Start here Buying guide
10 Best Elliptical Machines
We compare the 10 best elliptical machines on build, specs, warranty & price — buy once and buy right.
Coming soonEllipticals and climbers
Ellipticals and stair climbers give hard cardio with little impact on joints. These guides compare full-size and compact ellipticals and climbers on stride length, stability, ceiling clearance and footprint.
Start here
What to look for
The four things that separate a good buy from a return.
Stride length
Stride length should suit your height; short strides feel choppy for taller users.
Step-up height
Pedal height adds to your own height, so check ceiling clearance in basements.
Stability
A heavier flywheel and solid frame make the motion smoother and quieter.
Footprint
Compact and folding models save space but often shorten the stride.
Everything in ellipticals and climbers
Guides on our list, highest priority first. Titles become links as each guide is published.
Buying guides
- 12 Best Stair ClimbersBuying guide
- 7 Best Stair Climbers for ElderlyBuying guide
- NordicTrack Ellipticals Compared: Every 2026 Model RankedBuying guide
- Life Fitness Ellipticals Compared: Every 2026 Model RankedBuying guide
- 11 Best Stepr Stair ClimbersBuying guide
- 11 Best Compact Elliptical MachinesBuying guide
- 9 Best Fit Desk EllipticalsBuying guide
- 6 Best Front Drive Elliptical MachinesBuying guide
and 21 more planned
Reviews
- Elliptical Machine Sole E25 ReviewReview
- Life Fitness E1 Elliptical Trainer ReviewReview
- NordicTrack X16 Elliptical ReviewReview
- Sole Elliptical E 25 ReviewReview
- NordicTrack Airglide 16 Elliptical ReviewReview
- NordicTrack Airglide 14i Elliptical ReviewReview
- NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9I Elliptical Trainers ReviewReview
- Bowflex Treadclimber ReviewReview
and 11 more planned
Comparisons
- Arc Trainer vs Elliptical Machine: Which Should You Buy?Comparison
- StairMaster vs Elliptical: Which Should You Buy?Comparison
- Stair Climber vs Stepmill: Which Should You Buy?Comparison
How-to and setup
- How to Fix Common NordicTrack Elliptical ProblemsHow-to
- How Many Calories Burned on Stair ClimberHow-to
- How to Use Stair Climber for GlutesHow-to
Questions and specs
- What Is an Elliptical Machine?Question
- How Does an Elliptical's Motion Work?Guide
- Elliptical Cross TrainingGuide
- Losing Weight with Elliptical MachineGuide
- Stair Climber for Weight LossGuide
- Calories Burned on a Stair ClimberGuide
- Elliptical WingsGuide
- Does Stair Climber Build Glutes? Here's the AnswerQuestion
and 6 more planned
Not sure what fits?
Check your ceiling clearance or answer three questions to find the right guide.
Related categories
- CardioTreadmills and walking padsFolding, incline and under-desk treadmills and walking pads.
- CardioExercise and spin bikesSpin, recumbent and air bikes, with and without subscriptions.
- CardioRowing machinesAir, water and magnetic rowers, and how much floor they take.
- CardioSmart home gymsTonal, Speediance and other wall and cable units.
- StrengthRacks, rigs and Smith machinesPower racks, squat stands, Smith machines and the attachments that fit them.
- StrengthBarbells and weight platesBars, trap bars, bumper and iron plates, and how to store them.
- StrengthDumbbells and kettlebellsAdjustable and fixed dumbbells, kettlebells and racks.
- StrengthBenchesFlat, adjustable and combo benches, sized for small rooms.