Best Elliptical Machine

An elliptical machine does for walking what a spinning machine does for cycling: it brings your workout into the rain-free, climate-controlled environment of your living room. Just like with a spinning machine, ellipticals come in a variety of options, from barebones single-mode collapsible units to full-featured machines with a dozen modes, Bluetooth speakers, and pre-programmed exercises.

In our search for the best elliptical machine, we’ve listed the top-rated ellipticals across a broad range of sizes, feature sets, and prices. We’ve looked for the overall best elliptical trainer, as well as the best elliptical machine for home use. And because we want our elliptical machine reviews to recommend something for everybody, we’ve also looked for the best elliptical for the money.

Are you ready to find yourself a slick, brand-new workout machine? We’re confident that at least one of these quality elliptical trainers will be right up your alley.

Let’s begin!

Best Elliptical Machines Available Online

1. Sole E95

The Sole E95’s 27-pound flywheel provides some of the most powerful resistance available.

Key Features

• 27-pound flywheel
• Adjustable 20”-22” stride length
• 400-pound weight capacity
• 82” x 31” footprint
• Weighs 236 pounds
• 20 resistance settings
• 0-20 degree incline
• 10 pre-programmed workouts
• 10.1-inch LCD display
• Includes cooling fan, cup holder, USB charging port, tablet holder, and Bluetooth speakers

The Sole E95 is a 1. Sole E95 that’s designed for strength and durability. Its 400-pound weight capacity is the heaviest on our list, so virtually anyone can use it. Not only that, but it features a heavy, 27-pound flywheel that provides enough resistance for the most intense workouts.

While you’re working up a sweat, the Sole E95 will cool you down, with an integrated fan that blows harder the faster you pedal.

This machine does have some drawbacks. It’s pricey, and it only allows for pre-programmed workout routines. You can’t program your own, and there’s no app for downloading new routines.

That said, it’s an exceptionally rugged elliptical trainer, and it provides plenty of other multimedia features, including Bluetooth speakers so you can play your favorite tunes during your routine.

Pros

• Professional-grade construction
• Powerful resistance
• Excellent multimedia support
• Keeps you cool during your workout
• Lifetime frame warranty and 5-year parts warranty

Cons

• Noisy
• Limited to pre-programmed workouts
• A little pricey

The fan on this elliptical machine blows a cool breeze over you during your workout.

2. Nordic Track FreeStride

The Nordic Track FreeStride Trainer FS7i features a variable resistance knob, so you’re not limited to pre-selected settings.

Key Features

• 20-pound flywheel
• Auto-adjusting stride length up to 38”
• 375-pound weight capacity
• 68.4” x X 28.5” footprint
• Weighs 320 pounds
• Variable resistance
• 0-10 degree incline
• 35 pre-installed workout apps
• LCD display
• Create custom workout routes with Google Maps
• Includes cooling fan, cup holder, USB charging port, tablet holder, and Bluetooth speakers

The Nordic Track FreeStride Trainer FS7i is the pinnacle of connectivity. It comes with 35 of the most popular workout apps pre-installed, so you can sync your phone and start going through your favorite routines, alone or with friends. If you regularly jog or bike outside, you can even use Google Maps to store your favorite routes, which will display in map or Street View on the LCD display.

But don’t let the bells and whistles fool you. This is a quality machine, with a sturdy frame that can support up to 375 pounds. It also features a 20-pound flywheel, which isn’t the heaviest on the market, but which provides more than enough resistance for most people.

Pros

• Large weight capacity
• Excellent multimedia support
• Bluetooth connectivity with dozens of apps
• Keeps you cool during your workout
• Lifetime frame warranty and 5-year parts warranty

Cons

• Noisy
• A little pricey

This elliptical trainer comes with an impressive 35 pre-installed workout apps.

3. Bowflex M7

The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 has a short stride and feels almost like a stair climber.

