Elliptical machines are the quiet workhorse of the cardio world. They deliver zero-impact conditioning that hits both your upper and lower body, and they do it without rattling your knees or hips the way a treadmill can. If you are looking for the best elliptical machine 2026 has to offer, the range is wider than it has ever been, from a $300 apartment-friendly model to a $2,000 smart machine with auto-adjusting resistance.
We tested five machines across three months, logging miles on each one to judge stride smoothness, resistance range, noise, and how much space each one really needs. We also ran the numbers on elliptical for home use versus a treadmill, because that is the question most buyers wrestle with first. The short answer: if your joints are happy with impact, a treadmill burns more calories per hour. If your joints are not so happy, an elliptical is the smarter buy and still delivers a strong cardio stimulus.
The 5 best elliptical machines of 2026 at a glance
Here is a quick comparison of all five machines. Prices are approximate and shift with seasonal sales.
| Product | Best for | Key specs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordicTrack FS10i | Best overall elliptical | 10 inch touchscreen, 26 incline levels, 300 lb capacity, iFit | ~$1,999 |
| Bowflex Max Trainer M6 | Best compact elliptical | Dual-action arms, 8 resistance levels, 300 lb capacity | ~$999 |
| Schwinn 470 Elliptical | Best value mid-range | 29 programs, 25 resistance levels, Bluetooth, 300 lb capacity | ~$899 |
| Horizon Fitness 7.8AT | Best stride comfort | 20 inch stride, 30 resistance levels, heart rate grips | ~$1,199 |
| Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 | Best budget elliptical | 8 resistance levels, 300 lb capacity, LCD monitor | ~$300 |
The 5 best elliptical machines of 2026: full reviews
Every machine below was used for at least four sessions of 30 minutes each. We scored ride smoothness, resistance consistency, noise at max effort, and the value of the features at each price point.
1. NordicTrack FS10i: best overall elliptical
The NordicTrack FS10i is the most complete elliptical on this list, and it earns the top spot by folding. The SpaceSaver design lets the deck tilt upright so the footprint shrinks to roughly half when you are done, a rare feature in this price range. The 10 inch touchscreen runs iFit, which auto-adjusts the 26 incline levels during studio classes. The resistance feels smooth across the full range, and the 300 lb capacity covers most users. The catch is the subscription. The machine is capable without it, but the best features lock behind an iFit membership, and at $1,999 the total cost adds up fast.
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2. Bowflex Max Trainer M6: best compact elliptical
The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is not a pure elliptical in the traditional sense. It uses a glider-style motion with dual-action arms that engage your upper body harder than a standard elliptical stride. Bowflex claims you can get a full-body calorie burn in 14 minutes, and our testing backed that up for short, high-effort sessions. The footprint is genuinely small, about the size of a yoga mat, which makes it one of the best options for apartments. The trade-off is that the motion feels different from a long stride elliptical, and some users find the max interval program punishing right out of the gate. At around $1,000 it sits in a competitive spot.
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3. Schwinn 470 Elliptical: best value mid-range elliptical
The Schwinn 470 is the feature-per-dollar champion of this lineup. For under $900 you get 29 workout programs, 25 magnetic resistance levels, Bluetooth connectivity for app tracking, and a 300 lb capacity. The stride is smooth and quiet, and the console is intuitive enough to use without the manual. The biggest downside is assembly, which took our tester about 90 minutes with two people. The other limitation is the lack of incline adjustment, which the NordicTrack has at twice the price. For someone who wants solid programming and Bluetooth without spending four figures, the Schwinn 470 is the smart pick.
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4. Horizon Fitness 7.8AT: best stride comfort
The Horizon 7.8AT stands out for one reason: the 20 inch stride length. Taller users, especially anyone 6 feet and above, will feel the difference immediately. Most ellipticals in this price range top out at 17 to 18 inches, which forces a shorter gait that can feel awkward over 30 minutes. The 30 resistance levels give fine-grained control, and the magnetic resistance is whisper quiet. There is no built-in screen, which keeps the price at $1,199 rather than pushing toward $2,000, but you will need your own tablet for classes or entertainment. The trade-off is that you pay a premium for the long stride without getting the smart features of the NordicTrack.
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5. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905: best budget elliptical
The Sunny SF-E905 proves you do not need to spend $800 to get a functional elliptical. It has 8 resistance levels, a 300 lb capacity, and a basic LCD that shows time, distance, and calories. The stride is 17 inches, which works fine for shorter users but feels cramped if you are over 5 feet 10 inches. The resistance is magnetic and reasonably quiet, though the smoothness does not match the premium machines. At roughly $300, this is an entry-level machine for someone who wants low-impact cardio without a big investment. The monitor is basic and there is no Bluetooth, but you are not paying for extras.
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Check today’s price on Amazon.
How to choose the best elliptical machine (2026 buying guide)
Ellipticals look similar from across the room, but the differences show up during the first 10 minutes of use. Focus on these five things.
- Stride length. This is the single most important spec. A 17 inch stride works for shorter users, but anyone over 5 feet 10 inches will feel restricted. The Horizon 7.8AT at 20 inches is the only machine here that truly fits tall users. If you are between sizes, test a machine in person before buying.
- Resistance type and range. Magnetic resistance is the standard at this point and it is the right choice. Avoid old friction resistance systems. Look for at least 20 resistance levels if you plan to progress your fitness over time. The Schwinn 470 and Horizon 7.8AT both offer 25 to 30 levels, which is excellent.
- Incline vs flat. Incline increases the range of motion and muscle activation, especially in the glutes and hamstrings. The NordicTrack FS10i has 26 incline levels. The Schwinn 470 and Sunny SF-E905 have none. If incline matters to you, budget for a machine that has it.
- Smart features and subscriptions. Screens and app integration add cost. The NordicTrack requires iFit for full functionality. The Schwinn 470 has Bluetooth but no screen. The Horizon 7.8AT has no screen at all. Decide whether you want classes, tracking, or just a quiet machine to zone out on.
- Footprint and storage. The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 has the smallest footprint. The NordicTrack FS10i folds. The Schwinn 470 and Horizon 7.8AT are permanent fixtures. Measure your space before you buy, and remember that the folded depth of the NordicTrack still needs wall clearance.
- Elliptical vs treadmill. If you have healthy knees and want maximum calorie burn per minute, a treadmill wins. If you have joint concerns or want to train longer sessions with less impact, an elliptical is the better choice. The American Council on Exercise notes that both machines deliver excellent cardiovascular conditioning when used consistently.
For a low-impact cardio pairing with upper body work, consider adding a best jump ropes of 2026 to your routine. Jump rope sessions are a great warm-up before your elliptical workout.
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