Best Elliptical Machines 2020: It is very easy to buy a treadmill or spin bike. What’s not easy is climbing on every day and coming out having had an effective workout which also felt good. Most of the time your joints or back are aching. Low-impact home exercise equipment, particularly Elliptical Trainers have been becoming very popular nowadays. They provide the perfect form of cardiovascular exercise which leaves you with lower weight, pumped up muscles and a feel-good factor. This comes along with the very little impact on your joints ensuring repetitive use.
People looking to get fit usually turn to elliptical trainers. Elliptical training machine mimics a motion that is similar but not identical to cross-country skiing. However, modern elliptical trainers are technologically enhanced and can do much more than that. You can get an incredible cardio workout as well as hitting most of your major muscle groups.
The incline of your machine governs the muscle groups you will be engaging with the most. Higher incline and stride length provides you with extra attention on hamstrings and glutes, while lower one gives more attention on quads and calves. Also, the upright handles ensure you have a great upper body workout including arms, shoulders, pecs, and back. The stability provided by these upright handles also help you to increase the workout length as an unstable workout may let you feel muscle fatigue after about 15-20 minutes.
People are increasingly looking to elliptical machines as a safe and modern way to get a highly personalized cardio workout. This helps them lose weight and get a toned body more easily and effectively. Since at the gym, these machines are usually jam-packed almost every time, many people are looking to get one for their home. Our in-depth elliptical trainer reviews will hopefully guide you through the process. We also provide a checklist of the points we consider while ranking an elliptical trainer. Buying a right elliptical trainer will only help your fitness regime, and if it is from the comfort of home, you won’t even skip it.
These machines range in price starting from as low as $100 and going upwards to over $1000. Obviously, different price range provides different quality machines with different in-built functionality. To help guide you through the process, we have listed the best elliptical machines in 2020 along with their reviews making the process easier. You can find flimsy elliptical trainers of low quality for as low as $100 to $200 if you just want to see if these low impact trainers work for you. However, we would advise you to try an elliptical machine at, the gym and then decide whether you want to buy one.
Below you will find our terminology and checklist to look for in a good elliptical trainer. We also provide a list of top 10 elliptical machines 2020 along with their reviews to help you make the decision easier.
Things to consider in a good elliptical machine:
With every piece of equipment, the single factor which matters the most is the level of stability these machines provide during a workout. You want to be able to concentrate on your fluid motion and just forget the machine. A highly stable machine will fit well with you, not the other way around. During the workout, you will be able to concentrate more on your workouts, and the machine will be forgotten if it’s a good one. On an average, higher elliptical trainers tend to be more stable, but the high-end elliptical trainers also distribute the weight effectively in such a way that you are more stable.
resistance in an elliptical trainer governs how much force you have to apply on the pedals to complete one rotation. With more resistance levels, you can challenge your workout regime more effectively. The lower increment of resistance levels means you may be forced to make a jump you might not be ready for.
- Types of resistance:
There are two types of resistance
- Fan wheel resistance: fan wheels may provide you with a smooth ride and tend to be found in a lower cost elliptical machine.
- Magnetic resistance: These provide you with a quiet, consistent and more natural feeling workout. They tend to be found on more high-end machines.
some ellipticals also come with a computer, and these are the factors you should look for if your favored trainer comes with it
- Display: a good display is easy to read, and if it comes with a backlight, it’s better.
- Data Provided: The best elliptical computers give you a variety of necessary data including distance, stride speed, time of session and heart rate. Some trainers also have the ability to upload your data to external devices for tracking progress.
If your elliptical machines contain computers, it will usually have a list of pre-programmed workouts to help you follow a more targeted approach towards your goal whether it be weight loss, marathon run or anything else.
Your machine should definitely have the option of changing the incline levels if you want to have the most effective workout possible. This is at the core of working out on an elliptical. Power incline controls should be preferred over manual ones.
Elliptical stride length varies from machine to machine, and it matters more to some people. For a person of average height, a stride length of about 15″ is good. If you’re taller, you may look at about 20″ and so on.
