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Training on an elliptical can be an efficient and low-impact way to work both your upper body and lower body simultaneously. As effective as these machines can be, not every athlete has the space to accommodate these larger pieces of home gym equipment. Thankfully, the best compact ellipticals bring all the perks of a full-size elliptical to your space without taking...
The post The 7 Best Compact Ellipticals of 2023 appeared first on BarBend.
Training on an elliptical can be an efficient and low-impact way to work both your upper body and lower body simultaneously. As effective as these machines can be, not every athlete has the space to accommodate these larger pieces of home gym equipment. Thankfully, the best compact ellipticals bring all the perks of a full-size elliptical to your space without taking up your whole training area.
As with any cardio machine, there are a few key questions you need to ask before deciding on a singular compact elliptical. How much space do you have to spare in your home? What are your personal fitness goals? Do you want a machine that’s simple in nature or one that’s more feature-rich? So, to give you a leg up in the process, we tested 16 of the top-performing machines, paced through mounds of research, and tapped outside customer reviews to curate the list of our favorite compact ellipticals available today.
The 7 Best Compact Ellipticals of 2023
How We Tested
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. For this round-up, we considered a handful of components and factors when testing our assortment of compact ellipticals. Outside of our personal experience and enjoyment with each profile, we examined a number of metrics associated with each silhouette.
Naturally, we considered the overall product dimensions of each machine — can an elliptical really be labeled as compact exercise equipment if it devours your entire floor plan? These measurements also led us to look at the weight capacities and stride lengths of each profile since these specs can be affected by how large or small the elliptical is.
Of course, we also took note of training-focused metrics, such as available speeds and resistance levels. We didn’t want to sacrifice performance for the sake of a little extra walking space around our homes.
Other features like folding mechanisms for easier storage and (of course) price points were also influential. Now, let’s get ready and hop right into our findings.
Best Compact Elliptical Overall: ProForm Pro HIIT H14
ProForm Pro HIIT H14
ProForm Pro HIIT H14
This unique profile combines a stair stepper and elliptical for a space-saving, high-performance training experience. The Pro HIIT H14 is also integrated with the iFit online workout program, giving you access to over 17,000 live and on-demand fitness classes.
Shop ProForm
Specs
Pros
Cons
The ProForm Pro HIIT H14 takes the top spot in this round-up thanks to its blend of performance, durability, and versatility. We’re big fans of the iFit integration across the 14-inch HD touchscreen, which gives you access to over 17,000 live and on-demand fitness classes. Plus, this is one of the most space-saving ellipticals thanks to its vertical design — the Pro HIIT H14 takes up just 10.47 square feet of space.
The vertical stride plane also allows you to move both upward as well as forward during training. This is why some may refer to the Pro HIIT H14 as a hybrid between an elliptical and a vertical climber. This vertical and horizontal motion can be an excellent option for athletes looking to strengthen their knees through low-impact training. Studies indicate that this vertical stair-stepping motion can lead to stronger knees over regular exercise. (1)
Our tester also noted that the Pro HIIT H14 was more than sturdy enough during training. They experienced no jostling or movement as they paced through their workouts. This can be attributed to the durable 325-pound weight capacity and oversized leveling feet. They also gave kudos to the heavier 30-pound flywheel, which helped create a rock-solid, grounded sensation during sessions.
That 30-pound flywheel is also noteworthy for its lack of noise during use. The heavier weight can help dampen vibrations during movement, whereas other industry standard flywheels weighing between 16 and 20 pounds can lead to audible hums and shakes. The Silent Magnetic Resistance system also helps the Pro HIIT H14 retain its low noise output, making it an excellent pick for athletes looking to train in a shared space.
Be mindful, though, that this compact elliptical does weigh 224 pounds, so getting this machine up a flight of stairs can be a challenge. Additionally, we strongly advise against keeping the Pro HIIT H14 in your garage gym, as the brand will void the warranty coverage if the elliptical is stored in such conditions. Be sure you have enough room in your actual home to ensure you’re covered by the 10-year frame, two-year parts, and one-year labor package.
Best Adjustable Compact Elliptical: NordicTrack FS10i Freestride Trainer
NordicTrack FS10i Freestride Trainer
NordicTrack FS10i Freestride Trainer
The FS10i features a 10-inch touchscreen monitor, and can serve as a stepper, elliptical, and treadmill by simply changing your natural movement.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
Pros
Cons
The 32-inch stride length featured in this impressive rig from NordicTrack is well beyond the typical 16- to 20-inch ranges showcased in other ellipticals. This available range allows you to adjust for a wide array of athlete heights and stride lengths. However, NordicTrack adds another layer of adjustability to the build with the addition of the Auto-Adjustable Stride feature.
