Elliptical machines

Jul 7 – Oct 19, 2026Updated Oct 19, 2026Reviewed by

How we measure

Which brands AI mentions

#BrandMentioned in
#1tiedSOLE Fitness76%
#1tiedNordicTrack72%
#1tiedBowflex64%
#4tiedSchwinn Fitness50%
#4tiedHorizon Fitness46%

Mentioned in

ChatGPTChatGPTGoogle AI ModeGoogle AI Mode

Widest split: SOLE Fitness, 92% on ChatGPT and 60% on Google AI Mode.

  • #1tiedSOLE FitnessChatGPT 92%Google AI Mode 60%
  • #1tiedNordicTrackChatGPT 68%Google AI Mode 76%
  • #1tiedBowflexChatGPT 52%Google AI Mode 76%
  • #4tiedSchwinn FitnessChatGPT 40%Google AI Mode 60%
  • #4tiedHorizon FitnessChatGPT 52%Google AI Mode 40%

Questions and answers

  • ChatGPTOct 10, 2026

    1. 1Horizon Fitness
    2. 2SOLE Fitness

    What is the best elliptical machine in 2026?

    My top recommendation for most home gyms is the Horizon EX-59 if you want a straightforward, good-value elliptical. If you want a more premium machine with advanced incline settings and interactive workouts, the NordicTrack AirGlide 16 is worth considering. Recent 2026 reviews differ on the overall winner, largely because they weigh price, workout features, and comfort differently.

    The best choice depends on your budget, how much space you have, and whether you want a basic cardio workout or a more gym-like experience.

    Best elliptical machines to consider

    • EX-59 Elliptical - Affordable Elliptical | Horizon Fitness

    1. Horizon EX-59 Elliptical

    Best for most people on a budget

    A simple, practical machine for everyday cardio without paying extra for a large touchscreen or subscription-based workout experience. Yahoo Health named it best overall in its 2026 testing.

    Best for: Walking-style cardio, beginners, and everyday home use.

    Listed at about $799 in the review.

    2. NordicTrack - AirGlide 16 Elliptical - Black

    Best premium all-around option

    Offers a 16-inch touchscreen, 26 resistance levels, and incline/decline settings from -10% to 10%. It is designed for people who want varied, guided workouts.

    Best for: Frequent workouts, varied intensity, and interactive training.

    Current listed price: $1,999.00 at Best Buy. Interactive iFIT features require a subscription.

    View price and details

    3. ProForm - Carbon EL - Black

    Best mid-priced alternative

    A conventional home elliptical with full-body movement and a more accessible price than premium touchscreen models.

    Best for: Buyers wanting a standard elliptical without spending several thousand dollars.

    Current listed price: $799.00 at Best Buy.

    View price and details

    • Sole E25 Elliptical Cross Trainer

    4. Sole E25 Elliptical

    Best alternative for a sturdy home workout

    A good candidate if you prioritize a conventional elliptical design over a screen-focused workout experience. Fortune lists it among its top choices, with 20 resistance levels and incline adjustment.

    Best for: Regular cardio and buyers looking for a more traditional home-fitness machine.

    What should you look for before buying?

    • Stride length: Make sure the motion feels natural for your height.
    • Stability: A heavier, sturdier frame is generally preferable for vigorous workouts.
    • Resistance and incline: Useful if you want to progress beyond easy cardio.
    • Warranty and service: Check parts, labor, and local service availability.
    • Subscriptions: Consider whether you want guided workouts enough to pay an ongoing fee.

    Let me narrow it down to the best one for you

    1. What's your budget?

    Under $500

    $500–$800

    $800–$1,500

    $1,500–$3,000

    Over $3,000

    2. What's your main goal?

    Weight loss and cardio

    Low-impact exercise and joint comfort

    High-intensity workouts

    General fitness and longevity

    3. How much room do you have?

    Small room or apartment

    Standard home gym

    Large dedicated gym

    4. Do you want a touchscreen and guided workouts?

    No subscription needed

    Yes, I want guided workouts

    Either is fine

    [Find my best elliptical]

    Sources cited in this answer7

    Google AI ModeOct 10, 2026

    1. 1NordicTrack
    2. 2SOLE Fitness
    3. 3Schwinn Fitness

    The best elliptical machine overall for most home gyms is the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i , closely followed by top picks from brands like Sole Fitness and Schwinn . When searching for the right elliptical, the ideal option depends on whether you value high-tech interactive streaming, pure mechanical durability, or a compact footprint.[4]

    If you want an immersive, studio-class feel with scenic global workouts, choose a machine built for interactive training. These feature large HD touchscreens and automatic trainer control that shifts your resistance and incline mid-workout.