If the foot pedals are adjustable, the machine is better. Pivoting foot pedals are helpful and more effective in providing a more natural stride motion and avoiding injury. Additionally, large pedal surface allows users of varying font sizes to complete their motion comfortably.
just like in indoor spin bikes, a good quality flywheel helps in creating a fluid and more natural feeling momentum keeping your elliptical workout from being jerky. It helps to replicate actual skiing moments. In some ellipticals, dual direction flywheels are also there allowing you to switch your motion when you want.
Some machines are a combination of usual elliptical trainers and elliptical bikes. With this type of dual feature, you get two machines for a price of one (sometimes even three). These elliptical trainers are usually found in high-end machines and feature a more upright seat just like on an exercise bike.
Top 10 Elliptical Machines 2020
1. SOLE Fitness E35 Elliptical Trainer
The Sole E35 is presently the best elliptical machine in the market and has retained its position for quite some time now. It is a high-end machine, but its user reviews and quality more than just that price. The attention to detail is just breathtaking. Sole fitness is a top brand well-known for providing top-notch commercial grade exercise equipment and is currently the king of this market.
SOLE fitness has done adequate research and gone the distance to make a machine that provides you with a safe, ergonomically-engineered stride and every other feature you could possibly imagine.
- The power incline system can change the angle from 0 to 30 degrees providing a range of motion. It means you can also isolate the muscle group you want with varying resistance levels and challenging positions.
- The machine boasts a lifetime warranty on the frame along with 5-year warranty on parts.
- The machine also includes an array of other features including chest strap for heart rate monitoring, LCD display with a 7.5-inch monitor, built-in fan, water bottle holder and also a built-in sound system.
- It’s gym-quality equipment, and no other training machine can compete with it.
- There are 16 different resistance settings controlled by the handlebars and handled by eddy current brake system.
- It means that E35 is flexible enough for you to choose your own low impact workout regime.
- This elliptical machine is also very quiet due to its frictionless resistance system.
- The Sole E35 does not have a plethora of programmable workout, and the number is just 10.
- Also, assembling the machine is a little bit tedious task.
- Other than that, the SOLE Fitness E35 Elliptical trainer is the best in the market, and we definitely recommend it.
To top it all of, Sole has recently released the E35 Elliptical trainer system for a couple hundred dollars extra. It adds Bluetooth capability to extract your workout data to any smart devices through the Sole app and track your workout.
2. Nordic C7.5 Elliptical Trainer
Nordic is known for making high-end, high-quality products. C7.5 is a budget offering by Nordic with features of a high-end product. It is an entry-level product by the world-renowned brand NordicTrack. Retailing for just $799, this model is a part of the front-drive series of trainers. This entry level elliptical machine is both reliable and comfortable.
- NordicTrack offers a lifetime warranty on the frame, 2 years coverage on parts and 1-year on labor
- Reasonable pricing.
- Power adjustable incline of 0-20 degrees
- 22 levels of digital resistance making it easy to adjust the intensity of your workouts for optimum efficiency
- Handlebars are positioned in such a way that it takes the strain out of arms while working in high-intensity modes
- 26 pre-loaded workout programs all designed by well known physical trainers
- Easy to assemble
- IFit Bluetooth enables console allowing you to connect your device to the machine for tracking of performance
- A compact design consisting of transport wheels making it best to use in the home, especially if space is a concern
- The display is somewhat small at just 5.”
- Non- adjustable fixed stride set at 20.”
- Limited console space for phone, keys and other devices
- The pedals too are fixed
- The low warranty which covers just 2 years on parts and 1 year on labor
- Not wired for wireless heart monitoring
3. Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer
The Nautilus E614 Elliptical comes from a brand well known for innovative and high-quality exercise equipment. It is a recently launched elliptical trainer and has a sleek look. It incorporates most of the cutting-edge design and technologies available. It has a freshly designed Nautilus DualTrack LCD monitor with a large display and a small secondary display. It’s equipment that is stable as well as durable. The product also comes with a 10-year warranty making it one of the best buys on the market.
- The company provides a 10-year warranty on frame, 2 years warranty on parts, 1-year warranty on electronics and 90 days warranty on labor costs
- The brand is well known for supplying high-quality, innovative products.