When adjusting your stride length and plane, the machine will match your steps to accommodate elliptical glides, vertical stair stepping, and even treadmill running. While our tester did note that facilitating such changes takes some getting used to — you need to have a certain rhythm so the machine doesn’t work against your physical movement — having the ability to run, glide, and climb across one profile is convenient.
Additionally, we enjoy how hands-off the resistance and incline adjustments are when following along to trainer-led iFit workouts. Thanks to the SmartAdjust technology, these settings are automatically toggled in tandem with your workouts, so there’s no fussing with the 10-inch HD touchscreen to match your instruction or terrain.
Jake Using the NordicTrack FS10i
There’s also a good sense of stability with this compact fitness machine. The frame is sturdy, according to our tester, and they felt no sense of play when training. Plus, the 375-pound weight capacity is one of the highest we’ve seen in the category, indicating a strong frame.
All that brawn comes with a hefty product weight, though — 284 pounds, to be exact. This means that transporting the FS10i Freestride Trainer can take some doing. Additionally, the footprint is 11.98 square feet, which may be too cumbersome for a single person to move on their own. Because of this, our tester recommends having a helping hand (or three) at the ready if you need to move this machine from one room to the next.
Read our full NordicTrack FS10i Freestride Trainer Review.
Best Compact Elliptical with a High Weight Capacity: Sole Fitness E25
Sole E25 Elliptical
Sole E25 Elliptical
The E25 is a high-quality, no-frills elliptical. It features a budget-friendly price tag, a 350-pound weight limit, and a 20-pound flywheel.
Shop Sole
Specs
Pros
Cons
Larger athletes need a compact elliptical that not only supports their fitness goals, but their actual physiques, too. The Sole Fitness E25 is capable of accommodating users up to 350 pounds, creating a more inclusive silhouette that can be enjoyed by a variety of athletes.
The E25 pairs an impressive 20-inch stride length to its durable frame, which caters to a good range of athlete heights, as well. However, this still may be too short for taller athletes. While there is no gold standard for elliptical stride lengths, a 20-inch plane of motion should fit athletes between 5’3” and 6’0”. (2)
Additionally, our tester noted that this elliptical has a smooth operation thanks to its 20-pound flywheel, and navigating the available settings is a breeze across the center console and convenient toggles at the handles. The E25 has 20 resistance levels to choose from, along with an incline range of up to 20 percent.
Budget-conscious individuals will also appreciate the cheaper price tag tied to this compact elliptical. At just under $1,200, it’s one of the more affordable ellipticals we found during our testing trials. For reference, regular ellipticals can easily cost over $1,400. Additionally, you get excellent support for your machine thanks to the brand’s extensive warranty package. The E25 boasts lifetime coverage for the frame and flywheel, along with two-year coverage for parts and wear items, as well as one-year coverage for labor.
Finally, the Sole Fitness E25 has a footprint measuring 11.67 square feet. This definitely keeps it in the “compact” conversation, but you get a bunch of that space-saving aesthetic through the machine’s thinner 24-inch width. This silhouette is still 70 inches long and cannot fold up, so you’ll need a swath of space at least six and a half feet long to house the E25 while also granting enough space surrounding the equipment for unhindered operation.
Read our full Sole Fitness E25 Review.
Best Compact Elliptical for Streaming: Bowflex Max Total 16
Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical
Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical
This state-of-the-art elliptical offers personalized workouts based on your current fitness level that adapt over time and features automatic adjustments to the 20 levels of magnetic resistance.
Shop Bowflex
Specs
Pros
Cons
Want to pair your low-impact workouts with your favorite tv show or a library of trainer-led workouts? We recommend the Max Total 16 from Bowflex. The JRNY-integrated 16-inch display console provides an excellent picture whether following along with your go-to instructor or catching up on that can’t-miss Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video series you’ve been binging as of late.
Additionally, we like how expansive the JRNY library is when it comes to the variety of workouts offered. Naturally, there are classes dedicated to the Max Total 16 profile, but you also have options for yoga, pilates, bodyweight training, and other fitness disciplines. Additionally, the subscription is more affordable than other online workout programs, with plans starting at $11.99 per month.
We also appreciate this elliptical’s vertical design. Rather than having you move in a solely forward plane of motion, the Max Total guides you through vertical and horizontal movements, essentially creating a stepper-elliptical hybrid. Plus, that vertical design does wonders for keeping this silhouette nice and compact at just 10.54 square feet.
