What is the best elliptical machine for home gyms and where can you find them? If this question is burning on your mind, today is your lucky day. Seriously!
Because we have just compiled the most comprehensive reviews of the top elliptical models for home use right now. And we are not afraid to share it with you.
It is no secret that elliptical machines are some of the most in-demand exercise equipment among well-informed fitness enthusiasts and newly reformed couch potatoes who are looking to transform their bodies and lives.
Finding the best elliptical for home use can be a smart decision that will pay off over and over again.
With their ability to harness your fitness through low-impact high intensity workouts, it is no surprise that elliptical trainers are some of the first equipment to fill up during peak times at the gym.
So, what is the best elliptical for home gyms? Well, sit back and relax as we take you through our no-nonsense elliptical reviews so you can make the best decision for your body.
Contents
Best Elliptical Machine for Home Use : Quick Comparison
Model | Resistance levels | Stride Length | Weight Limit | Rating | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine
| Varied | 22 inches | 375 lbs | 4.4 | |
Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine
| 20 | 20 inches | 300 lbs | 4.1 | |
Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer
| Varied | 10-15 inches | 300 lbs | 4.2 | |
Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine
| 25 | 20 inches | 300 lbs | 3.8 | |
Nautilus E616 Elliptical
| 25 | 20 inches | 300 lbs | 3.8 |
Top 5 Elliptical Trainers for Home Use
If you're serious about finding the perfect elliptical for home use, these are the top 5 models available right now.
Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine
The Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine is far from cheap and this is because it is one of the most high-end elliptical machines available for sale right now. Consistently working out on this machine pays off significantly- there are no 2 ways about that.
This model is designed with every feature you can think of including consistently smooth natural motions powered by a whisper-quiet system that works both forward and backwards.
It features moving handlebars which can be easily adjusted to ensure continuous comfort. It is refreshing to know that these handlebars also come with built-in pulse sensors to effectively monitor your heart rate.
No matter your level of fitness at the moment, challenging workouts are effectively guaranteed thanks to the combination of the 25-pound flywheel and high gear ration. This makes it possible to choose from 25 distinct levels of resistance to suit your stamina.
The built-in user console is intuitive and easy to use for everyone even if you are not the most tech savvy person in the world.
Apart from the LCD display, the console also consists of a cooling fan, water bottle, and integrated speakers for iPods, and other MP3 players.
Sole’s engineers have successfully designed the most advanced foot pedals in the industry in collaboration with a world-renowned physical therapist.
The pedals are intentionally oversized and feature a 2-degree inward cant that minimizes stress on the ankles and knees.
As long as you weigh within the 375-pound weight limit, there isn’t a better option out there at the moment.
Buy the Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine here.
PROS
- 6 built-in programs, 2 custom programs, and 2 heart rate programs to keep your fitness on the edge
- LCD console with 2.5-inch screen, built-in water bottle holder, and sound system
- Oversized 15-inch pedals
- 2-year labor, 5-year electronics, and lifetime frame warranties
CONS
- Huge price tag may not be for everyone
- No integration with popular apps such as MapMyRun and Fitbit
Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine
If you have come to the decision that your health club membership isn’t giving you maximum value anymore, it’s time to move on and get this beast of a machine.
The Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine gives you all the features of an elite fitness equipment without burning a hole through your wallet.
The enormous attention-to-detail and sophisticated yet easy-to-use built-in tracking features keep you motivated enough to stay on the path towards realizing the most ambitious fitness goals.
Featuring 22 built-in fitness programs and 2 custom user settings, how could you ever get bored during exercise sessions? These different programs give you something to look forward to for your next workout.
If you’re wondering the quality of workouts available on this machine, no need to worry anymore. It comes with 20 levels of resistance to ensure complete evolution from a dedicated sedentary lifestyle to a fitness buff.
The dual track LCD display system keeps you on your toes during workout sessions by giving feedback on 13 different performance metrics.