Key Features

• Magnetic flywheel
• Short stride length
• 300-pound weight capacity
• 49” x 30.5” footprint
• Weighs 148 pounds
• 20 resistance settings
• 11 pre-installed workout apps
• LCD/LED display
• Includes 29 instructor-led videos
• Roll-away wheels for storage
• “Add Time” button adds a few minutes to your routine
• Includes cup holder and tablet holder

The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 is a compact elliptical machine that’s designed to be as portable as possible without sacrificing a ton of features. This is a home machine, so it can get away with using a lighter frame than you’ll see on some gym machines. It’s also small enough to fit in almost any living room.

This machine is able to achieve such a small size because it has a short stride length, about a foot long. This makes it feel more like a stair climbing machine than an elliptical machine. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing depends on your personal preferences.

The M7 comes with 11 workout apps and runs quietly enough for apartment use.

Pros

• Quiet
• Bluetooth connectivity with 11 workout apps
• Lightweight and portable
• Small footprint

Cons

• No incline

This elliptical machine features an innovative “Add Time” button, which adds a few minutes to your routine without the need to navigate any menus.

4. Sole E55

The Sole E55 is one of the quietest 20-pound ellipticals money can buy.

Key Features

• 20-pound magnetic flywheel
• 20” stride length
• 375-pound weight capacity
• 71” x 27” footprint
• Weighs 214 pounds
• Variable resistance
• 0-20 degree incline
• 11 pre-installed workout apps
• 9-inch LCD display
• Includes cup holder, USB charging port, tablet holder, and Bluetooth speakers

The Sole E55 is a 20-pound elliptical machine that also features a magnetic flywheel. That makes it worth a second look, since magnetic flywheels are quieter than standard flywheels, but are also typically found on lighter flywheels. As a result, you’re looking at one of the quietest full-powered elliptical machines on the market.

The E55 also has the ability to adjust to a steep, 20 degree incline angle, which will further increase the intensity of your workout. And with Bluetooth speakers, you’ll be able to listen to music or an audiobook without the need for any extra hardware. Not to mention, you get access to 11 of the most popular workout apps. Even at a relatively steep price, this machine is well worth the price.

Pros

• Steep incline
• Large weight capacity
• Quiet
• Excellent multimedia support
• Bluetooth connectivity with 11 workout apps

Cons

• A little pricey

This elliptical machine is adjustable to a steep, 20-degree incline.

5. Horizon Fitness

The Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 features ball bearing joints that are so smooth you’ll swear you’re not running on a machine at all.

Key Features

• 23-pound flywheel
• 20” stride length
• 300-pound weight capacity
• 69” x 28” footprint
• Weighs 181 pounds
• Variable resistance
• Includes 37 workout apps
• LCD display
• Collapsible, with roll-away wheels for easy storage
• Includes cup holder, tablet holder, and auxiliary audio input

The Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 is a portable elliptical machine that features an impressive amount of connectivity. We’re talking about 37 Bluetooth apps that can help you take your workout to the next level.

But this machine also has a gentle side. Its joints are exceptionally smooth, manufactured with glass-like ball bearings that glide like you’re wearing socks on a freshly waxed floor.

The Evolve 5 arrives in 3 pieces. This makes assembly a breeze, compared to spending hours putting together many popular workout machines. It also weighs in at under 200 pounds, and collapses and rolls away for storage.

Pros

• Smooth ball bearing joints
• Easy to assemble
• Good multimedia support
• Bluetooth connectivity with dozens of workout apps
• Lightweight and portable

Cons

• Noisy
• No incline

For an elliptical machine with a 23-pound flywheel, this one is exceptionally lightweight and easy to store.

6. NordicTrack Spacesaver

The Nordic Track Spacesaver SE9i has a rear-drive design that’s lower impact than a front-drive elliptical.