During trials, our tester also enjoyed the six available handles at the upper end of this impressive profile. Not only does this engage your upper body during training, but it also offers a refreshing sense of comfort since you’re not locked into a singular position during your sessions.
Unfortunately, though, we found that you practically need this added membership to get the most out of the Max Total 16. The machine only comes equipped with four pre-programmed workout modules — Manual, Fat Burn, Calorie Burn, and Stairs — so if you favor that guidance in your workouts, you’ll need to factor in the extra cost. Combined with this elliptical’s $2,499 price tag, that may be too rich for some athletes.
Read our full Bowflex Total Max 16 Review.
Best Folding Compact Elliptical: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E902
Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E902
Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E902
For a portable elliptical profile that’s easy to tote from room to room, it’s tough to beat the lightweight SF-E902 from...
Click here to view the article.
The post The 7 Best Compact Ellipticals of 2023 appeared first on BarBend.
Training on an elliptical can be an efficient and low-impact way to work both your upper body and lower body simultaneously. As effective as these machines can be, not every athlete has the space to accommodate these larger pieces of home gym equipment. Thankfully, the best compact ellipticals bring all the perks of a full-size elliptical to your space without taking up your whole training area.
As with any cardio machine, there are a few key questions you need to ask before deciding on a singular compact elliptical. How much space do you have to spare in your home? What are your personal fitness goals? Do you want a machine that’s simple in nature or one that’s more feature-rich? So, to give you a leg up in the process, we tested 16 of the top-performing machines, paced through mounds of research, and tapped outside customer reviews to curate the list of our favorite compact ellipticals available today.
The 7 Best Compact Ellipticals of 2023
- Best Compact Elliptical Overall: ProForm Pro HIIT H14
- Best Adjustable Compact Elliptical: NordicTrack FS10i Freestride Trainer
- Best Compact Elliptical with a High Weight Capacity: Sole Fitness E25
- Best Compact Elliptical for Streaming: Bowflex Max Total 16
- Best Folding Compact Elliptical: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E902
- Best Quiet Compact Elliptical: FitNation Flex Elliptical Trainer
- Best Budget Compact Elliptical: Sunny Health and Fitness Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine
How We Tested
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. For this round-up, we considered a handful of components and factors when testing our assortment of compact ellipticals. Outside of our personal experience and enjoyment with each profile, we examined a number of metrics associated with each silhouette.
Naturally, we considered the overall product dimensions of each machine — can an elliptical really be labeled as compact exercise equipment if it devours your entire floor plan? These measurements also led us to look at the weight capacities and stride lengths of each profile since these specs can be affected by how large or small the elliptical is.
Of course, we also took note of training-focused metrics, such as available speeds and resistance levels. We didn’t want to sacrifice performance for the sake of a little extra walking space around our homes.
Other features like folding mechanisms for easier storage and (of course) price points were also influential. Now, let’s get ready and hop right into our findings.
Best Compact Elliptical Overall: ProForm Pro HIIT H14
ProForm Pro HIIT H14
ProForm Pro HIIT H14
This unique profile combines a stair stepper and elliptical for a space-saving, high-performance training experience. The Pro HIIT H14 is also integrated with the iFit online workout program, giving you access to over 17,000 live and on-demand fitness classes.
Shop ProForm
Specs
- Price: $1,799
- Weight Capacity: 325lbs
- Stride Length: 10” Vertical, 5” Horizontal
- Resistance Levels: 26
- Product Dimensions: 52? L x 29? W x 66? H
Pros
- The vertical design keeps this elliptical’s footprint to just 10.47 square feet.
- The iFit integration provides thousands of live and on-demand streaming fitness classes.
- This elliptical houses a Silent Magnetic Resistance system for quiet training sessions.
Cons
- The display console only supports iFit, so you can’t stream TV shows or other programs.
- Athletes wanting a more traditional stride may not enjoy this elliptical-stepper hybrid.
- Storing this elliptical in the garage can void the warranty.
The ProForm Pro HIIT H14 takes the top spot in this round-up thanks to its blend of performance, durability, and versatility. We’re big fans of the iFit integration across the 14-inch HD touchscreen, which gives you access to over 17,000 live and on-demand fitness classes. Plus, this is one of the most space-saving ellipticals thanks to its vertical design — the Pro HIIT H14 takes up just 10.47 square feet of space.