If you need a plan to hit your fitness goals, the Schwinn Connect goal tracking functionality will be a pleasant surprise.
Workouts are smooth and quiet thanks to the high-speed inertia perimeter weighted flywheel. This gives you the peace of mind to get your muscles working while watching NetFlix or quietly reflecting before a busy day.
With a weight limit of 300 pounds, this machine is absolutely the best elliptical for home gyms.
Buy the Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine here.
PROS
- High-speed flywheel enables fluid operation with complete quietness
- 20 resistance levels with 22 built-in exercise program
- Built-in speakers, MP3, and USB ports
- Schwinn Connect transmits user performance data to enable flawless tracking
CONS
- Not designed for a commercial gym
- Requires regular lubrication which can be a little annoying
Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer
The Stamina In-Motion Elliptical is designed for users on the hunt for a versatile elliptical machine to enable convenient workouts at home. It is flexible enough for pedaling while sitting, standing, or in reverse motion.
The foot-pedal-only chassis design means it can be easily placed under a desk to keep fit even if the nature of your work gets you stuck in an office or cubicle all day.
In fact, whether you’re watching TV, reading a book, or getting some work done, this home gym elliptical guarantees that nothing stands in your way of getting fit.
It comes with a sophisticated low-impact design which eliminates undue stress on body areas such as the knees, hips, ankles and back.
This makes it a great option for people of all ages, including senior citizens and those recovering from injuries.
The Stamina In-Motion Elliptical is also integrated with a multi-functional fitness monitor that keeps track of core data such as strides per minute, distance, calories burned, and workout time.
This enables your ability to know how well you are performing while also motivating you to keep going.
You get complete control of your workout intensity to keep each session progressively challenging. All you have to do is to adjust the tension knob to increase resistance to your desired levels whenever you are in the mood to kick it up a notch.
This model also gives you complete confidence to pedal as fast and hard as you can. This is thanks to the textured pedal surface which guarantees security for the feet.
Even if this is your first time of putting together any equipment, this mini-elliptical machine won’t take more than 5 minutes to assemble.
Seriously, why else would it feature on our list of the best elliptical for home gym reviews? Especially when it comes with a price tag that is easy on the wallet.
Buy the Stamina In-Motion Elliptical here
PROS
- Generous price tag means it is within reach for everyone
- Highly portable and can be moved around as much as you want
- Multi-functional fitness monitor keeps you in the loop about your performance data
- Textured pedal surface gives freedom to pedal as quickly as you want with world-class protection for your feet.
CONS
- Obviously not a full-scale elliptical machine
- No handlebars meaning you have to look elsewhere if you have balance impairment issues
Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine
The Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine is designed to fuel rapid fat burning workouts. For users whose motivation for exercising daily is to shed some extra pounds, this model can be an integral part of the home gym.
The importance of performance feedback is reinforced via 13 performance metrics transmitted to the dual screen. These metrics keep you in the loop about your performance in real time so your expectations can be realistic.
Thanks to the Schwinn Connect built-in tracking, user data is easily transmitted so everyone can easily keep their fitness goals on track.
With 29 built-in programs, and 4 user settings, running out of mentally and physically stimulating workouts is virtually impossible.
In essence, the Schwinn 470 can be a perfect option for everyone regardless of their level of fitness. With 25 resistance levels to choose from, you can expect challenging workouts for many years to come.
It guarantees extremely smooth workouts as a result of the world-class high-speed inertia perimeter weighted flywheel design. This component also ensures that even the most intense workouts are achieved whisper quietly.
One of the most enchanting features of this model is the fact that users notice how solid the workout platform is immediately after stepping onto it.
With 2 integrated levelers and a center frame support, the sturdiness of the machine can never be in doubt.
It also features transport wheels which enable easy movement whenever you want to move the elliptical to another part of your home.
The Schwinn 470 comes packed with an entertainment suite to keep exercise sessions at home fun and engaging.
