Best Elliptical Machines (Expert Consensus)

Last reviewed: 2026-04-29
(This page is updated periodically as expert recommendations and market conditions change.)

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Table of Contents

Category Overview & Market Context

What This Category Is

Elliptical machines — also called elliptical trainers or cross trainers — are stationary cardio machines that simulate walking, jogging, or running with a smooth, low-impact motion. Unlike treadmills, ellipticals constrain your feet to pedals that travel a fixed oval path, eliminating the repetitive ground impact that can stress joints. Most models also incorporate moving handlebars for a full-body workout that engages the arms, back, and core alongside the legs and glutes.

State of the Market

The home elliptical market in 2025–2026 spans a wide range, from basic self-powered models to premium machines with large touchscreen displays and subscription-based interactive programming platforms like iFIT and JRNY. Major brands include SOLE Fitness, NordicTrack, Schwinn, Bowflex, Horizon Fitness, ProForm, and Merach. Experts note that elliptical design varies significantly from machine to machine — the spacing, positioning, and path of the pedals create noticeably different workout experiences, making in-person testing particularly important in this category. A growing trend is the vertical elliptical or stair-stepper hybrid (such as the Bowflex Max Trainer series), which offers a more compact footprint but a different motion pattern than traditional ellipticals.

Who This Is For / Not For

Elliptical machines are well suited for anyone seeking a low-impact cardiovascular workout at home — including people recovering from injuries, those with joint sensitivities, beginners building a fitness habit, and experienced exercisers who want a full-body cardio option alongside running or cycling. They are less well suited for buyers with very limited space (ellipticals are among the largest home cardio machines), those who prefer the specific biomechanics of running (ellipticals do not replicate a true running stride), or anyone unwilling to invest in a machine that can be difficult to resell. This review focuses on consumer-grade elliptical machines rather than commercial-grade units typically suited for use at gyms and fitness centers.

How This Review Was Produced

This review is based on expert consensus rather than a single reviewer’s opinion.

We analyze and synthesize recommendations from multiple independent expert review sources that meet our editorial quality and transparency standards. We document where experts agree, where they differ, and why. No single source determines our recommendations.

We do not conduct original product testing. Instead, we rely on experts who do — such as publications that perform hands-on testing, lab measurements, or clearly documented evaluation methodologies.

Manufacturers do not influence our recommendations. Advertising, affiliate relationships, or commercial considerations do not affect which products are included, how they are ranked, or how they are described.

When helpful, we also consult additional secondary review outlets to understand how broader expert opinion aligns — or conflicts — with the primary consensus. These secondary sources do not determine winners but may provide context or confirmation.

Top Picks at a Glance

Best Overall

SOLE E95S

The top-rated elliptical in Consumer Reports’ lab testing, the SOLE E95S combines an adjustable stride length, 20 levels of incline, and a heavy-duty build with no required subscription — earning the strongest evidence-based consensus among the experts we reviewed.

Best Budget Elliptical Machine

Horizon EX-59

A solidly built, subscription-free elliptical with Bluetooth connectivity and a compact footprint, the Horizon EX-59 earned more expert endorsements in the budget tier than any other model we evaluated.

Top Picks in Detail

Below are our recommendations explained in more depth, including why experts agree and where each pick has trade-offs.

Best Overall: SOLE E95S

BEST OVERALL

Sole E95S

SOLE E95S

The highest-scoring elliptical in Consumer Reports’ lab testing and a top pick among fitness-specialist reviewers, the SOLE E95S delivers a smooth, quiet ride with an adjustable stride length, 20 incline levels, and a 13.3-inch touchscreen — all without requiring a paid subscription to access its core features.

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Moderate Consensus Note: This recommendation reflects Moderate Consensus. Consumer Reports rates the SOLE E95S as its top-scoring elliptical, and Treadmill Review Guru independently selects the closely related SOLE E95 as Best Overall. However, the broader expert field is fragmented, with six different products selected as Best Overall across nine Primary sources. No single model commands a majority of expert endorsements in this category.

Why It’s a Top Pick

The SOLE E95S earned the highest overall score (84 out of 100) in Consumer Reports’ (CR) lab-based testing program, which evaluates ellipticals across ergonomics, exercise range, ease of use, and construction quality. CR assigns it top marks (5 out of 5) in exercise range, ease of use, and construction. Separately, Treadmill Review Guru (TRG) selects the SOLE E95 — the non-adjustable-stride sibling in the same product family — as its Best Overall elliptical, praising the brand’s build quality and training features.

Note on model identity: The SOLE E95S features a power-adjustable stride length; the SOLE E95 does not. Consumer Reports tested and rates the E95S specifically. TRG’s Best Overall designation applies to the E95. Both models share the same frame design, flywheel weight, incline system, and warranty. Buyers who want an adjustable stride should choose the E95S; those who prefer a fixed 20-inch stride can consider the E95.