Key Features

• 18-pound flywheel
• 18” stride length
• 325-pound weight capacity
• 80” x 32” footprint
• Weighs 218 pounds
• 24 resistance settings
• 0-10 degree incline
• 30 pre-installed workout apps
• 7-inch LCD display
• Collapsible, with roll-away wheels for easy storage
• Includes cup holder, tablet holder, and speakers with auxiliary audio input

The Nordic Track Spacesaver SE9i is a rugged machine that’s easy on your joints. It features a rear-drive design, so your knees won’t feel a jolt at the bottom of the rotation. It’s also collapsible for easy storage, so you can keep it out of the way when needed. This will probably be most of the time you’re not using it since it’s a fairly large machine.

The SE9i will connect to more than 30 Bluetooth apps, and includes Bluetooth speakers to maximize your enjoyment of your workout time. It’s one of the best values you’ll find in a mid-priced elliptical trainer.

Pros

• Low impact, rear-drive design
• Bluetooth connectivity with dozens of apps
• Portable, collapsible design
• Good multimedia support
• Lifetime frame warranty and 5-year parts warranty

Cons

• Large footprint

This is one of the most robust collapsible elliptical machines on the market.

7. NordicTrack Elite

The Nordic Track Elite 10.9 runs very quietly for a 20-pound flywheel machine.

Key Features

• 20-pound magnetic flywheel
• Adjustable stride length
• 350-pound weight capacity
• 66.5” x 31” footprint
• Weighs 211 pounds
• 24 resistance settings
• 0-20 degree incline
• Includes iFit workout software
• 7-inch LCD display
• Roll-away wheels for storage
• Includes cup holder, tablet holder, and auxiliary audio input

The Nordic Track Elite 10.9 is on the advanced side for a mid-priced elliptical. We say this because not only does it feature a quiet, 20-pound magnetic flywheel, it also adjusts to a 20 degree incline. This should provide enough challenge for even the most hardcore elliptical enthusiasts.

The Elite 10.9’s software is both a blessing and a drawback. On the one hand, iFit is a great program. It provides access to hundreds of workouts and dozens of instructor-led routines. On the other hand, Nordic Track tethers you to iFit, so if one of your friends uses another app, you’re out of luck.

Pros

• Steep incline
• Quiet
• Good multimedia support
• Portable
• Lifetime frame warranty and 3-year parts warranty

Cons

• Limits you to iFit software
• iFit software contains advertising

This elliptical machine can be inclined to a steep, 20-degree angle.

8. ProForm Cardio

The ProForm Cardio HIIT Elliptical Trainer delivers Cross-Training levels of resistance in a compact package.

Key Features

• 28-pound flywheel
• 12” stride length
• 350-pound weight capacity
• 34” x 18” footprint
• Weighs 180 pounds
• 24 resistance settings
• 32 pre-installed workout apps
• 7-inch LCD display
• Roll-away wheels for storage
• Includes cup holder and tablet holder

The ProForm Cardio HIIT Elliptical Trainer is a vertical elliptical machine that’s designed for maximum power. Its 28-pound flywheel is the heaviest on our list, and offers 24 levels of resistance, varying in intensity from “am I even pushing anything?” to “can we please stop now?” And it does all of this while occupying about as much space as a mini-fridge.

Because of its compact design, the HIIT Elliptical Trainer has a short, mostly vertical stride, which makes it feel more like a stair climber. That said, it’s reasonably priced, and as is name implies, it’s designed for high-intensity workouts, to begin with.

Pros

• Powerful resistance
• Bluetooth connectivity with dozens of workout apps
• Lightweight and portable
• Small footprint
• Lifetime frame warranty and 3-year parts warranty
• Affordable

Cons

• Noisy
• No incline
• Very short stride length

This elliptical machine provides a powerful 28 pounds of resistance.

9. Sole Fitness E25

The Sole E25 inclines to 20 degrees, one of the steepest angles we’ve seen.

