Top 5 Elliptical Machines for Your Fitness Journey, According to Women's Spot Experts

If you’re someone who’s experienced running injuries or looking for a gentler way to keep your endurance up, ellipticals could be your new best friend. As someone who has dealt with on-and-off injuries from running, I’ve found that using an elliptical offers a low-impact option that lets you maintain your cardiovascular fitness without stressing your joints. Unlike running, where your feet hit the ground repeatedly, ellipticals keep your feet planted but still manage to get your heart rate pumping just as effectively.

After dedicating a couple of months to elliptical workouts, I noticed a noticeable improvement: I was able to return to running without pain and at the same pace as before. Elliptical machines simulate the motions of walking and jogging, but by eliminating the impact forces on your knees and hips, they provide a smoother, safer experience. When you put your weight on the pedals and grips, the machine’s flywheel provides resistance through a fluid, continuous motion. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the movement—the tension and smoothness of the flywheel make these workouts genuinely challenging and effective for building stamina.

Finding the right elliptical depends on a handful of important features that directly impact your comfort and workout quality. The most essential elements to consider include the resistance levels, stride length, and the overall size of the machine. Each of these aspects can vary widely between models, so knowing what suits your fitness goals and living space is crucial.

Resistance is the way your elliptical challenges your muscles and your cardiovascular system. Most machines offer a range of resistance levels, often up to 20 or more. This lets you adjust the workout intensity, from lighter endurance sessions to tougher interval training. However, resistance settings can feel different based on the machine’s magnetic power and flywheel design, so it’s a good idea to try various options and pay attention to how it feels. A fitness expert from Women's Spot explains that endurance workouts usually call for moderate resistance, while high-intensity interval training involves switching between low and high resistance for maximum impact. Instead of just focusing on resistance numbers, it’s helpful to gauge your effort by how you feel, your exertion level, and if possible, your heart rate zones.

The stride length—essentially how far apart the pedals move during use—is another critical element. This measurement greatly influences how natural and comfortable your movement feels. Most ellipticals have stride lengths of at least 15 inches, which works well for most users. If you’re taller, around six feet or more, look for machines with a longer stride of 19 to 20 inches for a more comfortable stride. Choosing the right stride length can minimize discomfort and ensure a more enjoyable exercise.

Size is often an overlooked but essential factor. Elliptical machines are sizeable, so make sure you have enough space not only to fit the machine but also to allow full movement of the pedals and arms without feeling cramped. A handy tip from a fitness professional is to add an extra two to four feet around the elliptical’s dimensions to ensure you have enough room for a full range of motion. This is especially important if you plan to use the machine in a compact area or apartment.

At Women's Spot, we gathered insights from physical therapy professionals and fitness experts to identify the features that make ellipticals truly stand out. We also dove into research and compared popular models, looking closely at resistance variety, stride length, and machine size to determine which offer the best value for your investment.

With a focus on durability, usability, and comfort, we aimed to pick ellipticals suitable for a range of users—whether you’re just starting out or already a fitness enthusiast. Every elliptical on our list meets high performance standards and brings something unique to the table, catering to different needs and spaces.

Whether you want a top-of-the-line machine with advanced tech and extensive workouts, or a simple, budget-friendly option for small spaces, we have you covered. Our picks are not only effective but are also designed to enhance your workout experience and help you stick to your fitness goals.

Ready to find an elliptical that fits your lifestyle and fitness ambitions? Let’s explore the best elliptical trainers that deliver low-impact cardiovascular workouts, highly recommended by fitness specialists and tailored for diverse needs.

1. Best Overall Elliptical: The Sole Fitness E35 stands out as a top-tier choice for anyone looking to combine power, versatility, and comfort. With 20 adjustable resistance levels—the highest on our list—it allows you to tailor your workouts from gentle endurance sessions to intense interval training. Its large 20-inch stride length comfortably accommodates taller users, ensuring smooth and natural motion during exercise.

What sets this model apart is its quiet operation and a large display screen that works hand in hand with the included Sole+ App, which offers a vast library of on-demand workout classes perfect for newcomers and seasoned users alike. The machine’s sturdy base and padded pedals take care of your joints, making long sessions doable without discomfort. Plus, it’s equipped with wheels for easy relocation within your home gym.

2. Best Budget Elliptical: If you’re seeking quality without a hefty price tag, the Niceday elliptical offers great value. It features a 15.5-inch natural stride, ideal for users under six feet, and provides 16 resistance levels to accommodate a range of workout intensities. Its compact and lightweight frame makes it easy to move and store, perfect for smaller living spaces.

This model comes mostly assembled, so setting it up is hassle-free. While it might be less suited for taller individuals, it still delivers an effective, low-impact workout that’s suitable for beginners or budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts.

3. Best Quiet Elliptical: For those who need a silent exercise experience, the Pooboo elliptical delivers ultra-smooth and quiet operation. Featuring a rear flywheel, the pedaling action mimics natural walking, which adds to the smoothness and helps cut down on clunky noises during use. The pedals include non-slip features to protect your balance and reduce joint impact.

Built with a robust steel frame, this machine is designed for durability and can withstand rigorous workouts. Its 15.5-inch stride length is comfortable for most users, and it comes nearly fully assembled so you can jump into your fitness routine quickly.

4. Best for Small Spaces: Apartment dwellers or those with limited room will appreciate the Yosuda ProCardio Climber. Its vertical, compact design fits into tight spots without compromising stability, thanks to reliable pedals that prevent wobbling during use. The 15-inch stride suits most users under six feet, and like the Pooboo model, it operates quietly due to a well-designed flywheel.

This elliptical also has front wheels, making it easy to move around and store. Its heavy-duty build ensures it lasts through intense workout sessions while delivering the benefits of a low-impact cardio routine.

5. Best Vertical Elliptical: Bowflex presents the Max Trainer SE, a sleek, vertical machine that mimics stair climbing for a unique full-body workout. The design saves floor space and is perfect for compact home gyms. It features Bluetooth connectivity for heart-rate monitoring and includes a USB charging port for your devices.

While the exact stride length isn’t specified, this machine offers a whisper-quiet experience and comes with free online workouts, no subscription needed. Its four-grip handlebars add versatility for upper body engagement, allowing you to switch arm positions throughout your exercise.

These ellipticals were selected to offer something for everyone, whether you value advanced technology, compact design, or cost-effectiveness. Each comes with features designed to help you maintain a consistent, effective fitness routine by offering a comfortable, joint-friendly workout option.