8-level adjustable resistance.
Simple LCD Computer
Monitor your vital data on this simple and straightforward LCD. Monitor your heart rate, distance, speed, and calories burned as you progress with your workout.
Two Types of Built-in Foot Pedals
This is to easily help you make the switch from it being an elliptical or an exercise stepper.
Pros
- Compact and ideal for small spaces
- A perfect 2-in-1 HIIT trainer
- Comes with a simple and straightforward LCD computer
- Fitted with front rollers for easy transportation
- 8-levels of resistance for varied workout options
Cons
- Doesn’t provide full stability
- May sometimes make a lot of noise
Conclusion
Here is another great choice for you if you need a machine that will do more than the normal elliptical machine workouts.
If you are more focused on your lower body, then the exercise stepper will be a nice inclusion in this machine. It is compact, though sometimes noisy, it will suffice for the needs of most users.
Related: Best Hybrid Ellipticals for your Home
Best Elliptical For Home Use: Buying Guide
By how much should you offset your bank account when shopping for an elliptical machine for your home gym?
Well, there is no definite answer to this question. People are different and will always have different fitness goals. There is no one-fits-it-all solution when it comes to buying elliptical machines for home gyms.
However, there are certain factors you ought to consider if you want to end up with a machine that will help you towards attaining your fitness goals. They include the following:
The Performance of the Machine
The last thing you want is to spend your money on a fitness machine that is not going to give the kind of performance you had anticipated. In determining the performance of the machine, watch out for the following:
The resistance: Always go for units that offer multiple levels of resistance. This is how you will get to challenge and motivate yourself because you can easily tell your progress from one level of resistance to another.
The stride length: Ideal elliptical machines should have stride lengths that can be adjusted for every intended user.
This is to help you avoid buying machines whose striders are shorter or longer than would be comfortable for your normal use.
If you are limited to fixed stride lengths due to cost, then go for relatively shorter lengths if you are short and relatively longer lengths if you are tall.
Test the machine: The best way to tell if the machine is going to give you an exceptional experience is to test it out before you make the purchase. This is also the best way to tell if the stride length and resistance adjustments will be in tandem to your liking.
The Size of the Machine
Averagely, elliptical machines measure between 6 feet long and 2.5 feet wide. But when in use, the pedals may sometimes exceed the total length of the elliptical.
The specific size you take, however, will mainly depend on the amount of space you have at home. But while you think about minimizing the space, remember that the most compact elliptical usually compromises functionality for space.
The goal should be to find a good balance between space and functionality without necessarily breaking the bank.
The Maximum User Weight
The maximum user weight and the weight of the elliptical trainer go hand in hand. A higher elliptical weight will support higher user weight.
A lower elliptical weight, on the other hand, will support a lower user maximum weight. Therefore, think about the weights of the typical users of the elliptical and then choose appropriately.
The Type of Resistance–Magnetic or Mechanical Resistance
With magnetic resistance, you can change the resistance of the machine through a button on the console.
With mechanical resistance, you change the resistance manually by turning a wheel. The choice here will ultimately depend on the user’s preference.
However, most of the elliptical trainers hitting the market today tend to have magnetic resistance. This is because they are more comfortable.
They also make it easy for users to have fewer interruptions in their cardio routines when changing the resistance.
Presence or Absence of Armbars
When working out on an elliptical, less frequent movement of the arms relative to the limbs may make you end up with a strained back and a still shoulder.
Therefore, it is vital that you go for elliptical trainers with armbars. They help to synchronize the motion of the arm and the limbs so that you get some uniformity in motion as you work out.
Connectivity and Compatibility with Different Apps
Most exercise equipment being produced presently tend to have more connectivity to the cloud as well as compatibility with a variety of apps.
The reason for this is to allow for better tracking during the workout. Besides tracking, these kinds of connectivity also allow users to access a library of workout programs, share their progress on social media, and workout in more competitive environments.
As far as connectivity goes, you should consider machines that can help you track vital data such as your heart rate, speed, distance covered, and calories burned. Also, it should give you access to a library of workout programs to help you challenge yourself from time to time. Once your elliptical meets these basic requirements, it is entirely up to you if you want to add any other extra.
Inbuilt Programs
You don’t want to be practicing the same workout routine every day. For an enjoyable experience, you need an elliptical with a decent number of inbuilt programs.
With a variety of options to choose from, your workout will not only be varied and less boring, but also you will be able to tell if you are making any progress towards your fitness goals.
Always go for elliptical trainers that have multiple inbuilt programs.
If possible, they should allow access to a library of programs so that you can have endless options for your workout sessions.
The Foot Pedals
You should prefer elliptical trainers with cushioned foot pedals. These will not only be comfortable but also will accord the maximum support to your bone structure when you decide to go heavy.
Well-cushioned pedals will also alleviate the stress on the ankles and toes to avoid numbness when you work on extended durations.
Don’t always go for elliptical trainers with bare metal, or thin rubber cushions.
The Price
The best elliptical for home use is available at varying price ranges. You can get relatively affordable options with better quality.
You can also go for the very expensive brands and models if your pocket can allow it.
The important thing, however, is to do due diligence and have confidence in the machine you choose.
Remember, cheap is always expensive, but also you shouldn’t spend insane amounts of money on a machine you could have obtained at a more affordable rate.
Also, irrespective of the price you settle for, always ensure that the machine has a solid warranty that you can rely on whenever there is a breakdown.
Elliptical For Home Use FAQs
Is it a good idea to invest in a home elliptical trainer?
Investing in an elliptical machine for your home gym will always be a good idea. This is one versatile piece of fitness equipment that will not only help you with your cardio workouts but treat you to outstanding full-body workouts.
Which best home elliptical trainer should I buy?
There are a plethora of elliptical machines in the market today, and your choice will depend on several factors. Go through our review above to discover some top brands and models worth considering.
Can I use the elliptical every day?
It is not recommended to get on the elliptical trainer every day. This is because your body needs to rest and recover if you are to make any meaningful progress towards your fitness goals. If you work out on the elliptical every morning, you risk overtraining, and this will be counterproductive to your fitness goals.
Can an elliptical trainer help me lose belly fat?
Yes, your elliptical trainer can help you lose belly fat. This is because an elliptical machine works on both your upper and lower bodies. When you pedal faster, more of your muscles will work at once and you will burn more calories. The more calories you burn, the easier it will be for you to burn belly fat.
Should I go for an elliptical or a treadmill?
Go for an elliptical if you are injury-prone or if you have a musculoskeletal condition. But if you desire to burn more calories, increase your speed, and build more strength on your lower limbs, then go for a treadmill.
How long should I workout in the elliptical?
It is recommended that you spend between 30 and 45 minutes on the elliptical trainer at least four days a week.
Will my elliptical use a lot of electricity?
The amount of electricity consumed by the elliptical trainer will primarily depend on the make and model of the machine. But in a general sense, elliptical machines rarely consume a lot of power.
I have a knee problem. Can I still use elliptical trainers?
Elliptical machines are mainly low-impact activity workout machines. It won’t cause any serious pain to the knees. However, if you have a knee injury or a recurring knee problem, consult your doctor before you use an elliptical.
Can I lose weight by working on the elliptical every day?
As a cardio machine, you can burn between 270 and 400 calories when using an elliptical machine. If you desire to lose weight with the help of an elliptical, simply ensure that you burn more calories than you consume.
Which is ideal for seniors – an elliptical trainer or a treadmill?
An elliptical trainer is a low-impact workout machine compared to a treadmill. It is most suited for seniors who probably have joint pains or are suffering from conditions such as arthritis.