Key Features

• 19-pound flywheel
• Adjustable 20”-22” stride length
• 350-pound weight capacity
• 70” x 24” footprint
• Weighs 211 pounds
• 20 resistance settings
• 0-20 degree incline
• 10 pre-installed workout apps
• LCD display
• Roll-away wheels for transport
• Includes cup holder, USB charging port, and Bluetooth speakers

The Sole E25 is a 9. Sole Fitness E25 with 10 of the web’s most popular apps pre-installed. It also includes Bluetooth speakers, although they’re not as loud as you’ll find on some more heavy-duty machines.

The stride length is adjustable from 20 to 22 inches, so taller and shorter people will have some flexibility to work with. You can also adjust the resistance to 20 different settings.

What the E25 lacks in volume, it makes up for in versatility. The incline can be adjusted up to 20 degrees, amping up the challenge without the need for a heavier flywheel. When you need to, you can roll this machine away for easy storage. All in all, it’s a good bargain.

Pros

• Steep incline
• Good multimedia support
• Bluetooth connectivity with 10 workout apps
• Portable design

Cons

• Speakers are not very loud

This elliptical machine offers good Bluetooth support for a mid-priced elliptical.

10. ProForm Hybrid

The ProForm Hybrid Trainer can be used either as a standard elliptical machine or as a recumbent exercise bike.

Key Features

• 12.4-pound flywheel
• 15” stride length
• 350-pound weight capacity
• 63” x 26” footprint
• Weighs 117 pounds
• 16 resistance settings
• iFit workout software pre-installed
• 16 pre-programmed workouts
• LCD display
• Roll-away wheels for storage
• Includes cup holder and tablet holder
• Also functions as a recumbent exercise bike

The ProForm Hybrid Trainer is a truly unique machine. Not only can it be used as an elliptical machine, but you can also sit down and work the pedals the way you would on a recumbent bike.

The result? This is a great machine for people who are going through physical therapy, or for anyone who wants to work a variety of muscle groups on the same piece of equipment.

On the other hand, the Hybrid Trainer’s relatively light, 12.4-pound flywheel doesn’t provide enough resistance if you’re doing strength training. But the low-impact design is ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to feel their workout the next morning.

Pros

• Low impact, rear-drive design
• Unique 2-in-1 design
• Bluetooth connectivity with iFit software
• Lightweight and portable
• Affordable

Cons

• No incline
• Light resistance
• Limited to pre-programmed workouts and iFit software
• iFit software contains ads

This is an affordable elliptical machine that’s also low impact.

11. Body-Solid E300

The Body-Solid E300’s center-drive design runs exceptionally smoothly.

Key Features

• Magnetic resistance
• 21” stride length
• 300-pound weight capacity
• 50” x 31” footprint
• Weighs 264 pounds
• 20 resistance settings
• 7 pre-programmed workouts, plus 2 user-programmed workouts
• LED display
• Collapsible design, with roll-away wheels for easy storage
• Unique center-drive design
• Includes cup holder

The Body-Solid E300 is designed to be as gentle as possible on your joints. We’ve reviewed a few elliptical machines with rear drives, but this is the only one on our list with a center drive. We wish this feature were more common. Simply put, it’s exceptionally smooth. You won’t get a better glide outside of a handful of high-end gym-grade machines (which we’ll be looking at shortly).

There’s no connectivity on this machine, but it does allow you to program your own workouts, which is a feature that other manufacturers should take note of. The E300 is lightweight, easy to move, and takes up a minimal amount of floor space.

Pros

• Very quiet
• Exceptionally smooth gliding
• Lightweight and portable
• Small footprint
• Lifetime frame warranty and 5-year parts warranty

Cons

• No incline
• Limited workout options
• A little pricey

This elliptical machine runs very quietly, making it ideal for an apartment or condo.

12. Gold’s Gym

The Gold’s Gym Stride Trainer 380 is very affordable, which makes it a good choice for first-time buyers.

