The 6 Best Elliptical Machines in 2025

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Best Elliptical Machines Spotlight
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Shopping for an elliptical can feel overwhelming — there are dozens of models, specs that sound similar, and a wide range of prices. We know how important it is to pick a machine that fits your body, your space, and your goals, so our focus is helping you make a confident, well-informed choice. To do that, we didn’t rely on marketing copy alone: we analyzed thousands of real customer reviews, pulled out consistent praise and recurring complaints, and compared each model’s features directly against its competitors. That mix of data-driven insight and practical comparison lets us spotlight machines that deliver on durability, smooth performance, and long-term value.

Our process looks for the things that matter most in everyday use — stability under different user weights, realistic stride and resistance, reliable electronics and programs, user-friendly assembly, and honest warranty coverage. We cross-check manufacturer specs with user experiences to catch issues that don’t show up on paper, like squeaks, software glitches, or hard-to-reach customer service. The result is a curated list of ellipticals across budgets and use cases, with clear reasons why a particular model is a top pick. We aim to save you time and avoid buyer’s remorse by recommending high-quality machines backed by both large-scale customer feedback and careful feature comparison.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

SOLE E25
Overall Rating
4.5
Brand
SOLE
Resistance Levels
20
Max Weight
350 Pounds
Max Stride Length
20 Inches
Dimensions
69.69 x 24 x 69.96 inches
Weight
209 Pounds

The SOLE E25 earns its Best Overall spot by balancing comfort, stability, and smart connectivity in a compact footprint. Its space-saving dimensions and 350 lb capacity make it a practical fit for home gyms, while the therapist-designed pedals with a slight inward slope really stand out — they reduce ankle and knee strain during longer workouts. The adjustable ramp with 20 incline levels and the four-rail rear wheel system deliver a smooth, stable stride that feels more like a commercial machine than a typical home elliptical.

On the tech side, Seamless integration with the free Sole+ app and built-in Bluetooth speakers turn workouts into guided, engaging sessions without needing extra gadgets. The 20 lb flywheel, pulse-sensor handlebars, tablet holder and USB charging are all useful, if somewhat standard, additions. Altogether, the E25 is a comfortable, reliable choice for most users who want a durable, connected elliptical that won’t dominate their space.

Best Value For Money

Niceday Smart Elliptical CT11
Overall Rating
4.4
Brand
Niceday
Resistance Levels
16
Max Weight
400 Pounds
Max Stride Length
16 Inches
Dimensions
48 x 25 x 62 inches
Weight
106 Pounds

This elliptical delivers a surprising amount of value for the price. Setup is painless—90% pre-assembled so most people can be up and running in under 30 minutes—and the magnetic drive is genuinely quiet (the brand claims noise kept around 20 dB), which makes it easy to use at home without disturbing others. The roomy pedals, 15.5" stride and a wide user height range (4'9"–6'4") make it comfortable for most family members, and the 400 lb steel frame gives reassurance that it’s built to last. The 16 lb flywheel and 16 resistance levels provide smooth, varied workouts suitable for beginners through more committed exercisers, and Kinomap integration plus a clear monitor keeps sessions engaging and trackable.

A couple of things are average rather than premium: the flywheel isn’t as heavy as high-end commercial models and the console is functional rather than flashy. Still, given its solid construction, versatility and lifetime service promise, it’s an excellent value choice.

Best Premium

SOLE E98
Overall Rating
4.5
Brand
SOLE
Resistance Levels
20
Max Weight
400 Pounds
Max Stride Length
20 Inches
Dimensions
83 x 34 x 70 inches
Weight
246 Pounds

The Sole E98 earns its spot in the Best Premium category by delivering a genuinely smooth, comfortable ride—thanks to the 20" stride, articulating foot pedals, and a precision-balanced flywheel that all work together to feel more like a gym-grade machine than a bulky home unit. Its compact footprint and 400 lb capacity make it a practical choice for tighter spaces without sacrificing stability. The generous incline and resistance range (20 levels) plus screen mirroring and built-in media apps let you customize sessions to match any goal, and the Sole+ app brings plenty of guided classes to keep workouts interesting.