    For those who prioritize mechanical longevity over subscription apps, look for a heavy-duty frame, a heavy flywheel, and an excellent warranty. These front-drive ellipticals offer commercial-grade stability and built-in entertainment options that don't lock you into a monthly fee.

    If you are working with a tight space or a smaller apartment, standard commercial-sized ellipticals can be overwhelmingly large. Look for specialized vertical climbers or compact profiles that drastically reduce the overall footprint without sacrificing full-body engagement.[2][3]

    To help narrow down your choice, please let me know:

    • What is your approximate budget?
    • Do you have space limitations or low ceilings?
    • Do you prefer built-in virtual workout classes (like iFIT) or streaming your own apps (like Netflix)?

    Sources cited in this answer7

  • Google AI ModeOct 19, 2026

    1. 1SOLE Fitness
    2. 2Bowflex
    3. 3Life Fitness
    4. 4YourSole
    5. 5Horizon Fitness

    The best elliptical machines on the market feature a blend of heavy-duty durability, smooth magnetic resistance, and high-tech display capabilities. Top models excel across different categories depending on budget, tech integration, and space:

    1. NordicTrack AirGlide Series (Best Tech & Overall)
    • Standouts: AirGlide 14i / 16
    • Why it’s a top pick: Highly praised by fitness reviewers for offering an immersive, tech-forward experience. It features an impressive incline and decline range (-5% to 15%), 26 levels of silent magnetic resistance, and an HD touchscreen integrated with the iFIT training platform for scenic, trainer-led workouts.
    1. SOLE Fitness E95 / E35 (Best for Heavy-Duty Durability & Value)

    Why it’s a top pick: SOLE is a favorite for gym-quality sturdiness without forcing you into a monthly software subscription. The SOLE E95 Elliptical offers a 20-inch natural stride, a heavy flywheel, power incline, and custom-designed articulating foot pedals that minimize joint stress.

    1. Horizon EX-59 (Best Budget / Beginner-Friendly)

    Why it’s a top pick: Coming in at a much lower price point, the Horizon EX-59 is frequently recommended by Garage Gym Reviews as a no-fuss, highly reliable machine. It features a low step-on height, intuitive controls, Bluetooth connectivity for your own devices, and a quiet drive system that won't disturb the rest of the house.

    1. Bowflex Max Trainer M6 / M9 (Best High-Intensity Hybrid)
    • Why it’s a top pick: The Max Trainer series merges an elliptical path with a vertical stair-climber motion. This makes for a massive calorie burn in a shorter amount of time and results in a much more compact, vertical footprint that fits easily into tighter spaces or apartments.
    1. Life Fitness E1 / Club Series+ (Best Premium / Commercial Grade) [1][2]
    • Why it’s a top pick: If you want absolute commercial-gym quality in your home and have a larger budget, Life Fitness is the gold standard. Their units offer biomechanically validated, exceptionally fluid motion, oversized flexform pedals, and premium console choices.[1][2]

    To help narrow down the ideal machine for you, tell me:

    • What is your budget range?
    • Do you prefer a built-in touchscreen with a subscription service (like iFIT) or a simpler display where you can use your own tablet/phone?
    • Are you dealing with space limitations?

    Sources cited in this answer1

    ChatGPTOct 19, 2026

    1. 1NordicTrack
    2. 2SOLE Fitness
    3. 3Schwinn Fitness
    4. 4Horizon Fitness
    5. 5Niceday Fitness

    Best elliptical machines to buy in 2026

    The best elliptical machine depends on whether you want a premium full-body workout, a quiet machine for home use, a compact option for an apartment, or the best value for your money.

    For most buyers, I’d prioritize a smooth, natural stride, adjustable resistance and incline, low noise, sturdy construction, and a warranty that covers the frame and moving parts. Interactive workout subscriptions can be useful, but they shouldn't be the main reason to buy a machine.

    The 6 best elliptical machines right now

    These are my top recommendations based on current 2026 product reviews, testing, features, and value. Prices are approximate US retail prices and can change with sales.

    • HOME - Vixen Composites

    (Best overall value)

    1. Horizon EX-59 Elliptical

    $600–$800

    A practical, well-rounded home machine with an 18-inch stride, 10 resistance levels, Bluetooth, and no required workout subscription.