Key Features

• Magnetic resistance
• 14” stride length
• 250-pound weight capacity
• 55” x 26” footprint
• Weighs 103 pounds
• 12 resistance settings
• 8 pre-programmed workouts
• 6 pre-installed workout apps
• LCD display
• Roll-away wheels for easy storage

The Gold’s Gym Stride Trainer 380 is an affordable elliptical machine that runs quietly enough to use in an apartment or condo — or in a house with a napping baby in the next room. The design is lightweight, and rolls easily into your closet when it’s not needed.

This is a budget machine, so don’t expect it to handle the type of abuse you’d throw at a more robust unit. It only supports 250 pounds, and the resistance isn’t enough if you’re training for any kind of competitive activity.

That said, it’s low impact, and it doesn’t take up much floor space.

Pros

• Quiet
• Low impact, rear-drive design
• Lightweight and portable
• Small footprint
• Affordable

Cons

• Light resistance
• Low weight capacity
• Short stride length
• No cup holder or tablet holder
• No incline

With a 14-inch stride length and a compact, portable design, this elliptical machine is perfect for petite users.

13. Octane Fitness ZR8

The Octane Fitness ZR8 Zero Runner’s zero impact design makes it perfect for physical therapy or rehab.

Key Features

• Magnetic resistance
• Auto-adjusting stride length up to 58”
• 300-pound weight capacity
• 63” x X 38” footprint
• Weighs 191 pounds
• Variable resistance
• 35 pre-programmed workouts
• LCD display
• Roll-away wheels for storage
• Includes cup holder and tablet holder
• Connects to SmartLink fitness tracking software

The Octane Fitness ZR8 Zero Runner is the best of both worlds; it’s a gym-quality machine that’s also gentle enough for physical therapy or rehab. It achieves this with independently-operated arms, with a variable resistance dial that allows you to set them however you desire. The arms feature a multi-hinged, multi-cam assembly, which allows them to move as smoothly as if you’re running in a swimming pool.

As we said, this is a professional-grade machine, so you can expect to pay a professional-grade price for the pleasure of owning one. It’s a great choice for gyms — or for anyone who’s willing to pay top dollar for a grade-A elliptical machine.

Pros

• Professional-grade construction
• Zero impact
• Very long stride
• Bluetooth connectivity with SmartLink fitness tracking software
• Lightweight and portable

Cons

• No incline
• Expensive
• Limited to pre-programmed workouts

This monster elliptical machine is rugged enough to last for years even in a gym environment.

14. Precor AMT 835

The Precor AMT 835’s 10-year parts warranty is the best in the business.

Key Features

• Magnetic resistance
• Adjustable 0”-36” stride length with adjustable stride height of 6.5”-10”
• 500-pound weight capacity
• 80” x 32” footprint
• Weighs 422 pounds
• 20 resistance settings
• 13-40 degree incline
• 26 pre-programmed workouts
• LED display
• Roll-away wheels for storage
• Includes cup holder, USB charging port, and tablet holder

The Precor AMT 835 has a similar, multi-cam design to the Zero Runner, and offers the same zero impact workout. But good lord, the adjustment options! You can use this machine as an elliptical, or shorten the stride and maximize the height to use it as a stair climber. Maximize the stride and shorten the height, and you’ve got yourself the world’s most comfortable treadmill.

This is the priciest elliptical machine on our list, but its high price is well justified. Not only can you use this machine for rehab, and for a variety of workouts. You can also use it for high intensity training, by cranking the incline up to 40 degrees.

Pros

• Professional-grade construction
• Can be used as an elliptical, a stair climber, or an inclined treadmill
• Zero impact, self-powered design
• Very steep incline
• Impressive adjustability
• Lifetime frame warranty and 10-year parts warranty

Cons

• Large footprint
• Limited to pre-programmed workouts
• Very expensive
• No 0-degree incline setting

This elliptical machine provides an ideal combination of high intensity and low impact.

