Best Elliptical Machines 2023 — Do NOT Buy Before Reading This!

Recommendation

What to Look for when Buying an Elliptical Trainer

Flywheel

The weight of the flywheel affects how the elliptical feels and functions. Look for a flywheel of 20 pounds or heavier for top performance. The heavier flywheel creates a smooth motion through the stride.

Stride Length

Stride length should be modifiable for different users. Hybrid trainers have extended stride lengths for enhanced performance.

Folding/Storage

Some ellipticals will fold in half when not in use, which really clears up floor space. Most folding ellipticals have a slightly lighter frame. Other ellipticals may not fold, but many feature wheels under the front uprights so you can gently roll the machine out of the way when needed. Take a look at the options when considering folding and storage designs.

Upper Body Conditioning

Many ellipticals have moving arms that users can pull and push to engage upper body muscles. There should be coordination between stride and handlebars for synchronized motion.

Maximum User Weight

Look for a maximum user weight of 300lbs or more. This not only supports more users, it is also a good indication of elliptical design and durability.

Construction

Consider an elliptical that has durable metal or hardy resin parts. Thin plastic components, handlebars or pedals will break easier and crack when subjected to extreme temperatures or frequent use.

Drive Design

Ellipticals have either a front, center or rear drive design depending on wheel and motor placement. Rear drive ellipticals are generally more durable, while center and front drives tend to be more economical and sometimes fold up.

Warranty

Look for a product with a substantial warranty. This is a good indication of quality construction and company support.

Resistance

Pretty much all ellipticals offer several levels of resistance. Levels up to 20 or above provide a wide range of training options.

Incline

Some ellipticals offer incline in addition to resistance which compounds your conditioning by activating different muscle groups as you pedal. Working at an incline also stimulates higher calorie burn because it is more challenging.

Pre-loaded Programs

Most ellipticals come with a handful of standard, preloaded programs you can run on the machine, such as: Fat Burn, Hills, Intervals, etc. A range and variety of programs will provide more well-rounded fitness and keep you from getting bored.

Subscription Programs

Some newer machines also offer subscription programs that will load on your elliptical. These often include a trainer-led workout filmed in a studio class. Subscription options are often more fun and more engaging than the pre-loaded programs, but there is usually a monthly cost.

Heart Rate Control

An included heart rate strap that syncs to the console matrix is the best method of heart rate monitoring. EKG grips on the handlebars are also good, but these are typically less precise. Heart rate training allows you to find the right intervals for you personally.

Additional Features: Fans, Speakers, Bluetooth, Tablet Holder

Look for features that matter to you. Some ellipticals have fans, which is really nice when you are working hard. Speakers will play programming music and Bluetooth connectivity often allows users to sync their music to play through the elliptical speakers. Some ellipticals include a tablet holder for your phone or device so you can watch it while you workout.

There are lots of options when choosing a home elliptical trainer, so do some research to find the best one for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good elliptical?

A good elliptical is one that you’ll use regularly. We look for ellipticals that have over 20lb flywheels, and with maximum weight capacities of 300lbs+. Having a solid build and warranty are also indicators that it is a good elliptical.

Does the elliptical burn belly fat?

Ellipticals provide low impact workouts that burn calories. It may help burn belly fat, but be aware that you can’t spot reduce fat from specific areas on your body and you must be in a calorie deficit to lose fat. This means that you have to burn more calories than you consume.

If you’re looking to get into shape, improve your endurance, and burn calories the elliptical is a great option.

Which elliptical is best for home use?

We’ve rated the NordicTrack FS14i FreeStride Trainer Elliptical as our top elliptical for home use. It performs as 3 different machines, so you can adjust your stride to move like an elliptical, treadmill, and stair-stepper to target even more muscles. It also has a 14” touch screen that is iFit compatible so you can stream from thousands of guided workouts filmed all over the world.