- This elliptical is strong, stable and durable. It will most likely outlast it warranty period
- A high-tech computer with many inbuilt functions
- DualTrack LCD system lets you track your progress while also reading your favorite book side by side
- Goal tracking and Data exporting facility available through Nautilus connect
- Large foot plates with quality cushioning and comfort
- Ramp adjustment is manual, not power which means you have to stop your workout to change the level of incline
- Stride length is not adjustable
- Assembly of said product is difficult.
- User weight limit is low at only 300 lbs
- The warranty is not very much impressive
The Sole E98 Light commercial Elliptical is a high-quality cross trainer from a brand which has the maximum products on this list. It is quickly eclipsing other elliptical trainers. One of the top performers in terms of mechanics, E98 has digital tech upgrades to cater to the needs of its tech-savvy user base. It also has its own smartphone app which can work with iHealth, MapMyFitness, and all others. The choice of two warranties – residential and commercial make the E98 one of the best performers of 2020.
- The brand is best in the segment
- Light commercial quality best suitable for home use
- 10.1″ screen is provided with an adjustable angle
- 34-pound flywheel with quiet magnetic resistance
- 20 automatic incline levels which are power adjustable
- Forward and reverse pedaling system
- Heart rate strap included
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Improved Tablet Holder
- MP3 player compatible with audio jack and speakers
- Function to save customized workouts
- HIgh weight tolerance capacity
- Too large size for smaller homes
- Stride length is fixed
- Speakers are not very high quality
- Does not have a workout subscription service
- High price
Precor’s AMT 835 with Open Stride Adaptive Movement Trainer is a mid-range model in Precor’s 830 series. It is a low impact trainer who offers an all in one design and features the brand new Open Stride feature.
Prices at about $9000, this is one of the best-valued machines in the AMT line.
- All in one design with 3 sets of handlebars
- Low impact with a wide range of motion
- Adjustable stride length from 0-36 inches
- Adjustable stride height from 6.5 to 10 inches
- C-SAFE enabled and FitLinxx compatible
- Stride Dial™ feature
- Warranty of 7 years on the frame, 2 years on parts and 1 on labor.
- 21 electronic workout readouts
- Self-powered motor
- Motion Controls console feature is provided
- Enhanced Safety features are provided which make the product highly recommended
- Drive system information Is missing from the console
- No fan provided at such a high price
- No inbuilt speakers are provided
- Only 6 workout programs are available that too non-customizable
- The motor is loud which may be disturbing to some people
- Size of the LED display screen is not specified beforehand
- Max weight supported by the machine is only 350 pounds
- Limited warranty at a high price is not impressive enough
6. Nautilus E616 Elliptical Trainer
One of the most simple yet effective elliptical trainers, the Nautilus E616 Elliptical offers a huge amount of workout programs and resistance levels. With features like the ability to charge your phone, read off the tablet and progress tracking all at the same time, it was bound to make it to this list. You can sync with your Bluetooth and get moving. This elliptical is the best choice for avid multitasker who lack a huge amount of money to be spent on such machines. It is one of the best choices for a home gym and is loaded with features.
- 29 inbuilt workout programs which include 12 profiles; 9 heart rate control based; 4 customizable; 1 recovery test along with a quick start option.
- USB data transfer facility to keep track of your fitness results
- 25 resistance levels which are the industry best in this range
- Smooth ride with an adequate flywheel
- The option of DualTrack LCD screens for multitasking
- This machine is hard to assemble because it consists of 25 separate parts and you will probably need the help of a professional
- Frame lifetime warranty of 10 years is below market standards
- Flywheel is noisy
- You will need to purchase a separate chest strap for more accurate heart readings.
Schwinn 470 elliptical features a plethora of customizable options to keep you on track with your workout goals. The Schwinn 470 elliptical machine comes from a manufacturer considered among the top in the fitness market. Schwinn is an award-winning brand, and this elliptical machine has lots to offer for just about everyone. The amount of time it takes to assemble is another plus point. Just check out the features below, and you’ll be amazed.