15. Life Fitness X1

The Life Fitness X1’s ball bearing hinges are exceptionally quiet.

Key Features

• Magnetic resistance
• Adjustable stride length up to 20”
• 300-pound weight capacity
• 83” x 33” footprint
• Weighs 237 pounds
• 20 resistance settings
• Pre-installed app for creating workouts
• LED display
• Collapsible, with roll-away wheels for easy storage
• Includes cup holder and tablet holder

The Life Fitness X1 is a long, lean elliptical machine with a low impact rear-drive, which makes it a solid choice if you’re rehabbing, or if you suffer from any kind of knee pain. It pairs this rear drive with ball bearing hinges, which not only further smooth the gliding motion, but also make for a whisper-quiet machine.

This elliptical is collapsible, and easy to store when needed. It also comes with a proprietary Bluetooth app for creating your own customized workout routines.

Pros

• Low impact, rear-drive design
• Quiet ball-bearing hinges
• Bluetooth connectivity for Life Fitness app
• Portable design
• Easy assembly
• Lifetime frame warranty, 3-year parts warranty

Cons

• Large footprint
• Pricey
• No incline

If noise and space are a concern and money is no object, this elliptical machine is a good choice.

16. Aceshin

The Aceshin Compact Elliptical Machine is an old-school, no-frills living room workout machine.

Key Features

• Magnetic flywheel
• 13” stride length
• 330-pound weight capacity
• 41” x 18” footprint
• Weighs 79 pounds
• 8 resistance settings
• LED heart rate display
• Collapsible, with roll-away wheels for easy storage

The Aceshin Compact Elliptical Machine is the most reliable Chinese-made machine we could find. If you’re looking for a solid budget option, look no further.

This machine is inexpensive and lightweight, and doesn’t sacrifice any of the core essentials of an elliptical machine. It has foot rests, it pivots, and you can adjust the resistance of the magnetic flywheel.

Is it a work of art? No. Does it have a bunch of fancy bells and whistles? No. But it will get you through a workout, and you can put it in your closet when you’re through. And it’s cheap.

In our opinion, this makes the Aceshin a winner.

Pros

• Low impact, rear-drive design
• Exceptionally lightweight and portable
• Small footprint
• Inexpensive

Cons

• No incline
• No programmed workouts, cup holder, or tablet holder

This barebones Chinese-made elliptical machine will get the job done without causing you any problems.

17. ANCHEER

The ANCHEER Elliptical Machine Trainer is just like the Aceshin, only quieter.

Key Features

• Magnetic flywheel
• 13” stride length
• 330-pound weight capacity
• 41” x 18” footprint
• Weighs 84 pounds
• 8 resistance settings
• LED heart rate display
• Collapsible, with roll-away wheels for easy storage
• Quiet, belt-driven design

The ANCHEER Elliptical Machine Trainer is the second of three variants of the same basic Chinese-made machine. In most respects, it’s identical to the Aceshin, including a very small footprint and the ability to fold it up and roll it away when needed.

ANCHEER has added about 5 pounds to the design by replacing the standard drive with a V-belt drive. This fat rubber belt isn’t just whisper quiet, it’s also more durable than the standard drive, so you’ll be able to go longer between workouts.

While this drive does add a few dollars to the price, ultimately you’re still talking about a very affordable elliptical machine.

Pros

• Low impact, rear-drive design
• Exceptionally quiet
• Exceptionally lightweight and portable
• Small footprint
• Inexpensive

Cons

• No incline
• No programmed workouts, cup holder, or tablet holder

This elliptical machine runs very reliably for the price.

18. Nautilus E616

The Nautilus E616 is a lower-resistance version of a feature-loaded gym-grade machine.

