Best Elliptical for 2022 – CNET [CNET]

March 15, 2022 Lindsay Boyers

An elliptical machine can help you get an intense workout at home. With an elliptical, you get a whole different experience from a treadmill, as it is a piece of cardio equipment that can do it all. Using an elliptical can reduce stress and strain on your legs and knees. Plus, the use of handles can give you a low-impact, total body workout that’s similar to the motion of natural walking.

I compared and tested machines at home to save you from the time-consuming task of sorting through hundreds of models and poring through even more elliptical reviews. Here are our picks for the best elliptical machine to boost your personal workout program. Keep in mind that some elliptical brands may not have resumed their white-glove delivery service yet, so fitness enthusiasts may have to put these machines together yourself (like I did).

NordicTrack Commercial 14.9

Best elliptical overall

$2,000 at Best Buy

ProForm Carbon HIIT H7

Best elliptical for smaller spaces

$1,403 at ProForm

Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical

Best elliptical for knee pain

$1,000 at Teeter

$1,548 at Amazon

Schwinn 411

Best budget elliptical

$549 at Amazon

Nautilus E618

Most comfortable elliptical

$1,300 at Best Buy

$1,300 at Amazon

Bowflex Max Trainer M9

Best elliptical for binge-watching as you work out

$2,000 at Best Buy

How I picked

My main goal was to choose a variety of ellipticals with different things to offer. I know that many people prefer the most advanced technology and top-of-the-line features, like iFit, while others just want a machine that’s simple to operate, gets the job done and doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles. I thought it was important to include machines on both sides of that spectrum, as well as some that fall somewhere in the middle.

I also considered price. It’s generally a lot easier to find a great elliptical if you’re willing to shell out a couple thousand dollars, but many people don’t have that kind of disposable income, especially right now. That’s why I included ellipticals at a variety of different prices.

How I tested

After choosing which elliptical trainers I wanted to consider, I cleared out a front room in my house and had them all delivered around the same time so that I could test them separately and easily compare them to each other. I spent several months testing them out, by doing a variety of different workouts for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.

I cycled through all of the preprogrammed features on the machines themselves and did various different workouts with iFit, for the compatible machines. I also included manual workouts, where I adjusted my incline and resistance based solely on how I was feeling, or what type of workout I wanted to do that day, rather than relying on the programmed settings alone.

Elliptical FAQs

Are home ellipticals worth it?

Whether having an elliptical machine at home is worth it or not depends on a few factors. If you’re looking for a low-impact exercise machine that provides a full-body workout, an elliptical is a great option. Also weigh how often you expect to use it versus other types of exercise.

Price is also a significant element. Elliptical machines can run in the hundreds or thousands of dollars, so make sure you consider the overall value of the purchase before you buy.

What muscles do ellipticals work?

Exercising on an elliptical machine can work a number of muscle areas, including the chest, back, biceps, triceps, core muscles, glutes and hamstrings, according to Healthline. Ellipticals offer a low-impact alternative to running, while still providing a full-body workout.

How many calories do you burn on an elliptical?

How many calories you burn on an elliptical will vary depending on your weight and the intensity and duration of the workout. According to Harvard, 30 minutes of exercise on an elliptical can burn an average of 270 calories for a 125-pound person, 324 calories for a 155-pound person and 378 calories for a 185-pound person.