5 Best Elliptical Machine Choices For Building A Home Gym
Category: Elliptical Machine Reviews
If you’re a regular at the gym or have done some research into building cardiovascular strength and complete body fitness, you know that find the best elliptical machine gives you the most effective and comprehensive tool with which to get into and stay in shape.
Gym memberships cost money though, and we often don’t feel like going to one, especially during the winter.
The solution is simple – get a home elliptical machine! Reliable models can be had for as little as a couple hundred dollars.
Here are in-depth reviews of the 5 best elliptical machine choices we reviewed that will invigorate, strengthen, and sculpt your body into a healthier, happier person.
Top 5 Best Elliptical Machines: Comparison Chart
1. Schwinn Fitness 470 Elliptical
Schwinn had resounding success back in 2013 when they released a new line of elliptical machines catering to the serious home gym owner.
The 470 builds on the original design, adding a dual screen, many diverse programs, and support for a number of fitness apps. It’s the ideal product for the connected fitness enthusiast while being accessible enough for any family member to give it a go as well.
Product Highlights
The Schwinn Fitness 470 Elliptical was built to be a comprehensive solution to your cardiovascular and muscle-toning workouts. It is outfitted with magnetic eddy brakes that ensure a good selection of resistances (25 in total) without having a negative impact on your joints.
Workouts are both easy to start and control thanks to a dual screen display which shows all pertinent info on two screens. You can cover one with a book or tablet and still keep track of distance traveled, calories burned etc.
The 470 ensures your workout is both comfortable and enjoyable. It has a 3-speed fan to keep you cool, a set of speakers, and a USB charging port. You get to choose between 29 programs including ones intended for intense cardio and fitness assessment.
The 470 supports up to four user profiles so everyone in the family can have instant access to their preferred settings. The elliptical’s maximum incline is 10 degrees and split up into five stages you can switch to automatically.
What’s to like about the Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine
The Schwinn Fitness 470 Elliptical model performs solidly on all fronts and is affordable considering all the features you get. Still, its stand-out feature is the variety of supported apps. It integrates with the Schwinn Trainer, an app which keeps track of your performance and allows you to set long-term fitness goals.
The data it gathers can be exported to MyFitnessPal, an app that provides nutritional data and recipes tailored to specific diet plans. Finally, the 470 supports RunSocial, an app that turns your workout into a mixed reality experience by simulating real-life trails.
What’s not to like about the Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine
Although it is well-built, something in the 470’s design can cause it to start making a clicking sound when it’s been in use for a while. This has no bearing on its performance but may become annoying. Its labor warranty is only 90 days, far below that of competitors like ProForm.
PROS
- Good balance of price and performance
- Excellent connectivity options
- Useful dual screen setup
CONS
- Starts to make clicking noises with use
- Short warranty on labor
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Nautilus is another company with a long tradition of creating superb exercise equipment.
The is a mid-range elliptical trainer that anyone can hop on and start using while still being able to keep up with the needs of exercise veterans.
It has fewer programs than Schwinn Fitness 470 Elliptical, but you’re getting features like a dual screen display and 3-stage fan at an even lower price. Plus, the same magnetic eddy brake technology is used, so expect a smooth ride no matter the resistance level you set.
Product Highlights
The E614 has a small footprint, meaning you can set it up in a smaller gym without cluttering it up. At 170 pounds it isn’t exactly light, but a set of wheels make transporting and setting it up anywhere easier. Once it’s installed, you’ll find that the E614 is easy to configure and use.
Comfort is taken care of with a 3-stage fan, bottle holder, and built-in speakers. To ensure the best workout results, the E614 has ergonomic padded pedals and a heart rate monitor that’s built into the handlebars. There’s a dual screen setup similar to that of the 470.
The only significant difference is that the E614’s screens are monochrome. Still, they’re intuitive and easy to read even in subdued lighting.
What’s to like about the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer
The elliptical comes with 22 programs which cover everything from good running simulations through 8 stages of cardio to workouts designed to assess your fitness level. The programs geared towards running are especially interesting.
They’re split into three groups of runs each with three stages. These cover more casual runs for novices, simulated mountain conditions for hikers, as well as grueling challenge runs for the most experienced users.
What’s not to like about the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer
By far the biggest problem with the E614 is its lack of automatic incline adjustment. There are six stages of incline, but you’ll have to step off of the machine and adjust each one manually.
This may not bother most people, but will quickly turn into a problem for those that incorporate varying difficulty into their outlines. At the height of their rotation, the pedals end to tilt forward, which may be awkward or even painful.