Key Features

• 15-pound flywheel
• 20” stride length
• 300-pound weight capacity
• 70” x 28” footprint
• Weighs 196 pounds
• 25 resistance settings
• 0-10 degree incline
• Over a dozen pre-installed workout apps
• 29 pre-programmed workouts
• Dual LCD display
• Collapsible, with roll-away wheels for storage
• Includes cooling fan, cup holder, USB charging port, tablet holder, auxiliary audio input, and Bluetooth speakers

The Nautilus E616 is a lightweight, living room-sized elliptical machine that’s got all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a gym machine, without all the extra weight and expense.

This machine can connect to more than a dozen of the most popular fitness apps on the market, so you can keep on using whatever your friends are using. You can also play your own tunes through the Bluetooth speakers, and the cooling fan will provide a soothing breeze while you power through your set.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• Excellent multimedia support
• Bluetooth connectivity with over a dozen workout apps
• Keeps you cool while you work out

Cons

• Noisy

Bluetooth speakers in a living room elliptical machine? Sign us up!

19. Schwinn 411

The Schwinn 411 is a budget-friendly elliptical machine with name brand reliability.

Key Features

• Magnetic flywheel
• 18” stride length
• 300-pound weight capacity
• 53.8” x 24” footprint
• Weighs 120 pounds
• 16 resistance settings
• Pre-installed RunSocial app
• 13 pre-programmed workouts
• LED display
• Roll-away wheels for storage
• Includes cup holder and tablet holder

The Schwinn 411 is a lightweight home elliptical trainer that’s as dependable as you’d expect from a manufacturer like Schwinn. It rolls away easily for storage and occupies a relatively small footprint.

This elliptical utilizes the RunSocial app, which allows you to run virtual race courses with friends over the internet. This is pretty cool. But the 411 isn’t compatible with any other apps, so you’ll be locked into RunSocial. Still, it’s a good value for a bargain-priced machine.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• Small footprint
• Bluetooth connectivity with RunSocial app
• Affordable

Cons

• Light resistance
• Connectivity limited to RunSocial
• No incline

The pre-installed RunSocial app in this elliptical machine is a fun way to go running with friends, from the comfort of your own living room.

20. Fast 88

The Fast 88 is the same as the Aceshin, but it has lighter gauge hardware for significantly reduced weight.

Key Features

• Magnetic flywheel
• 13” stride length
• 300-pound weight capacity
• 40.9” x 18” footprint
• Weighs 67 pounds
• 8 resistance settings
• LED heart rate display
• Collapsible, with roll-away wheels for easy storage

The Fast 88 is the third of our Chinese-made budget options, and it’s our favorite. Why? Because Fast slimmed down the hardware and the rubber fittings, reducing the weight to a paltry 67 pounds. That’s light enough to roll around with one hand.

Other than that, it utilizes the same drive as the Aceshin, and most of the specifications are the same. However, due to the use of lighter hardware, its weight capacity is slightly lower at 300 pounds. And as with the other Chinese-made machines on our list, it’s very competitively priced.

Pros

• Low impact, rear-drive design
• Best choice for light weight and portability
• Small footprint
• Inexpensive

Cons

• No incline
• No programmed workouts, cup holder, or tablet holder

This is the most lightweight elliptical machine on our list.

Bottom Line

As you can tell from our elliptical trainer reviews, the best in-home elliptical is going to be different for different people. But one thing we may not have stressed enough is the importance of portability.

Professional gyms will set up a machine and plan on leaving it in place for years. In your home, you may want to put your machine away from time to time. If this is important to you, keep an eye on the machine’s overall weight, and whether or not it has roll-away wheels.

Another important thing to look at is the weight of the flywheel. Anything over 20 pounds is considered heavy, and will typically be found on a professional-grade elliptical trainer. Conversely, anything under 10 pounds is lightweight and isn’t going to provide enough resistance for some people.

We hope our elliptical reviews have helped you find exactly the machine you need. Even if you decide to go another direction, we hope you’ve learned about what the best ellipticals have to offer.