The 6 Best Ellipticals of 2025, Tested and Reviewed by Fitness Experts

Whether you’re looking to burn calories or improve cardiovascular health, this machine has you covered. Its versatility, customizable resistance settings, seamless app integration, and overall build quality make it an excellent choice for individuals of all fitness levels. Its wide range of workout options and adjustable resistance settings make it suitable for nearly anyone, too.

The Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine has proven to be the most reliable elliptical machine I’ve had the pleasure of using. Its sturdy construction, easy one-person assembly, and whisper-quiet operation make for a machine that is as easy to use day-to-day as it is durable over time. The machine operates almost silently, which is a welcome feature for those who want to workout without disturbing others in their household.

With a whopping 29 different workout modes, this machine offers a range of options to keep your elliptical routine exciting and challenging. Whether you prefer high-intensity interval training, steady-state cardio, or endurance workouts, you can do it all on this machine.

The Schwinn 470 has 25 resistance settings that can be adjusted swiftly to match your desired workout intensity. Whether you’re aiming for a gentle warm-up or a grueling full-body workout, you can easily fine-tune the resistance to meet your needs.

Connectivity is a major plus with this. machine. It seamlessly syncs with your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to connect with popular fitness apps like MyFitnessPal, Google Fit, Apple Health, and more, making it easy to track and share your progress.

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The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 is tailor-made for individuals who are ready to challenge themselves on an elliptical. Whether you’re working out on an elliptical to supplement your cardio or to improve cardiovascular health, the M9 delivers the toughest workout we’ve discovered in the world of elliptical machines.

This elliptical leaves others in the dust when it comes to a challenging workout. Its unique combo of elliptical and stepper movements creates a workout experience that got us sweating. With 20 resistance levels at your disposal, you can gradually increase the challenge, ensuring that every session remains demanding and effective.

Let’s talk specifics. The variety of positioned handlebars offers versatility in your workout routine, allowing you to maintain proper form throughout your sessions. Its 10-inch HD touchscreen is crisp yet modestly sized, allowing you to stream workout videos, music playlists, and even video services like Netflix and Hulu. This feature adds a layer of entertainment and motivation to your workouts, ideally making your time spent on the machine more enjoyable in the long run.

We love it for home use because it operates almost silently. This is a significant advantage, especially if you live in a shared space or prefer to workout without creating noisy distractions.

Yes, it comes with a premium price tag, but it justifies every cent with its build quality and performance. Its construction delivers on durability and longevity, making it a worthwhile investment for those committed to their home fitness journey. The combination of tech features, reliability, and the ability to provide one of the toughest elliptical workouts in the industry makes it one of the best ellipticals we’ve ever tried.

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The Max Total 16 will give you a similarly intense workout as the Max Trainer M9. In fact, the experience using either Bowflex machine is very similar. The Max Total 16 and Max Trainer 9 offer the same warranty, are the same size, have the same weight capacity, and feature the same levels of resistance. So, what’s the difference? This machine features a larger, crisp 16-inch touchscreen to make streaming classes and following preset workouts even more user-friendly.

The Max Total 16 is the latest in this Bowflex series. It’s super compact for an elliptical-style trainer, so it’s perfect for city-dwellers with smaller living spaces. With up to 20 levels of resistance and pre-programmed workouts, we found this machine to really help push you while working out at home. The generous, 16-inch touchscreen console also comes with Max Total, a platform of custom-guided workouts and virtual coaching to provide structure and motivation for those who like that kind of thing.

At north of $2,000, it’s pricier than most ellipticals we’ve seen and tested. But, given its premium build, Bowflex branding, and long list of features (namely, a massive touchscreen) we think it’s worth it for those who prefer a spacious interface. We especially love the six-week buy-back guarantee that allows you to try before you commit to buying. Plus, it’s often on sale.

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This elliptical trainer is a perfect match for individuals of all fitness levels, from beginners looking to kickstart their home gym to those craving diversity in their cardio routine. If you appreciate versatility, interactive training, customization, and a compact yet robust design, the FS10i is made for you.

The FS10i is the definition of versatility when it comes to ellipticals, functioning as an elliptical, treadmill, and stepper—all in one compact design. The ability to switch between these modes means you can diversify your workouts from one machine and add variety to your fitness routine. The customizable, auto-adjusting stride can be set anywhere from 0 to a generous 32 inches to adapt to most users’ heights and preferences to find their perfect stride.

With 26 resistance levels and an adjustable incline of up to 10 percent, you have complete control over the intensity of your workouts. Whether you want to embark on a gentle cardio session or a high-intensity interval training session that leaves you breathless, this elliptical can accommodate your needs.

Its user-friendly, 10-inch smart touchscreen is your gateway to tracking personal performance and enjoying an interactive workout experience. Access to personal training and on-demand workouts adds a dynamic dimension to your elliptical training regimen. Whether you prefer virtual outdoor runs or live, instructor-led classes, this elliptical offers a ton of options to keep you engaged and challenged appropriately.