PROS
- Great selection of programs
- Easy to assemble and set up
- Integrated heart rate monitor
CONS
- Incline needs to be adjusted manually
- Pedals tilt forward at rotation high point
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Creature comforts are fine and all, but they can motivate as well as distract you from reaching your fitness goals.
Ancheer offers a more barebones solution in their elliptical trainer. This is a lightweight, portable machine without the bells and whistles of more expensive models.
Even so, it’s a great entry-level elliptical since it offers eight resistance levels and noiseless operation. It’s perfect for people who exercise a few times per week or on the weekend and want a dependable elliptical that can easily fit into the living room.
Product Highlights
At around 80 pounds, the is the lightest elliptical on our list. Don’t mistake this for shoddy construction though – the build quality is good and further supported by massive screws. Setting Ancheer’s elliptical trainer up is a breeze. If you follow along with the well-written instructions, you can have it running in half an hour.
The pedals have two non-slip pads each which add to your stability. The grips are rubberized and have pulse sensors which accurately transmit your heart rate to the LCD screen. Speaking of which, the screen shows different exercise stats in big, easy-to-read numbers.
You can monitor your pulse, traveled distance, burned calories, time spent on the machine, or your current speed. Pressing the scan button will toggle between a single stat and a rotation containing all of them.
What’s to like about the Ancheer Elliptical Machine Trainer
The best thing about Ancheer’s elliptical trainer is its ease of use. The eight resistance levels are easy to switch between using a knob, and accessing any piece of workout data is as easy as pressing the corresponding button.
Exercising on this machine feels smooth and rewarding. It is whisper-quiet, doesn’t start making odd sounds even with continued use, and is easy to move around.
What’s not to like about the Ancheer Elliptical Machine Trainer
The has a very short stride. A 20-inch stride is recommended for average-sized adults while shorter people and teens should be comfortable with strides of 16-18 inches.
At 13 inches, Ancheer’s stride is far shorter. This isn’t a problem on its own but may be uncomfortable for taller people and the workout won’t be as effective since the leg muscles aren’t stretched enough.
PROS
- Quick and easy setup
- Affordable
- Tracks pertinent fitness data on big LCD screen
CONS
- Small stride length
- No incline adjustment options
4. ProForm Endurance 920 E...
At close to $1,000, the ProForm Endurance 920 E Elliptical is the most expensive elliptical we’ve tested. Considering its excellent build and a host of features normally found on much more expensive models, it’s value is actually one of the 920 E’s standout features.
This is the elliptical to get if you’re building a serious home gym and want to push yourself with endless track setups and in-depth settings.
Product Highlights
Every setting on the 920 E’s touchscreen LCD display can be adjusted to suit your needs. There are 24 resistance levels, 32 programs including preset and custom options, and the incline can even be adjusted up to 20 degrees. Meanwhile, you’ll always be cool and comfortable thanks to a 2-speed fan and a set of speakers outfitted with a docking port for an iPod.
Along with numerous workouts, you can tailor your position on the 920 E as well. It features an adjustable stride length and handles that can be gripped from different heights and angles to adjust your workout difficulty.
The screen console has both battery and AC power and runs a fully functional Android operating system, meaning you can browse the web or watch movies while exercising. One of its more interesting features is support for iFit. This service grants you access to Google maps of running and hiking trails from all around the world.
As you progress on the trail, the incline changes to match that of the real trail and you’re treated to vistas of real-life landmarks you’d encounter on it.
What’s to like about the ProForm Endurance 920 E Elliptical
The ProForm Endurance 920 E... is the only elliptical on the list with an adjustable stride. Most people will find the default 20-inch stride most comfortable, but if you want to burn some extra calories or make the machine easier to use for a shorter family member, 18- and 22-inch options are also available. The flywheel is mounted in the front which considerably decreases the machine’s footprint.
What’s not to like about the ProForm Endurance 920 E Elliptical
iFit is an integral part of the ProForm training experience. Unfortunately, it isn’t free – subscriptions start at $9/month. It takes a while for the screen’s SO to load everything, so you’ll need to wait up to a minute before you can adjust settings and keep track of a workout.
PROS
- Excellent value for the money
- Lots of programs and custom tracks to choose from
- Adjustable stride length
CONS
- iFit requires a monthly subscription
- LCD screen boot up takes a long while
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The last elliptical we’ll be reviewing is also the least expensive. It is made by Exerpeutic and even though it offers mostly basic features, the is still a worthwhile investment.
