An elliptical machine—also known as a cross trainer—is one of the best pieces of equipment to include in your home gym.
It gives you all the benefits of a full-body cardio workout but uses impact-free gliding movements that protect your joints from stress.
Ideal for everyone from seasoned athletes to people recovering from injuries, an elliptical actively involves both your lower and upper body.
Having just one machine to work multiple muscle groups is great if you’re short on space, as it cuts down on the amount of equipment you’ll need.
But cross-trainers can be bulky pieces of equipment, so unless you have the room to dedicate to one permanently, it’s best to find a model you can easily move around.
To help you do just that, we’ve compiled this list of the best at home movable elliptical machines and outlined the reasons we recommend them.
But before we get to those, let’s take a look at the things to consider before choosing a cross-trainer for your home.
Features to Look For in the Best At Home Movable Ellipticals
Cost is the first consideration and you should expect to pay upwards of $1,500 for the very best ellipticals with sophisticated features.
That being said, it’s possible to find a good cross-trainer at a far lower price point – we’ve included several in this guide!
Just remember that these won’t have the advanced features of the pricier models, nor will they offer the same level of stability.
Other things to think about include:
Style
Some elliptical machines come with a flywheel at the back, giving you the sensation of running when you use them.
Others are front-driven and encourage you to lean forwards, making them feel closer to a stepper machine.
Both deliver a good workout, so it’s a matter of which style you prefer.
That being said, front-driven ellipticals tend to have a smaller footprint, so they might be a better choice if you have limited space.
In our guide, you will also see small ellipticals designed for use under a desk or while you sit watching TV.
These won’t give you a full-body workout, but can be useful if you are rehabilitating after an injury.
Stride Length
The stride length needs to be long enough for you to comfortably extend your legs. If it’s too short, it can feel very limiting.
The taller you are, the greater the stride length you’ll need.
As a rough guide, 20 inches is ideal for users around six feet tall, whereas upwards of around 16 inches should be comfortable for a shorter stride.
Flywheel weight and Resistance Levels
The weight of the flywheel is an indication of quality, and the best ellipticals will have a flywheel weight of 15 pounds or more.
This ensures that the machine will run smoothly and quietly.
You should also look for a machine that offers multiple levels of resistance (ideally more than 20), as these will make your workouts more challenging as your fitness level improves.
Extra features
It may not be necessary for a good workout, but sophisticated tech can make your sessions a lot more fun!
If your budget allows, look for features like Bluetooth connectivity, built-in color screens, and charging ports.
Just bear in mind that some screens are only designed to work with subscription-based fitness services, whereas others will support a wider range of apps.
The 9 Best At Home Movable Ellipticals
#1. NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i Elliptical
– Folds for storage, with 24 levels of resistance and an 18 lb flywheel
– Best elliptical for apartments and smaller homes
With rear-mounted wheels for transportation and a folding frame that allows you to store it vertically, this model from NordicTrack is perfect for small spaces.
It has a user capacity of 325 pounds and an auto-adjustable stride length of 18 inches – a touch on the short side for some users, but only to be expected given the compact design.
If tech plays a big role in your workouts, you’ll be happy to find all bases are covered, with a vibrant 14” smart HD touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, 2 digitally amplified speakers, and automatic trainer control.
We particularly love the Google Map Technology that allows you to run on a route of your choice anywhere in the world, the inclination adjusting automatically to match the terrain!
The ergonomic foot pedals are super comfortable to use, and this model comes with a 30-day iFIT membership for interactive fitness sessions.
#2. ProForm Pro HIIT Elliptical
– 30 lb flywheel, 325 lb weight capacity, and 26 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance
– The best at home movable elliptical for more challenging workouts
This model is closer to a stepper in style and allows your feet to move on a 10-inch vertical and 5-inch horizontal elliptical path.
Whilst it’s not a design we’d recommend if you have any knee problems, it’s ideal if you want to really amp up your workouts and burn off a ton of calories!
The console is very user-friendly, with a vivid 14-inch touchscreen and large buttons that make it easy to change your resistance level quickly.
The vertical shape of this elliptical gives it a very small footprint, and it takes up just half the area of a regular machine – ideal if space is at a premium!
It also comes with front-mounted transport wheels, so you can easily move it from one room to another.
A 30-day iFIT membership is included, with your HIIT Trainer’s resistance adjusting automatically to match your workout.
#3. SCHWINN Fitness 411 Compact Elliptical Machine
– 16 resistance levels, 300 lb weight capacity, and front wheels for transportation
– Affordable and compact
We think the Schwinn 411 is great value for money, featuring a space-saving design but still remarkably smooth to use.
The stride length of 18 inches might be problematic for taller users but is pretty decent for a low-cost model like this one.
And there are some great bonus features, too, including wireless heart rate monitoring, 13 built-in workouts, and compatibility with Schwinn’s ‘Explore The World’ app.
This offers more than 50 routes that auto-adjust in real time to your speed (although you’ll need a subscription for most).
The streamlined monitor is intuitive to use, with simple buttons and a screen displaying the time, speed, distance, calories, and heart rate.
We also like the fact that this model has fixed handlebars as well as moving ones – something often lacking at this price point, but great for when you want to focus on the lower body.