The acoustic chamber speakers transmit high quality sound while the built-in fan ensures the ability to keep cool even as you pedal with intensity.
Buy the Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine here.
PROS
- Super sturdy frame that allows you to keep pounding it for many years to come
- 29 built-in programs, 4 user settings, and 25 resistance levels
- Built in entertainment suite comprising of sound system, stereo, and fan
CONS
- Quite bulky to use
- Tools included for assembly are not the easiest to use. It is therefore better to have your own tools
Nautilus E616 Elliptical Trainer
The Nautilus E616 Elliptical is an ergonomically designed unit perfect for anyone who requires low-impact workouts as a result of bad knees or other health issues.
It comes with 22 integrated exercise programs to prevent workout sessions from becoming stagnant.
This elliptical makes use of cutting edge technology to guarantee achievement of results as long as a user is willing to put in the necessary shift.
It is compatible with the manufacturer’s in-house Nautilus Connect as well as MyFitnessPal and a host of similar apps.
The exclusive DualTrack display coupled with 2 high-resolution LCD monitors can be extremely handy. It simply means you could even place an iPad or magazine on the main display while tracking your performance data on the second one.
With 20 levels of Eddy Current resistance available, the machine is an obvious choice for households with multiple fitness enthusiasts. Workouts are fluid and quiet as expected due to the high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel.
The stride and footplates are designed with comfort, safety, and performance in mind. The 20-inch Precision Path stride length and 6 position manual ramp adjustment guarantees that no one feels uncomfortable while pedaling.
Slippage and other forms of foot injuries are eliminated via the uniquely designed large cushioned articulating footplates. This is unlike inferior models where workout intensity is affected due to the fear of injuries.
Daily home workouts are extremely comfortable because of Nautilus’ vision and commitment to consumers. The handlebars have been ergonomically positioned to keep you going for hours at a time if you wish.
The acoustic chamber speakers guarantee sound quality while the 3-speed fan keeps you cool from high intensity sessions.
Buy the Nautilus E616 Elliptical here.
PROS
- Ergonomically designed handlebars with built-in heart rate sensors
- Track your fitness data with Nautilus Connect and MyFitnessPal
- Large cushioned articulating footplates
- 20 levels of resistance
CONS
- Packaging isn’t environmentally friendly
- Not for you if space is tight at home
Why Do You Need An Elliptical At Home?
Going to the gym can be a strenuous activity for those with busy lifestyles. Even though lots of health clubs have sprung up in the last decade or so, making it to the gym hasn’t gotten easier.
A home gym solves this problem by giving you access to any fitness equipment of choice whenever you want. With quality fitness equipment a room or 2 away, the odds of exercising consistently increases many folds.
Another positive is the ability to exercise at your own pace without the prying eyes of 3rd parties fixated on you which can be extremely uncomfortable for many of us
Workouts can be more entertaining because you can choose to watch anything from YouTube videos to your favorite TV shows simultaneously.
Factors to Find the Best Elliptical Machine for Home Use
With the thousands of options out there right now, finding the best elliptical machine for your personal use at home can be extremely daunting.
However, as long as you know what to look for, you’ll end up with a great unit that could serve you well and help transform your body within the next couple of months.
Type of Drive
Often one of the most ignored parts by consumers, knowing the location of the drive in a particular elliptical model can be extremely eye-opening. This is because the drive type often determines performance as well as flexibility.
It also determines the level of noise output from a particular model.
Front-Drive Elliptical Machines are perfect for fitness enthusiasts who prefer minimum levels of vibration and noise while working out. They are aptly named due to the location of the flywheel at the front portion.
Unfortunately, Front-Drive Elliptical models are designed with larger footprints meaning fitness buffs with serious space constraints at home may be forced to look at alternative options.
Just as the name suggests, Center-Drive Elliptical Trainers come with flywheels located at the central portion. They are the newest types on the market and come with huge advantages including the ability of users to stand more upright while exercising.