The elliptical is easy to use, provides a good workout for both your lower and upper body, and won’t take up much space in your home gym.
This is the elliptical to get if you’re just starting out on your exercise journey and are looking for a no-frills, reliable piece of equipment.
Product Highlights
Less-expensive elliptical machines tend to have jerky movements which disrupt your natural rhythm. You’ll experience nothing like that when using the 1000XL. Its motions are fluid and free from bouncing. Coupled with the freely moving handlebars, you can go through a full range of motions and get a full body workout.
The elliptical has 8 resistance levels adjustable by turning a knob located under the onboard computer. Speed, elapsed time, travel distance, burned calories, and your heart rate are tracked on a monochrome LCD screen. It runs on two AA batteries which don’t need to be replaced frequently.
What’s not to like about the Exerpeutic 1000XL Magnetic Elliptical
For an elliptical which costs less than $200, the 1000XL is a machine with superb stability. In spite of having solid steel tubing, it isn’t nearly as heavy as ProForm’s 920 E. Even so, this model has a respectable weight limit of 300 pounds and won’t buckle under it.
What’s not to like about the Exerpeutic 1000XL Magnetic Elliptical
Like Ancheer’s elliptical trainer, this model has a fixed stride length of 13 inches. This is good if you want to minimize your elliptical’s footprint but may lead to worse results as your muscles won’t be used to the fullest.
The was also the hardest elliptical to assemble. It comes with many tiny parts and confusing instructions. If you decide to get it, consider having it assembled by a pro to save yourself the trouble.
PROS
- Everything you need for a basic workout
- Very affordable
- Excellent stability even at its weight limit
CONS
- Small stride length
- Hard to assemble
FINAL VERDICT
Considering the breadth of features, creature comforts, and the value you’re getting, we believe that the ProForm 920 E is by far the best elliptical machine you can get for your home gym today.
If you aren’t ready to spend quite as much money, Schwinn 470 is a good alternative that doesn’t sacrifice on quality or features.
If you’re looking to spend as little as possible and still get an elliptical machine that won’t fall to pieces after a month of use, the is your best bet.
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Best Elliptical Machines For Home Use
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Interested in more options in this category? Check out our extended product listing below:
Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine
2 used from $599.99
Magnetic Elliptical Machine Trainer by Sunny Health & Fitness with LCD Monitor, 220 LB Max Weight, 8 Level Resistance and Pulse Monitor - SF-E905
$142.45 in stock
Body Power BRT5088 Trio Trainer Machine 3 in 1 Elliptical Trainer Upright Bike and Recumbent Bike, Encased Flywheel
$239.40 in stock
1 used from $181.84
Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider
3 used from $93.23
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer Elliptical Machine Glider w/ LCD Monitor, 220 LB Max Weight and 45 Inch Stride
$97.30 in stock
7 used from $84.48
ATIVAFIT Under Desk Elliptical Bike, Pedal Exerciser, Mini Elliptical Machine with Non-Slip Pedal, Display Monitor and Adjustable Resistance, Quiet & Compact Electric Trainer Fitness Peddler
Body Rider Elliptical Trainer and Exercise Bike with Seat and Easy Computer / Dual Trainer 2 in 1 Cardio Home Office Fitness Workout Machine BRD2000
Body Power Trio Trainer Machine 3 in 1 Elliptical Trainer Upright Bike and Recumbent Bike with Weighted Chrome Wheel BRT5118
$255.94 in stock
3 used from $194.06
ProForm Hybrid Trainer
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Trainer Machine w/Tablet Holder, LCD Monitor, 265 Max Weight and Pulse Monitor - Stride Zone - SF-E3865
$675.27 in stock
1 used from $410.66
Body Champ 3-in-1 Trio Trainer Plus Two, Silver
$226.90 in stock
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3607 Magnetic Elliptical Bike Elliptical Machine w/ Tablet Holder, LCD Monitor and Heart Rate Monitoring
Fitness Reality E5500XL Magnetic Elliptical Trainer with Comfortable 18" Stride