With a price tag of nearly $2,000 and weighing in at 300 pounds, its not a small investment, but it’s versatility proves its worth every penny.

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The ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical is the best choice for budget-conscious individuals who want to enjoy elliptical workouts at home without breaking the bank. This elliptical machine is particularly suitable for beginners and first-timers looking to begin building a home gym repertoire. With its durable build, user-friendly features, and budget-friendly price tag, it’s an excellent option for those who want a reliable and effective elliptical without the hefty price.

Despite it being a budget model, this machine offers a comfortable workout experience. Its oversized pedals and 19-inch stride length improve its accessibility, especially for larger individuals.

Staying connected is a priority, and the Carbon EL doesn’t disappoint in this regard. It seamlessly connects to your smartphone or tablet, offering access to a library of engaging workouts. We love that the machine’s resistance can be adjusted automatically when using certain pre-set programs, which simplifies the user experience. This feature also adds an interactive element to your workouts, making it feel like you have a personal trainer guiding you towards your goals.

During my time using the ProForm Carbon EL, I was impressed by its sturdy and stable feel, particularly for a budget model. No wobbling or instability here, even when we picked up the speed and intensity.

The main highlight of the ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical is undoubtedly its price. At under $1,000 delivered, it offers exceptional value for the budget-conscious consumer. It’s not the absolute cheapest option on the market, but its combination of durability, features, and affordability strikes the perfect balance between quality and cost-effectiveness.

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The Sole E25 Elliptical is all about a stable ride and high-end features without breaking the bank. That’s where this machine shines.

It was co-developed with physical therapists to eliminate all strain on knee, hip, and ankle joints for an even-lower-impact workout. With 20 levels of resistance, it’s completely customizable, so you’re guaranteed to get a great workout regardless of your fitness level. The 20-pound flywheel, 10 preset workouts, and oversized foot pedals keep every workout feeling smooth and comfortable. Plus, it also has a cooling fan, water bottle holder, and Bluetooth speakers built into the console.

At just north of $1,000 (including free shipping), this is not just one of the most durable elliptical trainers we’ve tested, it’s also among the most affordable machines for users of all levels. We especially love the generous, and rare, lifetime frame warranty—something even most premium elliptical trainer brands don’t offer.

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Can You Lose Weight Using An Elliptical?

“Like all pieces of cardio equipment, the elliptical can help on any weight loss journey if it’s a style of cardio you enjoy and are comfortable doing repeatedly,” explains Samuel.

Weight loss boils down to creating a calorie deficit, meaning burning more calories than you consume through your diet. “Any device that helps you be more active throughout your day can help you burn more calories and push you closer to that deficit,” says Samuel

That includes the elliptical, although Samuel cautions that “it won’t deliver the most intense calorie burn out there, and it won’t build much muscle.”

However, if you enjoy the elliptical experience more than, say, an airbike or a rower, then you’ll use it more frequently, contributing to overall calories burned. Pair it with some strength training, and you’ll be on your way to a well-rounded training program to achieve your weight loss goals.

Who Is an Elliptical Best for?

Among the many reasons someone looking to invest in their health may want to buy an elliptical is one primary advantage: It provides a low-impact workout. Which makes it an especially great option for those with joint issues, older adults, or those recovering from an injury.

For those who prefer some guidance and entertainment to stay engaged during lengthy cardio sessions, you’re in luck. Many ellipticals on the market today offer a range of workout programs and modes included trainer-led sessions, live leaderboard rankings, global scenic routes, and more. Making it hard to ever get bored.

What Is Zone 2 Training?

Zone 2 training is defined by working out with your heart rate hovering between 60 and 70 percent of its maximum. Think of it like this: When exercising in zone 2, you should be able to talk on the phone, but the person you’re talking to should be able to tell that you’re working out.

It’s more than just a workout; some believe it’s a key player in building and strengthening your mitochondria—the cellular powerhouses responsible for generating the energy needed for muscle contractions.

Do Ellipticals Provide a Full-Body Workout?

Not truly. You’re getting full-body motion, but you’re not getting a truly full-body workout, says Samuel. “There are too many things not happening on the elliptical that would happen if you were going out on a run or using a different cardio machine, such as a rower,” he says. “You’re not accelerating or forcing your body to deal with natural deceleration (as you do when you run), and there’s very limited potential progressively overload (which happen when doing even basic calisthenics workouts). An elliptical can supplement a full-body workout, but it’s not a replacement for one.”

Should You Buy an Elliptical or a Treadmill?

While treadmills and ellipticals are similar, they differ in a few key ways. Researchers found that elliptical trainers provide the same cardiovascular benefits as treadmill running, without the impact on your joints. So they’re a perfect solution if you’re a runner who wants to stay in race shape without excessive pounding to your ankles, knees and hips.

But a 2021 study that the treadmill burns calories at the highest rate of any exercise machine. If you’re looking for a cardio machine that’s easier on joints, an elliptical can be useful. However, if you’re looking for a rig that can burn calories fastest, invest in a treadmill instead.