- Updates LCD screen with goal tracking facility
- The controls are pretty intuitive
- Very easy to assemble
- Integrated heart rate monitor
- The option of customizable workouts
- 4 user profiles
- 20″ precision path stride
- Schwinn Connect goal tracking and data export keep you up to date on reaching your fitness goals
- Large pedals for reduced foot soreness
- 29 pre-programmed workouts
- Integrated heart rate monitor
- Facility to charge your smartphone and tablet within the console
- The ramp is motorized with six positions for a custom workout
- Dual track two LCD window system allows you to monitor up to 13 different display feedbacks
- The machine is heavy and large
- Not ideal for people with a knee injury
- Stride is shorter compared to machines with similar features
The Sole Fitness E95s takes the award-winning E95 to the next level with high-performance features and multiple adjustment features. E95s sits on the elite list of elliptical trainers by Sole but comes at a price of only $2200 which is very good compared to its features.
- Lifetime warranty on frame, 5 years on parts
- Large display screen at 9″ LCD
- Multiple adjustable features like powered stride
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Solid steel frame design
- Extreme weight capacity at 400 pounds
- The chest strap is included along with an option for wireless heart rate monitoring
- Front drive design which can be uncomfortable for people with back injuries
- Bulky design, the machine is large
- The program variety is not good enough at 10 options
- It takes a considerable amount of time to assemble
The bowflex max m5 is a surprising alternative to ellipticals and treadmills. It is also more effective than both of them. Primarily an elliptical trainer, the Bowflex Max M5 allows total body exercise with virtually no harsh impacts. It also helps you burn calories twice as quickly. Results are quick with repetitive use. This product is really an innovation by the manufacturer. While the workout is not easy, it does provide resistance levels. Check out the features below:
- Total body training
- Builds upper body strength more effectively
- 16 resistance levels for a precision based challenge
- Eight workout programs for every type of users
- 8-week subscription to Daily Burn included offering 600+ workout videos
- Wireless and contact pulse sensors are included
- Supports two user profiles
- Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity to transfer data
- A large water bottle holder
- Media ledge for Kindle, magazine or smartphone
- Compact size
- The cumbersome assembly which usually requires paying extra for professional
- The high cost is a disadvantage
- A warranty of just two years is not so great for a machine with these features. However, it is not uncommon.
- There are no wheels for transportation
The Octane Zeo Runner ZR8 is another high-end product on this list that’s been making waves around the market. The new ZR8 takes zero impact running to a whole new level with an improved frame and additional performance features. The ZR8 is a hybrid between treadmill and elliptical trainer and provides a true running motion without the impact. The pricing is just under $5000. The machine’s motto is “run smarter.” As with other models by Octane, there are several options to customize your kit based on your budget.
- Zero impact training with a unique floating design that provides zero friction and does not require any maintenance
- It has a breathtakingly long stride range from 0 to 58 inches
- The machine has internet connectivity which lets you access SmartLink for advanced fitness tracking
- There are a large number of built-in programs from endurance to toning to recovery, and the number stands at 35
- Although high end, the machine is still affordable at just under $5000
- Optional add-ons let you customize your workout experience
- Compact design
- The console lacks audio capabilities, and there are no speakers
- The LCD screen is compact in size, and the size is not good enough
- No wheels for transportation
Conclusive thoughts on Elliptical machines:
Elliptical machines are one of the best options in the present time to get fit. You can achieve your weight loss goals from home. With low impact training and high result approach, elliptical trainers are fast eclipsing the shadow of treadmills and spin bikes. The buying guide provided at the beginning of this review should be your mantra to choose an elliptical trainer.
The machine should be stable; its stride length should be adequate. The option of changing incline is considered most important. More the resistance levels, the better. Large pedals with soft cushioning reduce the impact on ankles. The flywheel should be of high quality, and the machine should necessarily provide a digital LCD screen to display data. A compact design is always favorable because your home usually is not as big as a gym.
Some new kinds of machines are hitting the market which is known as hybrid trainers. This function both as a treadmill and elliptical trainers. Although priced a bit higher than regular elliptical trainers, these machines are advised to be bought if your budget allows so.
Every kind of elliptical trainer has been incorporated in the list from traditional to hybrid, from low end to high end, from compact size to size suitable for large homes. We have provided a list of best elliptical trainers in the market, and you are strongly advised to buy one of these as large amounts of adequate research has been done in creating this list, and our experts have taken care of every minute point. At last, we wish you the best for your fitness journey and hope you choose the best elliptical trainer on the market.