Body Champ 2 in 1 Cardio Dual Trainer/Elliptical Workout and Upright Exercise Bike with Heart Rate, Computer Resistance BRM3671
$123.56 in stock
Stamina InMotion Compact Strider with Cords
1 used from $112.09
Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer with Air Resistance System, Adjustable Levels and Easy Computer BR1830
Bowflex Max Trainer M7
horizon fitness EX-59 Elliptical
$598.60 in stock
Body Champ JUST LAUNCHED 3-in-1 Trio-Trainer/Elliptical, Upright Stationary, and Recumbent Exercise Bike All in ONE Machine BRT1875
$298.99 in stock
XTERRA Fitness FS2.5 Elliptical Trainer Machine
$298.55 in stock
1 used from $269.60
Marcy Magnetic Elliptical Trainer Cardio Workout Machine with Transport Wheels NS-40501E
1 used from $210.00
Cubii Jr: Desk Elliptical with Built in Display Monitor, Easy Assembly, Quiet & Compact, Adjustable Resistance (Turquoise)
9 used from $226.32
ANCHEER Desk Elliptical w/Built in Display Monitor, Quiet & Compact, Electric Elliptical Machine Trainer (Gray)
Body Rider BRT5800 3-in-1 Trio Trainer Workout Machine, Black/Gray/Silver/Red
1 used from $176.24
Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine
$899.00 in stock
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Trainer Machine w/Device Holder, Programmable Monitor and Heart Rate Monitoring, 330 LB Max Weight - SF-E3912
$387.76 in stock
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Trainer Machine w/Tablet Holder, LCD Monitor, 265 LB Max Weight and Pulse Monitoring - Circuit Zone
1 used from $314.79
ATIVAFIT Under Desk Elliptical Bike, Pedal Exerciser, Mini Elliptical Machine with Non-Slip Pedal, Display Monitor and Adjustable Resistance, Quiet & Compact Home Office Trainer Fitness Peddler
Body Power StepTrac 2 in 1 Elliptical Stepper Workout HIIT Trainer with Curve-Crank Technology
$319.99 in stock
1 used from $395.00
Gazelle Edge by Tony Little
Sunny Health & Fitness Motorized Elliptical Trainer Elliptical Machine with Programmable Monitor, High Weight Capacity and 20 Inch Stride - SF-E3875
$609.95 in stock
Fast88 Electric Elliptical Machine Trainer,Desk Elliptical with Built in Display Monitor, Quiet & Compact (Grey)
$209.00 in stock
Concept2 Model D with PM5 Performance Monitor Indoor Rower Rowing Machine Black
SNODE E20i Magnetic Elliptical Machine Trainer Fitness Exercise Equipment for Home Workout with Bluetooth Capability
$320.48 in stock
NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i Elliptical Trainers
Nautilus E616 Elliptical Trainer
$946.33 in stock
Exerputic 6000 QF Magnetic Elliptical with Bluetooth MyCloudFitness App
$399.45 in stock
Sunny Health & Fitness Fully Assembled Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical – SF-E3872
$122.17 in stock
8 used from $91.66
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike Exercise Bike, 350lb High Weight Capacity, Cross Training, Arm Exercisers, Monitor, Pulse Rate Monitoring - SF-RB4708
$294.01 in stock
XTERRA Fitness FS1.5 Elliptical Machine Trainer
Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709
$161.49 in stock
5 used from $137.24
Fast88 Electric Elliptical Machine Trainer,Desk Elliptical with Built in Display Monitor, Quiet & Compact (Gray)
XTERRA Fitness FS3.0 Elliptical Machine Trainer
$344.00 in stock
Marcy Upright Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-708
1 used from $122.29
Body Flex Sports Body Champ 3 in 1 Trio Trainer
$299.00 in stock
1 used from $285.00
TUNTURI C30 Rear Cardio Fit Series Elliptical Crosstrainer with Heart Rate Monitor, Black
Stamina 55-1602 Inmotion Elliptical, Green
3 used from $98.74
Fitness Reality 4000MR Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine with 15 Workout Programs, 2677, Black
$639.33 in stock
1 used from $485.03
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike Exercise Bike, 350lb High Weight Capacity, Arm Exercisers, Monitor, Pulse Rate Monitoring - SF-RB4631
1 used from $348.77
Marcy Regenerating Recumbent Exercise Bike with Adjustable Seat, Pulse Monitor and Transport Wheels ME-706
2 used from $221.55
DeskCycle Ellipse: Under Desk Elliptical Machine - Mini Seated Exercise Equipment - Easy Setup, Compact, Adjustable Resistance
Stamina InMotion Compact Strider
$129.00 in stock
2 used from $113.22