The E95S includes a 13.3-inch touchscreen display with Wi-Fi, screen mirroring, built-in streaming apps, and a wireless charger. The free SOLE+ app provides access to hundreds of workout classes without requiring a paid subscription — a notable distinction from competitors like NordicTrack and Bowflex, which require monthly subscriptions for full functionality. The machine’s 27-pound flywheel, 20 resistance levels, and 20 incline levels deliver a wide exercise range, and oversized cushioned foot pedals with a two-degree inward slope are designed to reduce ankle and knee stress.

What Experts Like

  • CR gives the E95S its highest exercise range rating (5/5), meaning testers across fitness levels found it challenging enough at high settings and accessible at low settings
  • The heavy 27-pound flywheel produces a smooth, quiet ride that multiple reviewers describe as among the best in its class
  • No paid subscription is required to access training content, streaming apps, or core machine features — the SOLE+ app is free
  • The adjustable stride length on the E95S accommodates users of different heights, a feature uncommon at this level
  • The oversized cushioned pedals with a two-degree inward slope reduce ankle and knee stress during workouts

Trade-Offs to Consider

  • The machine weighs over 230 pounds assembled and has a large footprint, making it difficult to move and requiring dedicated floor space
  • CR scores it 4 out of 5 on ergonomics, noting that it may not accommodate the widest range of body sizes as comfortably as some competitors
  • The E95S occupies the higher end of the home elliptical market, which may exceed the budget of buyers looking for a mid-range option

Runners-Up

The Best Overall segment produced an unusually fragmented expert field, with several strong alternatives drawing top-pick designations from individual sources. The runners-up below each earned at least one Primary source’s top endorsement.

  • Schwinn 490 — Wirecutter’s Top Pick after testing 10 machines with 24 testers of varying heights and weights. Reviewers praised its stability, quiet stride, incline and decline functions, easy-to-operate controls, and compact footprint relative to competitors. CR rates it (72 overall). It did not win because CR’s lab testing scores it meaningfully lower than the E95S, and fewer Primary sources select it as their top pick overall.
  • NordicTrack AirGlide 14i — BarBend’s Best Overall elliptical (4.8 out of 5) after testing more than 20 machines, and Garage Gym Reviews’ (GGR) Best Elliptical with Incline Overall. Features 26 resistance levels, –5% to 15% incline, a 14-inch touchscreen, and iFIT interactive programming. It did not win because it requires a paid iFIT subscription (approximately $39 per month) for full functionality, and CR rates it lower (70) than the E95S.
  • SOLE E35 — TreadmillReviews.com’s Best Overall elliptical and NBC Select’s Best Overall pick. Verywell Fit names it Best Quietest. A strong mid-tier option from SOLE’s lineup with 20 resistance levels, 20 incline levels, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the free SOLE+ app. It did not win because it sits below the E95S in SOLE’s own product hierarchy, with a lighter flywheel and no adjustable stride length.

Best Budget Elliptical Machine: Horizon EX-59

BEST BUDGET ELLIPTICAL MACHINE

Horizon EX-59

Horizon EX-59

The most widely endorsed budget elliptical among the experts we reviewed, the Horizon EX-59 delivers a sturdy, subscription-free workout experience with Bluetooth connectivity, 10 resistance levels, and a compact build — all backed by a lifetime frame warranty.

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Moderate Consensus Note: This recommendation reflects Moderate Consensus. Four Primary sources assign the Horizon EX-59 a budget or beginner designation, though their specific labels vary (Best Beginner, Best Under $1,000, Best Overall on a value basis). The alignment is on the product’s value proposition rather than a uniform budget-category label.

Why It’s a Top Pick

The Horizon EX-59 earned budget or beginner designations from four Primary sources: Treadmill Review Guru names it Best Beginner, TreadmillReviews.com selects it as Best Under $1,000, BarBend names it Best Beginner, and Yahoo Health elevates it to Best Overall on the strength of its value proposition. CR rates it (69 overall) with strong marks in exercise range (5/5).

The machine features an 18-inch stride, 10 resistance levels with an ECB (eddy current brake) resistance system, a 14.3-pound flywheel, and a 300-pound weight capacity. It requires no paid subscription — built-in programs and Bluetooth connectivity to personal devices provide workout guidance without recurring costs. Horizon Fitness backs the EX-59 with a lifetime frame warranty. TRG’s tester, an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist, notes that the handles work well for taller users and the base feels sturdy despite the lower flywheel weight.