A few features that nudge it into premium territory are the touchscreen, Bluetooth speakers, wireless charging, and a fitness test that adapts based on heart rate. Some aspects are more middle-of-the-road—10 onboard programs is solid but not exhaustive—but overall the E98 balances performance, comfort, and thoughtful tech nicely. Just remember to confirm delivery scheduling so setup goes smoothly.

Best For Desk Workouts

Cubii Move
Overall Rating
4.4
Brand
Cubii
Resistance Levels
6
Max Weight
300 Pounds
Max Stride Length
18 Inches
Dimensions
19.69 x 9.45 x 21.65 inches
Weight
17.6 Pounds

If you want to stay active while working, the Cubii Move makes it easy to keep your legs engaged without leaving your chair. It’s compact and whisper‑quiet, so it won’t disturb calls or concentration, and the smooth, low‑impact elliptical motion is gentle on knees and back — great for rehabbing or simply building strength over time. The design targets six key leg muscles, giving a surprisingly effective cardio and toning boost during long stretches at a desk.

The built‑in LCD gives straightforward feedback — stride count, mileage, time, and calories — and you can manually log sessions to the Cubii app for extra tracking. That basic display and manual entry are practical if you only need simple metrics, though it’s not a high‑tech tracker with automatic syncing. Overall, for anyone prioritizing quiet, consistent movement while working from home, the Cubii Move is a user‑friendly, reliable choice for desk workouts.

Best For Hiit

Bowflex M3 Max Trainer
Overall Rating
4.4
Brand
Bowflex
Resistance Levels
8
Max Weight
300 Pounds
Max Stride Length
18 Inches
Dimensions
46.5 x 22.5 x 26.5 inches
Weight
139.8 Pounds

If you want a compact machine that actually makes short, intense workouts feel efficient, the Bowflex M3 is a smart pick for HIIT. Its hybrid elliptical-stepper motion keeps impact low while still forcing you to drive hard—great for sprint intervals without pounding your joints. The 14-minute Max Interval is perfectly geared toward HIIT routines, and the burn rate display is surprisingly motivating, showing calories per minute so you can push to hit targets on the fly. Including a chest-strap heart-rate monitor is a nice touch for tracking intensity accurately.

A few things are more basic: the console only offers two programs and resistance tops out at eight levels, so advanced athletes might miss deeper progression or richer training modes. Still, the adjustable dial, compact footprint, and clear feedback make it an excellent space-saving choice if your priority is quick, effective interval sessions rather than a full-featured smart trainer.

Best Budget-Friendly

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3919
Overall Rating
4.2
Brand
Sunny Health & Fitness
Resistance Levels
8
Max Weight
260 Pounds
Max Stride Length
9 Inches
Dimensions
44 x 25 x 64 inches
Weight
94.8 Pounds

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3919 feels like a surprisingly solid climber for the price. Its steel frame and 260 lb weight limit give it a reassuringly sturdy feel, and the 14 lb inertia-ready flywheel plus smooth belt-drive make climbs and strides feel fluid and quiet—great for shared living spaces. The eight-level magnetic resistance provides enough variety for casual users to progress, and the combined climb/stride motion (9-inch vertical, 5-inch horizontal) delivers an efficient, full-body effort. Practical touches like pulse-sensing grips, a simple performance monitor that tracks time, RPM, speed, distance, calories and pulse, a bottle holder, and transport wheels all add everyday convenience.

Keep in mind this is a budget machine: the console is basic compared with premium models, and the stride height/range won’t match commercial climbers. For most home users though, the SF-E3919 balances durability, quiet operation, and useful features—an excellent value if you want a capable climber without breaking the bank.

What To Look For

Choosing the right elliptical machine means balancing comfort, durability and workout versatility so you actually enjoy using it regularly.