    Best for: Most people who want reliable cardio without paying for a large touchscreen.

    Source:

    View Horizon EX-59

    • NordicTrack X16 Elliptical

    (Best premium interactive)

    2. NordicTrack X16 Elliptical

    $2,500–$3,000

    A high-tech option with a large touchscreen, 26 resistance levels, and incline/decline capability for varied, trainer-led workouts.

    Best for: People who enjoy guided classes, immersive workouts, and a more challenging training experience.

    Trade-off: Costs considerably more, and the full interactive experience may require an iFIT membership.

    Source:

    View NordicTrack

    • Sole Fitness E25 Elliptical Cross Trainer

    3. Sole E25 Elliptical

    $1,000–$1,300

    A sturdy, more substantial home-gym option with 20 resistance levels and adjustable incline. It's worth considering if you value the machine itself more than a subscription-based experience.

    Best for: Frequent workouts and buyers looking for a durable, traditional elliptical.

    Trade-off: Larger and heavier than compact entry-level machines.

    Source:

    View Sole E25

    • 490 Elliptical – Schwinn Fitness

    4. Schwinn 490 Elliptical

    $1,400–$1,700

    A midrange choice for people who want more workout variety and adjustable training options than basic budget machines typically offer.

    Best for: Regular home exercisers who want a step up from a simple elliptical without going fully premium.

    Trade-off: More expensive than a basic cardio machine, so compare its ergonomics and features against the Sole E25 before purchasing.

    Source:

    View Schwinn Fitness

    • Schwinn 411 Compact Home Elliptical Trainer | Reviews | 2024 | SmartReview.com

    5. Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical

    $650–$800

    A space-conscious machine with an 18-inch stride and 16 resistance levels. Its smaller footprint makes it a useful option for apartments and spare rooms.

    Best for: People who want a conventional elliptical but have limited floor space.

    Trade-off: The console is relatively basic, and the lighter construction may feel less substantial than pricier machines.

    Source:

    View Schwinn Fitness

    • $11/mo - Finance Niceday Elliptical Exercise Machine, Elliptical Machine for Home, Magnetic Elliptical Trainer with 15.5IN-19IN Stride, 16 Resistance Levels, 400LBS Loading Capacity, Support Kinomap APP | Buy Now, Pay Later

    (Best budget pick)

    6. Niceday Classic Elliptical CT11S

    $350–$450

    A straightforward magnetic-resistance machine praised in recent testing for quiet operation, stability, and ease of use. It supports users up to 400 pounds according to the tested model's specifications.

    Best for: Beginners and people who want simple, regular cardio at home.

    Trade-off: No incline adjustment or built-in workout programs, and the stride may feel short for taller users.

    Source:

    Find Niceday CT11S

    Quick comparison

    MachineApprox. priceMain advantage
    Horizon EX-59$600–$800Best all-around value
    NordicTrack X16$2,500–$3,000Interactive training
    Sole E25$1,000–$1,300Sturdy home-gym build
    Schwinn 490$1,400–$1,700Workout variety
    Schwinn 411$650–$800Compact footprint
    Niceday CT11S$350–$450Simple, affordable cardio

    Prices are estimates, not guaranteed live checkout prices. Recent reviews from Verywell Fit and Shape support the budget Niceday pick, while Fortune highlights NordicTrack for premium training.

    What to check before you buy

    • Stride length: Around 18–20 inches is a useful starting point for many adults; taller users should pay particular attention to comfort.
    • Stability: A heavier, sturdier frame can feel more secure during vigorous sessions.
    • Resistance and incline: More levels and adjustable incline help you progress, but aren't essential for basic cardio.
    • Noise: Magnetic resistance is generally a good choice for quieter home workouts.
    • Warranty and service: Check coverage for parts, labor, and the frame, along with delivery and assembly costs.

    Let me narrow it down to the best one for you

    1. What's your budget?

    Under $500

    $500–$800

    $800–$1,500

    $1,500–$3,000

    Over $3,000

    2. What's most important?

    Best overall quality

    Quiet operation

    Joint-friendly, smooth stride

    High-intensity workouts

    Built-in screen and guided classes

    3. Where will you use it?

    Apartment or small room

    Standard home gym

    Shared or commercial gym

    4. How tall is the primary user?

    Under 5'6"

    5'6"–6'0"

    Over 6'0"

    [Find my best elliptical]

    Sources cited in this answer10

Also asked as

  • Which elliptical machine is considered the top choice right now?