The vertical stride plane also allows you to move both upward as well as forward during training. This is why some may refer to the Pro HIIT H14 as a hybrid between an elliptical and a vertical climber. This vertical and horizontal motion can be an excellent option for athletes looking to strengthen their knees through low-impact training. Studies indicate that this vertical stair-stepping motion can lead to stronger knees over regular exercise. (1)
Our tester also noted that the Pro HIIT H14 was more than sturdy enough during training. They experienced no jostling or movement as they paced through their workouts. This can be attributed to the durable 325-pound weight capacity and oversized leveling feet. They also gave kudos to the heavier 30-pound flywheel, which helped create a rock-solid, grounded sensation during sessions.
That 30-pound flywheel is also noteworthy for its lack of noise during use. The heavier weight can help dampen vibrations during movement, whereas other industry standard flywheels weighing between 16 and 20 pounds can lead to audible hums and shakes. The Silent Magnetic Resistance system also helps the Pro HIIT H14 retain its low noise output, making it an excellent pick for athletes looking to train in a shared space.
Be mindful, though, that this compact elliptical does weigh 224 pounds, so getting this machine up a flight of stairs can be a challenge. Additionally, we strongly advise against keeping the Pro HIIT H14 in your garage gym, as the brand will void the warranty coverage if the elliptical is stored in such conditions. Be sure you have enough room in your actual home to ensure you’re covered by the 10-year frame, two-year parts, and one-year labor package.
Best Adjustable Compact Elliptical: NordicTrack FS10i Freestride Trainer
NordicTrack FS10i Freestride Trainer
NordicTrack FS10i Freestride Trainer
The FS10i features a 10-inch touchscreen monitor, and can serve as a stepper, elliptical, and treadmill by simply changing your natural movement.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
- Price: $1,999
- Weight Capacity: 375lbs
- Stride Length: 32”
- Resistance Levels: 26
- Product Dimensions: 58.5? L x 29.5? W x 74? H
Pros
- The 32-inch Auto-Adjustable Stride allows you to quickly transition between gliding strides and upward steps.
- SmartAdjust technology automatically changes your settings when following along with trainer-led iFit workouts.
- The 375-pound weight capacity is one of the most accommodating ranges we’ve tested.
Cons
- The $1,999 price tag may be less approachable for athletes on a budget.
- Our tester said transitioning between stride types mid-workout takes some practice.
- This elliptical weighs 284 pounds, which limits its portability.
The 32-inch stride length featured in this impressive rig from NordicTrack is well beyond the typical 16- to 20-inch ranges showcased in other ellipticals. This available range allows you to adjust for a wide array of athlete heights and stride lengths. However, NordicTrack adds another layer of adjustability to the build with the addition of the Auto-Adjustable Stride feature.
When adjusting your stride length and plane, the machine will match your steps to accommodate elliptical glides, vertical stair stepping, and even treadmill running. While our tester did note that facilitating such changes takes some getting used to — you need to have a certain rhythm so the machine doesn’t work against your physical movement — having the ability to run, glide, and climb across one profile is convenient.
Additionally, we enjoy how hands-off the resistance and incline adjustments are when following along to trainer-led iFit workouts. Thanks to the SmartAdjust technology, these settings are automatically toggled in tandem with your workouts, so there’s no fussing with the 10-inch HD touchscreen to match your instruction or terrain.
There’s also a good sense of stability with this compact fitness machine. The frame is sturdy, according to our tester, and they felt no sense of play when training. Plus, the 375-pound weight capacity is one of the highest we’ve seen in the category, indicating a strong frame.
All that brawn comes with a hefty product weight, though — 284 pounds, to be exact. This means that transporting the FS10i Freestride Trainer can take some doing. Additionally, the footprint is 11.98 square feet, which may be too cumbersome for a single person to move on their own. Because of this, our tester recommends having a helping hand (or three) at the ready if you need to move this machine from one room to the next.
Read our full NordicTrack FS10i Freestride Trainer Review.
Best Compact Elliptical with a High Weight Capacity: Sole Fitness E25
Sole E25 Elliptical
Sole E25 Elliptical
The E25 is a high-quality, no-frills elliptical. It features a budget-friendly price tag, a 350-pound weight limit, and a 20-pound flywheel.
Shop Sole
Specs
- Price: $1,199.99
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Stride Length: 20”
- Resistance Levels: 20
- Product Dimensions: 70? L x 24? W x 70? H
Pros
- The 350-pound weight capacity is more accommodating than other compact ellipticals.
- Sole backs this machine with an impressive warranty, including lifetime coverage for the frame and flywheel.
- 20 resistance levels and inclines up to 20 percent can allow for new, unique challenges in each training session.