#4. Bowflex M8 Max Trainer
– 20 resistance levels, enhanced dual-mode LCD/LED screens, and connectivity for up to 4 unique users
– The best ellipticals for activating multiple muscles
The Bowflex Max Trainer doesn’t come cheap – but for your money, you get a premium machine that promises you a serious, fat-burning workout!
Designed to combine the low-impact motion of a traditional elliptical with the high-intensity power of a stepper, it uses a unique burn rate display to motivate you to smash your goals.
Compatibility with the JRNY app for phones and tablets gives you access to curated workouts, scenic routes, and entertainment through the likes of Netflix and Disney.
And we like the fact that you can set up four different user profiles – at this price, the more family members able to use the machine, the better!
The vertical design doesn’t take up much space compared to a traditional elliptical and there are wheels at the front, so it’s easy to roll the unit into a corner when you need to.
The large footplates are comfortable to use and the machine is exceptionally sturdy, even at maximum resistance.
Just be sure to check your ceiling height, as taller users might struggle with vertical clearance.
#5. NordicTrack FS14i FreeStride Elliptical
– 375 pounds weight capacity, 20 lb flywheel, 26 levels of resistance, and -10% decline to 10% incline
– Best elliptical for stride variety
If you’re prepared for a considerable investment plus a monthly subscription to iFit, the Freestride is one of the best ellipticals on the market and one of the most fun to use!
The auto-adjusting stride extends up to a whopping 32 inches and the incline/decline features add some great challenge and variety to your workout.
The bright 14-inch touchscreen immerses you in your training session and tilts for the perfect viewing angle, whatever your height.
Your iFit trainers, meanwhile, automatically adjust your settings to suit your studio classes or the terrain of your route.
As with NordicTrack’s slightly more affordable Space Saver model, you get access to worldwide routes through the Google Maps™ technology.
And when your workout is done, you can use the front-mounted transport wheels to roll the unit away for storage.
#6. Sunny Health & Fitness Fully Assembled Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical
– 220 lb weight capacity, 8 resistance levels, and a 7-inch stride length
– Best elliptical for gradually getting back into exercise
Compact enough to fit easily under your desk and lightweight enough to move from one room to another, this well-made machine gives you the freedom to exercise anywhere!
It comes with a digital monitor that displays all your metrics, with the option to scan through the variables as you train.
The tension knob allows you to adjust the resistance and the non-slip textured pedals are designed to securely accommodate all foot sizes.
The flywheel is only 3.52 pounds, but that’s just enough to get the blood flowing and ideal for improving muscular endurance, even if you’re recovering from an injury or have mobility problems.
#7. Niceday Elliptical Trainer Machine
– 16 levels of resistance, hyper-quiet magnetic drive system, and a 16 lb flywheel
– Best at home movable elliptical for heavier users
Thanks to the extra-thick commercial steel pipe used in the frame, this model from Niceday has a weight capacity of 400 pounds – one of the highest in our guide.
But it also has a short stride length of 15 inches, so it’s really only suitable for users around 5’6″ or less.
It works without electricity – meaning you can use it anywhere in your home – and it has wheels at the front that make it easy to move.
This elliptical is on the more affordable end of the spectrum and the very simple digital monitor reflects that, displaying just the most basic metrics.
Yet there’s lots to like, too, including large, non-slip footplates, pulse monitoring, and a device holder.
Best of all, it comes 90% pre-assembled, so there’s very little setup time involved once it’s arrived.
#8. Stamina InMotion Compact Strider Elliptical
– 250 pounds weight limit, small footprint, and quiet operation
– Best elliptical for low-impact exercise while you work
We like the versatility of this elliptical which can be used in a sitting or standing position and allows for reverse pedaling to work a wider range of muscles.
It’s ideal if you’re short on space, taking up very little room, and with a built-in handle that makes it easy to carry from one spot to another.
You can control the tension with just the turn of a knob and enjoy custom workouts tailored to your individual goals via the müüv companion app – with no subscription required!
There’s a very small, basic display where you can see stats like your workout time, calorie burn, and stride count, whilst the large pedals are textured to stop you from slipping.
Just be aware – whilst the unit is stable, it can take a little while to get your balance when using it in the standing position.
#9. EFITMENT Magnetic Elliptical Machine Trainer
– 220 lb maximum weight, space-saving design, and a quiet, belt-driven flywheel
– Best low-budget option
EFITMENT is a company aiming to make fitness equipment more affordable, and their magnetic elliptical machine is perfect for the casual exerciser.
Naturally, it doesn’t have any of the bells and whistles of the pricier models. It also has a very small stride length of just 11 inches, making it more suitable for petite users.
Nevertheless, it still has the basic features you need for a decent workout, with the dial offering 8 different levels of magnetic resistance and a small LCD monitor to display your stats.
There are pulse sensors built into the stationary bars and there’s a nicely-made phone/tablet holder, too, so you can train using your favorite apps.
The Best At Home Movable Ellipticals: Key Takeaways
Using a cross-trainer at home is a great way to exercise effectively whilst protecting your joints from the stress of impact.
We hope this guide has helped you find the best at home movable elliptical – one that you’ll enjoy using and that will help you achieve your fitness goals.