What Experts Like

  • CR gives it a 5 out of 5 in exercise range, meaning it provides sufficient workout intensity across fitness levels despite its budget positioning
  • No subscription required to access training content or machine features, keeping long-term ownership costs low
  • Bluetooth connectivity with built-in speakers allows users to stream content from a phone or tablet without a built-in touchscreen
  • Lifetime frame warranty provides long-term assurance that is uncommon at this level

Trade-Offs to Consider

  • Only 10 resistance levels, which may feel limiting for advanced exercisers accustomed to 20 or more levels on mid-range machines
  • The 18-inch stride may feel short for taller users; most mid-range and premium ellipticals offer 20 inches or more
  • No incline adjustment, touchscreen, or interactive programming — this is a straightforward, no-frills machine

Runners-Up

Several other budget-tier ellipticals earned meaningful expert support, each with a distinct approach to balancing features and affordability.

  • Merach E27 Self-Powered Elliptical Machine — Wirecutter’s Budget Pick and Verywell Fit’s Best Budget pick. Self-powered (no electrical outlet required), compact, and sturdy for its size. Men’s Health also selects it as Best Budget. It did not win because the self-powered design limits resistance range compared to plug-in models, and its small circular display may be difficult to read.
  • Schwinn 411 — Yahoo Health’s Best Budget pick and Verywell Fit’s Best Value. CR rates it (71 overall) with a 5 out of 5 in exercise range. A compact machine with 16 resistance levels and heart rate sensors on the handlebars. It did not win because fewer Primary sources assign it specifically to the budget tier, and its console is more basic than the Horizon’s.
  • ProForm Sport Elliptical — Treadmill Review Guru’s Best Budget pick and TreadmillReviews.com’s Best Budget pick. Compatible with iFIT (free account available). Features 20 resistance levels and silent magnetic resistance. It did not win because of a lower weight capacity (250 pounds), a shorter 16-inch stride, and a shorter warranty than the Horizon EX-59.

How to Choose the Right Elliptical Machine for You

Stride length and your height. Experts consistently emphasize stride length as the most important comfort factor. An 18- to 20-inch stride accommodates most users from about 5’3″ to 6’5″. Taller users should look for 20 inches or more, while shorter users may be comfortable with 16 to 18 inches. If possible, try a machine in person before buying — CR’s experts say this is especially important for ellipticals because the fixed pedal path varies significantly from model to model.

Resistance levels and incline. More resistance levels give you finer control over workout intensity. Budget models typically offer 8 to 16 levels; mid-range and premium machines provide 20 to 26. Incline adjustment, available on some mid-range and most premium models, lets you target different muscle groups — particularly the glutes and hamstrings — and adds variety to workouts.

Subscription costs and interactive programming. Many modern ellipticals are designed to work with subscription-based training platforms such as iFIT (NordicTrack, ProForm) and JRNY (Bowflex, Schwinn). These platforms provide guided workouts, automatic resistance adjustments, and entertainment streaming, but they add a recurring monthly cost. Some machines can be used without a subscription, while others have limited functionality without one. Factor the long-term cost of subscriptions into your purchase decision.

Footprint and ceiling height. Full-size ellipticals are among the largest home cardio machines, often requiring a dedicated area of five to six feet long by two to three feet wide. You also need adequate ceiling height — the pedals raise you 10 to 15 inches off the ground, so a standard eight-foot ceiling may not be sufficient for taller users. Vertical ellipticals and stair-stepper hybrids offer a more compact alternative but use a different motion pattern.

Flywheel weight and stability. A heavier flywheel generally produces a smoother, quieter ride. Budget models may have flywheels in the 14- to 16-pound range, while premium models reach 25 to 32 pounds. Heavier flywheels also contribute to overall machine stability, reducing wobble during vigorous workouts.

Weight capacity and build quality. Check the manufacturer’s stated weight capacity to ensure the machine accommodates all potential users in your household. Higher weight capacities (350 to 400 pounds) generally indicate a sturdier frame and more durable construction.

How We Make Our Recommendations

Our recommendations follow a documented, repeatable editorial process designed to prioritize expert agreement, comparability, and clarity.

For each category, we:

  • Define clear category scope and exclusions
  • Identify and vet independent expert review sources
  • Inventory all products reviewed across those sources
  • Analyze patterns of agreement and disagreement
  • Apply editorial judgment only after consensus is documented

When a category includes materially different product types, we segment recommendations rather than forcing a single “best overall.” For more information, see How We Work.

Sources & Citations

Primary Sources

Secondary Sources Consulted for Context

Additional Sources Reviewed

Updates & Ongoing Review

This review is monitored on an ongoing basis. We update recommendations when expert sources publish new test results, products are discontinued, or consensus meaningfully changes.

Version History

  • 2026-04-29 — Initial publication

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