These machines come with compact footprints making them easy to setup in small apartments with minimal space. They also have the least impact on the hips, making them perfect for elder users and hip replacement patients.
The only drawback is that the nature of their design makes it impossible for manufacturers to feature ramps or inclines in them.
Rear-Drive machines are the third type of elliptical trainers. Their flywheels are featured in the rear portion and with a fewer number of moving parts, this design is popular in more expensive commercial models.
The biggest advantage of Rear-Drive Elliptical Machines is the fluid circular pedal movement that feels just like walking or running naturally. The fact that their incline ramps can be easily adjusted either automatically or manually (depending on the particular brand and model) is also huge plus.
However, some users find the pedal motion a bit awkward and prefer a slightly forward motion.
Size and Design
Human beings are extremely visual meaning design is one of the most important factors that get us drawn to anything. This is why we can’t afford to ignore the physical features of a particular elliptical model we intend to purchase.
Taking a good look at the height of a certain machine that has caught your attention in relation to your own height and ceiling height of wherever you intend to place it is critical.
Also, you should consider the dimensions and make sure there will be no issues fitting it in the currently available space at home.
You wouldn’t want to spend a couple of hundreds of dollars or more on a particular model of elliptical, only to realize that you don’t have enough space for it after the shipment arrives, would you?
Addition, make sure you choose a machine with sturdy construction and quality parts that will last long-term. After all, purchasing an elliptical can be a significant investment so getting value for money should be a priority.
Performance Tracking
If you have no particular fitness goals in mind and just want to get a machine that keeps you physically active then tracking may not be your cup of tea.
However, those who are tired of their current stamina and/or weight with ambitious goals to improve and get that dream body they have always craved don’t have the luxury of ignoring performance tracking.
In fact, accurate performance tracking should be at the top of the list when looking for the best elliptical machine for home gym.
Choose a model with comprehensive performance monitor in the form of an LCD Display that tracks and presents key performance indicators such as distance covered, calories burned, and workout duration.
If you can afford it, getting an elliptical with built-in heart rate monitor can be a good way to leverage each exercise session to meet your goals faster and smarter.
Compatibility with other fitness apps, USB connectivity, and data transfer are other vital functionalities that can come in handy with respect to performance tracking.
Built-in Workout Programs
If you want something different to look forward to everyday, buying an elliptical with multiple built-in programs is the way to go.
This is why the number of programmed workouts in a particular model is one of the first features you should pay attention to.
Keep in mind that you don’t really need too many programs. While some models come with over 20 workout modes, getting one with half of that is usually enough to help keep your sessions fresh and versatile.
Some elliptical models also allow users to build custom workout programs, which can be a great way to achieve specific goals while taking into account your personal strengths and weaknesses.
Resistance
Almost every elliptical machine out there comes with multiple built-in levels of resistance. In our experience, we have found that the higher the price, the higher the level of flexibility available to users.
It is not uncommon to find innovatively flexible features such as adjustable stride length and pedals in some of the more expensive options available on the market.
Price Tag
The importance of your budget when looking for the best elliptical trainer for home use cannot be overemphasized. Make sure you take a good look at our top 5 recommendations above and choose the best model with a blend of top features, price tag, and of course, Amazon customer rating.
Conclusion
Our compilation of the best elliptical for home gym reviews takes into account performance as well as durability, and value for money.
This guarahtees that everyone ends up with the best model depending on their current needs, space concerns, and of course, budget.
Remember, elliptical machines are a great way to get complete body workouts without risking undue stress on the joints and muscles.
Looking good, toning muscles, burning fat, and improving endurance are some of the benefits available from regular workouts on these machines.
Fortunately, there’s an awesome home elliptical machine out there for you regardless of your stamina level.
Most elliptical trainers come with preset workout programs designed to meet the workout needs of everyone.
These programs are created to help you achieve your fitness goals by determining the right level of inclination, length of time, and target heart rate required.
Also, you get access to multiple resistance levels to take your stamina from one level to another.