Cons
- The 70-inch machine length is larger than other compact ellipticals.
- Taller athletes may need a stride length longer than 20 inches.
- Those wanting a touchscreen display might be underwhelmed by the LCD display.
Larger athletes need a compact elliptical that not only supports their fitness goals, but their actual physiques, too. The Sole Fitness E25 is capable of accommodating users up to 350 pounds, creating a more inclusive silhouette that can be enjoyed by a variety of athletes.
The E25 pairs an impressive 20-inch stride length to its durable frame, which caters to a good range of athlete heights, as well. However, this still may be too short for taller athletes. While there is no gold standard for elliptical stride lengths, a 20-inch plane of motion should fit athletes between 5’3” and 6’0”. (2)
Additionally, our tester noted that this elliptical has a smooth operation thanks to its 20-pound flywheel, and navigating the available settings is a breeze across the center console and convenient toggles at the handles. The E25 has 20 resistance levels to choose from, along with an incline range of up to 20 percent.
Budget-conscious individuals will also appreciate the cheaper price tag tied to this compact elliptical. At just under $1,200, it’s one of the more affordable ellipticals we found during our testing trials. For reference, regular ellipticals can easily cost over $1,400. Additionally, you get excellent support for your machine thanks to the brand’s extensive warranty package. The E25 boasts lifetime coverage for the frame and flywheel, along with two-year coverage for parts and wear items, as well as one-year coverage for labor.
Finally, the Sole Fitness E25 has a footprint measuring 11.67 square feet. This definitely keeps it in the “compact” conversation, but you get a bunch of that space-saving aesthetic through the machine’s thinner 24-inch width. This silhouette is still 70 inches long and cannot fold up, so you’ll need a swath of space at least six and a half feet long to house the E25 while also granting enough space surrounding the equipment for unhindered operation.
Read our full Sole Fitness E25 Review.
Best Compact Elliptical for Streaming: Bowflex Max Total 16
Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical
Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical
This state-of-the-art elliptical offers personalized workouts based on your current fitness level that adapt over time and features automatic adjustments to the 20 levels of magnetic resistance.
Shop Bowflex
Specs
- Price: $2,499
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Stride Length: N/A
- Resistance Levels: 20
- Product Dimensions: 49.3? L x 30.8? W x 65.7? H
Pros
- This elliptical is integrated with the JRNY platform, which allows you to stream workouts, tv shows, and other forms of entertainment.
- The 16-inch HD touchscreen can provide excellent picture clarity during training.
- The vertical design and 10.54-square-foot footprint can be ideal for athletes training in tight quarters.
Cons
- The three-year warranty on the frame and parts is lower than other ellipticals.
- Budget-minded athletes may not like the near-$2,500 price tag.
- There are only four built-in workouts, so a JRNY subscription is practically required.
Want to pair your low-impact workouts with your favorite tv show or a library of trainer-led workouts? We recommend the Max Total 16 from Bowflex. The JRNY-integrated 16-inch display console provides an excellent picture whether following along with your go-to instructor or catching up on that can’t-miss Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video series you’ve been binging as of late.
Additionally, we like how expansive the JRNY library is when it comes to the variety of workouts offered. Naturally, there are classes dedicated to the Max Total 16 profile, but you also have options for yoga, pilates, bodyweight training, and other fitness disciplines. Additionally, the subscription is more affordable than other online workout programs, with plans starting at $11.99 per month.
We also appreciate this elliptical’s vertical design. Rather than having you move in a solely forward plane of motion, the Max Total guides you through vertical and horizontal movements, essentially creating a stepper-elliptical hybrid. Plus, that vertical design does wonders for keeping this silhouette nice and compact at just 10.54 square feet.
During trials, our tester also enjoyed the six available handles at the upper end of this impressive profile. Not only does this engage your upper body during training, but it also offers a refreshing sense of comfort since you’re not locked into a singular position during your sessions.
Unfortunately, though, we found that you practically need this added membership to get the most out of the Max Total 16. The machine only comes equipped with four pre-programmed workout modules — Manual, Fat Burn, Calorie Burn, and Stairs — so if you favor that guidance in your workouts, you’ll need to factor in the extra cost. Combined with this elliptical’s $2,499 price tag, that may be too rich for some athletes.
Read our full Bowflex Total Max 16 Review.
Best Folding Compact Elliptical: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E902
Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E902
Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E902
For a portable elliptical profile that’s easy to tote from room to room, it’s tough to beat the lightweight SF-E902 from...
Click here to view the article.
