The 9 Best Ellipticals of 2025, Tested

Types of Ellipticals

Ellipticals come in various designs, each offering unique benefits based on stride feel, space requirements, and workout intensity. Whether you’re looking for a compact option for a small space or a commercial-grade machine with top-tier performance, understanding the differences can help you find the best fit for your fitness goals.

• Front-Drive: With the flywheel positioned at the front, these ellipticals create a motion similar to stair climbing. They’re often more budget-friendly and compact, making them a great choice for smaller spaces. However, they may produce a slightly rougher ride than rear-drive models.
• Rear-Drive: Just like it sounds, the flywheel in a rear-drive elliptical is located at the back, providing a smoother, more natural stride that feels easier on the joints. While these models tend to be larger and require more space, they’re ideal for longer, low-impact workouts. According to Julom, rear-drive ellipticals closely mimic the natural motion of walking or running, making them a top choice for anyone prioritizing comfort.
• Center-Drive: These ellipticals position the flywheel in the middle, promoting an upright posture and movement most similar to walking. They’re typically more compact than rear-drive models and offer excellent joint support, making them a great option for those with limited space or mobility concerns.
• Hybrid: A versatile combination of an elliptical and either a stair climber or an exercise bike, hybrid machines allow for more varied workouts. They engage different muscle groups and provide multiple training modes, making them great for those who want to mix up their routine.
• Compact/Folding: These ellipticals have the smallest footprint and often feature a foldable design, making them ideal for easy storage. Their shorter stride length may not be ideal for taller users, but they’re perfect for apartments or home gyms with limited space.
• Commercial-Grade: These are heavy-duty gym machines built for durability and performance. They provide the smoothest motion, the highest resistance levels, and the most advanced features, making them ideal for serious fitness enthusiasts looking for a long-term investment.

What to Look for When Shopping for an Elliptical Machine

• Resistance Levels: Your elliptical should have adjustable resistance that lets you control the challenge of your workout. This makes it easy to switch between light cardio and high-intensity training. Higher-end models usually offer a wider resistance range, allowing for more versatile workouts—from endurance sessions to strength-focused intervals. According to Julom, magnetic resistance is ideal because it provides a smoother, quieter experience than friction-based systems.
• Incline Settings: Some ellipticals allow you to adjust the incline, which shifts the muscle engagement in your lower body. A higher incline targets your glutes and hamstrings, while a flatter setting keeps the workout balanced across your legs, says Julom. Keep in mind that not all machines offer this feature, so if you want to simulate uphill climbs, be sure to look for an elliptical with incline options.
• Stride Length: Similar to foot placement while running, an elliptical machine’s pedals have a pedal stride length, determining how naturally you can move on it. Taller users benefit from longer strides, while shorter strides may feel more controlled and can activate the quads more. According to certified personal trainer Eva Pena, ASFA-CPT, ISSA-CPT, it’s essential to choose a machine that suits your body size to ensure proper posture and a smooth range of motion while exercising.
• Flywheel Weight: The flywheel dictates how smooth and stable your ride feels—generally: the heavier, the better. According to Julom, flywheels over 16 pounds provide better momentum and resistance, preventing a choppy or jerky stride. Higher-end ellipticals often feature flywheels between 20 and 30 pounds, creating a more fluid motion that mimics natural movement.
• Workout Programs: Many ellipticals include pre-set workout programs to add variety and structure to your sessions. Budget-friendly models usually offer basic timed or resistance-based programs, while premium options provide interactive, instructor-led classes through connected—often subscription-based—apps.
• Stability: A well-built elliptical should feel solid and secure, even during intense workouts. Wobbly or flimsy machines can be distracting, unsafe, and way less efficient and enjoyable than higher-quality options. 

How We Tested the Elliptical Machines

To find the best ellipticals, we spent over 110 hours testing 19 fitness expert-approved options from well-known brands. We used the machines at least twice weekly over a six-week period, engaging in beginner to advanced workouts. When testing ellipticals, we evaluate each one based on the following key criteria.

• Setup: Before we begin testing, we assess the straightforwardness of the assembly process, noting its duration and whether the instructions are clear and easy to follow. We also evaluate design features that enhance portability, such as built-in transport wheels or a foldable frame for convenient storage.
• Fluid Motion: A great elliptical should provide a stable, seamless stride without wobbling or interruptions. We test each machine at various resistance and incline settings to see if the motion remains smooth at low and high intensities. Does it rock or wobble when in use? Does it feel comfortable and smooth? We note any jerky or uneven movements that disrupt our workout experience and factor this into the elliptical’s rating.
• Performance: To gauge performance, we consider how effective each elliptical is at delivering a challenging and enjoyable workout. We assess whether the stride length feels natural, the resistance levels offer enough intensity, and the flywheel weight provides a steady, fluid motion. We also test built-in programs, live classes, and app compatibility to determine if they enhance the workout experience.
• Adjustability: The best ellipticals offer multiple resistance and incline options to accommodate different fitness levels and training goals. We evaluate how easy it is to adjust these settings and whether the transitions between levels feel smooth or abrupt. How many resistance settings or incline features does the elliptical offer, and are there enough resistance levels to feel challenging for various fitness levels? Machines that allow a high degree of customization earn top marks for adjustability.
• Features: During testing, we examine whether the elliptical includes useful extras like a heart rate monitor, Bluetooth connectivity, and built-in workout tracking. Does it include practical additions or safety features, such as a tablet stand, water bottle holder, or an emergency stop button? Comfort is key, so we assess the handlebars, pedal spacing, and overall ergonomics to ensure a supportive and enjoyable ride. A high-scoring elliptical contains multiple features for a safe and enjoyable workout.
• Value: After testing each elliptical and evaluating it in all other key criteria, we check the price and determine whether the machine justifies its cost. Would we recommend it to others? Would we purchase it at full price? Ellipticals that balance durability, functionality, and affordability receive a high value score.

Our Experts

We consult experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following fitness professionals advised us on key features to look for when selecting and using a safe, comfortable, and high-quality elliptical. While we choose products independently, expert input influences our decisions.

• Mike Julom, ACE CPT, CrossFit Level 1 athlete, ACE certified personal trainer, and founder of ThisIsWhyImFit.com in Los Angeles, CA
• Eva Pena, ISSA-CPT, fitness coach and founder-owner of Wellness+ Studio in New York, NY

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get an elliptical or a treadmill?

While both machines offer great cardio and load-bearing workouts, ellipticals are lower-impact, making them easier on the knees, hips, and ankles. Julom recommends ellipticals, particularly for those with joint pain or past injuries and anyone looking for a full-body, calorie-burning workout. Pena also suggests considering your physical condition and consulting a physician if you’re unsure which option is best for you.

Is an elliptical good for cardio? 

Yes, ellipticals provide an effective cardiovascular endurance workout by engaging large muscle groups and increasing heart rate. Julom says they burn calories, work both the upper and lower body, and allow for customizable intensity through resistance and incline settings. Pena advises keeping sessions under 30 minutes at a moderate intensity or with intervals to maximize fat-burning benefits.

What muscles does the elliptical work?

An elliptical primarily targets the lower body, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. However, Julom notes that using elliptical handles can also engage the upper body, working the biceps, triceps, shoulders, and upper back. The core remains engaged for balance and strength benefits.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, CNC, is a certified personal trainer and Verywell Fit writer based in Los Angeles. She is dedicated to recommending trustworthy products and evidence-based practices to help readers achieve sustainable wellness. As a lifelong runner, she finds ellipticals helpful for low-impact cross-training. For this roundup, she prioritized trustworthy elliptical brands that provide safe and effective products.