If you are looking for a fun, low impact cardio workout, then the elliptical trainer is a perfect option. Something that can only be compared to cross country skiing, ellipticals provide a way to get the blood flowing, without having to sacrifice your joints. Finding the best elliptical for weight loss isn’t always easy, that is where we come in. We want to help you find the option that is right for you.
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Our Top Picks: Best Ellipticals for Weight Loss
We’ve selected the best ellipticals. From the budget-friendly to the premium options, so that you can choose the one that fits your requirements:
Top Choice: Schwinn Elliptical Machine
Mid-Range Option: NordicTrack E 7.5 Z Elliptical
Budget Pick: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905
Editors Choice: Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer
Premium Choice: Sole E25 Elliptical
Top Choice: Schwinn Elliptical Machine
The Schwinn 430 allows users to track their fitness and achieve their health goals over time. The computer has dual screens that display your heart rate, allow you to select from the available built-in workout programs (there are 22 different options), and track basic stats like duration of the workout, calories burned, etc.
Some plus points include 6 levels of incline and 20 levels of eddy current resistance, features that aren’t common in many entry-level consoles. The stride length is 20 inches, which will fit just about anyone. It also has cushioned pedals, which only serve to increase the comfort of the machine. The weight capacity is 300 lbs.
Some bonus features include a cooling fan, a water bottle holder, a USB charging port, and a smart device compartment. The frame has a 10-year warranty and a 2-year mechanical warranty.
It offers 10 degrees of incline that are manually operated. Some of the pricier models do have electric incline. So if that is extremely important to you, then I would look at another option. Apart from this minor drawback, the Schwinn is a great choice for a daily-use elliptical and comes at a great price.
Pros
- Durable frame
- Dual screens display a lot of valuable data
- Option to build a profile helps you track workouts
Cons
- Average incline range, manually controlled
- No option of heart rate monitoring through a chest strap
To check out this elliptical on Amazon, click here.
Mid-Range Option: NordicTrack E 7.5 Z Elliptical
The E 7.5 Z is designed for entry-level users and is ideal for a basic workout. The elliptical has an adjustable stride length between 17-19 inches, which is suitable for just about anyone.
It has the option of manual incline adjustment. There are no built-in workout programs, so you can make your own plan or download some on your phone or tablet.
Some positives about this include the 25 levels of resistance, a heart rate monitor, and a 300 lb. weight capacity. The frame has a lifetime warranty, which is great, and 1-year coverage for parts. This elliptical trainer is a great option for anyone looking to lose weight.
Pros
- Adjustable stride length
- Durable frame
- 25 levels of resistance
- Long term warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t come with built-in workout programs
- Only suitable for beginners
To check out this elliptical on Amazon, click here.
Budget Pick: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905
The SF-E905 combines a decent price point with a number of valuable features – it runs on electromagnetic resistance, making it practically noise-free. The elliptical has 8 levels of resistance. Setting it up is quite easy and may take around an hour.
The frame has a 3-year warranty. Keep in mind the parts only come with 90-day coverage. It also has a built-in pulse heart rate monitor and wide, comfortable pedals.
Some negatives include the low weight capacity (220 lbs.) and a very small stride length of 11 inches. If you have a standard build, you can use this comfortably, but it won’t cater to everyone. While many modern ellipticals come with the option of a reverse stride, this one doesn’t.
Overall, this elliptical is for the person with a limited budget and needs it for basic daily exercise.
Pros
- Noise-free
- 8 levels of electromagnetic resistance
- Pulse heart rate monitor
Cons
- Very small stride length
- Small weight capacity
To check out this elliptical on Amazon, click here.
Editor’s Choice: Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer
The Nautilus E614 features a dual display screen and helps you keep track of your workouts. It has a sleek design with a 20-inch stride level. It offers 20 levels of eddy current resistance and 6 levels of incline. This elliptical is easy to assemble and can be set up within an hour.
The elliptical has a weight capacity of 300 lbs. and 10 years of warranty for the frame, which is very durable to begin with. It comes with 22 built-in workout programs and has transport wheels, which are a major plus if you’re buying this for home use. The computer has the option to build your own user profile to store workout history and displays valuable data like heart rate, revolutions per minute, calories burned, etc.
Some extras include a water bottle and accessory holders, a cooling fan, a USB charging port, and the option to download new workouts onto the computer.
Pros
- Stable and durable build
- Detailed, dual display screens
- 20 levels of resistance
Cons
- Only 6 levels of incline manually operated
To check out this elliptical on Amazon, click here
Premium Choice: Sole E25 Elliptical
The Sole E25 goes beyond basic features and has plenty more to offer. It features Bluetooth operated speakers and an integrated tablet holder so you can make your workouts more enjoyable. The molded handlebars support different grip positions, and the elliptical has 20 degrees of incline for a serious workout. Unlike some budget buys, this one offers both reverse and forward pedaling. It has sloped pedals to reduce the impact on your knees. It runs on noiseless, electromagnetic resistance, and the stride length of this elliptical is 20 inches.
With 10 different workout modes and connectivity to the Sole fitness app, this elliptical is ideal for a daily cardio workout. The frame comes with a lifetime warranty and 3 years of coverage for parts.
Bonus features include Bluetooth connectivity, a heart rate monitor, transport wheels, and a USB charging port. The weight capacity is 350 lbs.
Overall, this elliptical makes workouts more enjoyable because you have a wider range of options, and the high level of incline can make your workout a little more intense. That being said, the resistance level is ideal for entry-level users only.
Pros
- Can be synced to your smart device
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 20-inch stride length
- Long term warranty
Cons
- Speaker sound is low
- Not enough resistance for advanced users