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Trainer Machine w/ Tablet Holder, LCD Monitor, 220 LB Max Weight and Pulse Monitor - SF-E3810,Gray
$265.98 in stock
Bionic Body Magnetic Tension Under-Desk Elliptical Mini Stepper Trainer with Resistance Tubes NS-1009
3 used from $130.17
Sunny Health & Fitness Portable Stand Up Elliptical - SF-E3908, Gray
$114.56 in stock
2 used from $99.73
Sunny Health & Fitness Squat Assist Row-N-Ride Trainer for Squat Exercise and Glutes Workout
$106.01 in stock
9 used from $93.29
Fast88 Electric Elliptical Machine Trainer,Desk Elliptical with Built in Display Monitor, Quiet & Compact (Red)
Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike with Pulse
$93.90 in stock
1 used from $150.00
FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical Trainer - Elliptical Bike Pedal Machine for Home Use or Office
Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike with Adjustable Resistance for Cardio Workout and Strength Training NS-652
4 used from $96.66
Bowflex M8 Max Trainer
ANCHEER Under Desk Cycle Mini Stationary Bike for Leg and Arm Exercise with LCD Monitor, 2-in-1 Pedal Exerciser PE-Bike Pro for iOS and Android with Free APP
Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Bike with Adjustable Resistance and Transport Wheels NS-716R
$239.99 in stock
3 used from $166.63
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike Exercise Bike with Digital Monitor, 300 lb Capacity, Easy Adjustable Seat, Pulse Rate Monitor
$152.09 in stock
2 used from $144.49
Portable Fitness Pedal Stationary Under Desk Indoor Exercise Machine Bike for Arms, Legs, Physical Therapy with LCD Display Calorie Counter by Wakeman
3 used from $35.88
Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser Portable Home Exercise Bike Pedal Exerciser Foot Peddler Portable Therapy Bicycle Leg Peddler Portable Mini Cycle Bike for Hands Arm or Feet Trainer Mini Exercise Bike
Sunny Health & Fitness Air Resistance Hybrid Fan Bike - SF-B2618
$150.18 in stock
TODO Pedal Exerciser Stationary Medical Peddler with Digital LCD Monitor
JOROTO Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike with Magnetic Resistance Exercise Bikes Stationary Bike
$399.99 in stock
5 used from $334.87
Drive Medical Deluxe Folding Exercise Peddler with Electronic Display , Black Model # RTL10273
$44.99 in stock
2 used from $23.45
Marcy Magnetic Upright Bike With 8 Levels of Resistance NS-40504U,Grey
DeskCycle Under Desk Cycle,Pedal Exerciser - Stationary Mini Exercise Bike - Office, Home Equipment
$179.00 in stock
DeskCycle 2 Under Desk Cycle,Pedal Exerciser - Stationary Mini Exercise Bike -Office, Home Equipment - Adjustable Legs
Marcy Portable Magnetic Mini Cycle Compact Under-Desk Pedal Cardio Exerciser NS-9200
Stamina Recumbent Exercise Bike with Upper Body Exerciser
$241.74 in stock
Nordictrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle
3 used from $975.07
NICEDAY Elliptical Machine, Cross Trainer with Hyper-Quiet Magnetic Driving System, 16 Resistance Levels, 400LB Weight Limit
$599.00 in stock
EFITMENT Magnetic Elliptical Machine Trainer w/LCD Monitor and Pulse Rate Grips (E005)
LOYO Magnetic Elliptical Machine for Home Use,Elliptical Training Machine with 8 Levels Adjustable Resistance LCD Monitor and Pulse Sensor .Heavy Duty 3pc Crank for Stronger Intensity and Durability.
Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Machine
$549.99 in stock
NOWFIT 510P Elliptical Machine,Cross Trainer Magnetic Training Machine with 16 Level Resistance and Digital Monitor
Sunny Health & Fitness 2 in 1 Magnetic Elliptical Upright Bike - SF-E3903 (SF-E3903)
Sunny Health & Fitness Programmable Cardio Elliptical Trainer - SF-E3890, Black
$325.39 in stock
Sunny Health & Fitness Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser, Desk Elliptical Mini Bike - SF-B0891 , Gray
$90.83 in stock
10 used from $61.74
Sunny Health & Fitness Premium Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine - SF-E3919, Black
$387.76 in stock
YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike Stationary - Cycle Bike with Ipad Mount &Comfortable Seat Cushion (Gray)
$309.99 in stock
ANCHEER Under Desk Elliptical, Indoor Mini Pedal Exerciser, Electric Under Desk Elliptical Machine Trainer with Built in Display Monitor Quiet & Compact Exercise Equipment for Home Workouts
$219.00 in stock
1 used from $149.99