  • Stride length: Look for a stride that matches your height and running style; too short feels cramped and too long can strain hips and knees.
  • Resistance type and levels: Magnetic or motorized resistance provides smooth progression; more levels let you fine-tune intensity for intervals and strength work.
  • Flywheel weight and smoothness: Heavier, well-balanced flywheels deliver smoother motion and better momentum, which reduces joint stress and feels more natural.
  • Incline and ramp options: Adjustable incline deepens muscle engagement and variety; a powered incline allows easy changes during workouts for more challenge.
  • Drive system and stride feel: Front-, center- or rear-drive designs change the pedal path; test the feel to ensure a natural, comfortable motion for your gait.
  • Console, metrics and connectivity: A clear console, heart rate tracking and Bluetooth or app support keep you motivated and help you track progress over time.
  • Programs and user profiles: Built-in workouts and multiple user settings make it simple to switch routines and keep training plans personalized and varied.
  • Footprint and storage: Measure the space available and check unit dimensions; folding or compact models are better for small rooms but ensure stability isn't compromised.
  • Build quality and stability: Solid construction, quality materials and a stable frame reduce wobble during intense sessions and extend the machine's lifespan.
  • Warranty, service and noise level: A strong warranty and accessible customer support protect your investment, and quiet operation is important if you share living space.

Prioritize stride comfort, durability and useful features so the machine you choose matches your body, goals and home environment.

How We Select Our Products

We don’t pick winners by gut feeling or flashy marketing — our selection process for the top elliptical machines is systematic, transparent, and built around what actually matters to people who’ll use these machines every day. First, we gather a wide range of data: aggregated star ratings from major retailers, hundreds of verified-purchase reviews, manufacturer specs, and any lab or in-person test results available. We pay special attention to consistent patterns in user feedback — for example, recurring praise for a smooth stride or recurring complaints about noisy resistance motors — because a single glowing review can’t outweigh a hundred repeat issues.

Each model is scored across several weighted criteria. Performance and ergonomics take priority (stride length, resistance range, incline, motion smoothness), followed by build quality and durability indicators (frame materials, weight capacity, warranty length). We evaluate connectivity and programming features (apps, preset workouts, heart-rate integration), and practical considerations like assembly difficulty, footprint and noise. Value-for-money is assessed by comparing features and long-term ownership costs against the asking price. We also factor in customer service responsiveness and return policies when available — poor support can turn a great machine into a nightmare.

When possible, we perform hands-on testing or consult fitness professionals to validate claims. We exclude models with unclear specs, unverifiable performance, or overwhelmingly negative safety reports. The result is a curated list that balances objective analysis with real-world experience, designed to help you pick an elliptical you’ll enjoy using years from now.

Final Thoughts

Picking the right elliptical can feel like a small life upgrade when it matches what you actually need. For people with joint pain or those recovering from injury, a low-impact elliptical delivers cardio without the pounding — you get a steady heart-rate boost and calorie burn while your knees and hips thank you. If your goal is weight loss or efficient conditioning, machines with adjustable resistance and preset interval programs let you push hard when you want and recover smartly, so every minute on the machine counts.

Different ellipticals also cater to body type and training style. Longer stride lengths and dual-action handlebars create a full-body workout for taller users or those who want to recruit arms and core; compact, folding, or front-drive machines are better for tight apartments. If you care about tracking progress, models with accurate metrics, Bluetooth, or app integration make it easy to follow improvements or stream classes that keep motivation high. Budget and durability matter too — a sturdy frame, good warranty, and serviceability mean you won’t be replacing the unit after a season.

Ultimately, the “right” elliptical is the one that fits your body, space, and goals so you actually use it. Try before you buy if possible, check stride length and comfort, compare resistance types, and read real-user feedback. Choosing thoughtfully saves money, reduces frustration, and increases the odds that the machine becomes a consistent part of your routine — and that’s where real fitness gains happen.

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