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Elliptical machines have come a long way, with major developments in specs and technology. Their ergonomic design maximizes the quality and intensity of your workout, incorporating both upper and lower body muscles. This provides you with a full-body workout to enhance your cardio fitness while maintaining the structural integrity of your joints. We consider that an all-around win for anyone from fitness beginners seeking a gentle introduction to exercise to intermediate enthusiasts looking to diversify their routine.
If you are on the hunt for the best elliptical of 2025 but aren’t sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Below, you’ll find our top picks for the best elliptical machines and a comprehensive guide on what to consider before you make your purchase. We’ll also dive into how to effectively use an elliptical to maximize your fitness journey, offering practical tips and actionable advice to help you glide towards your goals.
Our Picks for the Best Ellipticals of 2025:
- Best Overall Elliptical: NordicTrack FS10i
- Best Elliptical for Weight Loss: Sole Fitness E95
- Best Elliptical for Joint Pain: Sole Fitness E35
- Best Elliptical Machine for Small Spaces: Bowflex Max Trainer M6
- Best Under Desk Elliptical: Cubii Go
- Most Comfortable Elliptical: Niceday Smart Elliptical CT11
Best Overall Elliptical: NordicTrack FS10i
Pros:
- Combines treadmill, elliptical, and stair stepper functions.
- 32-inch adjustable stride adapts to movement type.
- Integrated 10-inch HD touchscreen for iFIT classes.
- Automatic incline and resistance adjustments by trainers.
- 24 resistance levels offer diverse workout intensity.
Cons:
- iFIT subscription required for full interactive features ($39/month).
- Higher price point due to advanced features.
- Requires significant floor space.
The NordicTrack FS10i isn’t your average elliptical—it combines a treadmill, elliptical, and stair stepper all into one machine designed to give you the flexibility to switch up your cardio. The 32-inch adjustable stride adjusts based on your leg movements. In other words, if you use the FS10i as a stair stepper, your legs move up and down, but your stride goes back and forth in elliptical mode.
You can follow an iFIT class (with a $39/month subscription) on the 10-inch HD touchscreen, which tracks key stats such as time elapsed, speed, distance, and calories burned. Trainers can digitally adjust your incline up to 10 percent or tap into the 24 resistance levels based on the workout. If you’re working out manually, you can make these adjustments yourself via one-touch buttons next to the touchscreen.
Best Elliptical for Weight Loss: Sole Fitness E95
Pros:
- Free Sole+ fitness app with over 3,000 workouts.
- Integrated streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime).
- Cushioned, adjustable foot pedals for joint comfort.
- 20 resistance levels for progressive challenge.
- Quiet drive system for discreet workouts.
Cons:
- Requires space for a full-sized machine.
- May be overkill if you prefer simpler workouts without streaming.
If you’re on a fitness journey, a weight-loss diet and exercise are essential to achieving your goals. If you already have a favorite weight-loss program or weight-loss app, an elliptical can help you knock out your daily sweat session. While any elliptical will help you work toward your goal, the E95 stands out thanks to its free fitness app and integrated streaming services, perfect for when you need more motivation to get moving. Unlike some of the other ellipticals on our list, the E95’s companion app, Sole+, is free with your new machine. Sole+ includes more than 3,000 trainer-led workouts and classes for on and off your elliptical. For even more entertainment while you work out, the E95 is integrated with several streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and more.
The Sole E95’s cushioned foot pedals are designed to keep your knees and ankles from feeling the brunt of an extended workout. The pedals adjust to fit your gait, but default to a two-degree inward angle. The Sole E95’s 20 resistance levels let you challenge yourself and can be easily switched via buttons on the handles. Sole’s drive system is engineered to stay quiet, but if you want to listen to your class or music on its built-in speakers, simply plug in your smart device and prop it up in the inserted tablet holder.
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Best Elliptical for Joint Pain: Sole Fitness E35
Pros:
- Smooth, low-impact ride for excellent joint comfort.
- Easy setup and user-friendly console.
- 20 resistance levels and 10 preloaded programs.
- Free access to the Sole+ fitness app.
- Built-in fans and adjustable console for comfort.
Cons:
- Not as heavy-duty as some higher-end models.
- May lack some of the advanced tech features of more expensive ellipticals.
The Sole E35 Elliptical is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, simple elliptical with a smooth ride for joint comfort. It’s easy to set up and use and has everything you need to start working out in the comfort of your own home—no gym membership required.
The Sole E35’s ramp-like design allows users to simply step on and start moving. With this elliptical, you can get a full-body workout without having to worry about straining your back or joints. It is equipped with 20 different levels of resistance so users can adjust their workouts according to their fitness levels and goals. With 10 preloaded workout programs plus free access to the Sole+ fitness app, even beginners can start their training immediately. Even though it’s not as heavy-duty as other ellipticals, the Sole E35 works for users up to 300 pounds.
And while it comes with all the features you’d expect from an elliptical, it also has some great extras that we love: built-in fans keep you cool during workouts, and a user-friendly, fully adjustable console ensures a comfortable workout.
RELATED: Best Budget Home Gym Equipment
Best Elliptical Machine for Small Spaces: Bowflex Max Trainer M6
Pros:
- Compact footprint ideal for small spaces.
- Combines elliptical and stair stepper motion.
- 16 levels of resistance for varied intensity.
- Unique burn rate display and activity targets.
- Includes free membership to JRNY digital fitness platform.
Cons:
- 15-inch stride length may feel short for taller users.
- Shorter warranty (2 years on frame and parts) compared to competitors.
- Assembly can be time-consuming.
If you’re short on space but looking to up your cardio workout with an elliptical, take a look at the Bowflex Max Trainer M6. Bringing together form and function, the M6 stamps out a footprint measuring just 46 inches long, 26 inches wide, and 64.2 inches high—quite a bit smaller than your average treadmill or other cardio machine. Its 15-inch stride length may not be a great fit for taller individuals, but it still supports a user weight of up to 300 pounds.
The M6 offers a great workout with 16 levels of resistance, a USB charging port, a water bottle holder, Bluetooth heart rate compatibility, and multi-grip moving handles with pulse contact grips to measure heart rate. It’s also equipped with a unique burn rate display to track how many calories you burn per minute and allows you to set activity level targets throughout the workout.
If interactive programming is your jam, you’re in luck. The JRNY digital fitness platform for Bowflex products houses tailored workouts, on-demand classes, real-time coaching, and personalized programming. Purchasing the M6 gives you a free membership to JRNY. Download the workout app, place your device in the magnetic media, and get pedaling.
Bowflex offers in-home assembly for an additional fee, which we recommend because assembly takes a few hours (according to reviewers). The warranty is a bit disappointing, offering only two years on the frame and parts. Most competitors cover the frame with a 10-year warranty, so you’ll want to make sure your Bowflex is assembled correctly.
Best Under Desk Elliptical: Cubii Go
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