Best Elliptical Trainers for Performance (2024)
NordicTrack FS14i FreeStride Trainer
Score: 8/10
Versatile three-in-one design with challenging resistance and incline features.
Performance
8/10
The NordicTrack FS14i FreeStride Trainer functions as three different machines.
It has 26 levels of resistance, and it inclines and declines, so you get a lot of tension to work with.
Ease Of Use
7/10
Build Quality
8/10
Safety Features
6/10
Noise Level
7/10
Bowflex Max Trainer SE
Score: 8/10
Offers excellent performance with high resistance levels for effective workouts.
Performance
8/10
I love this machine, and I will tell you why I bought it in this quick and honest review.
I feel like the resistance levels in this machine are a little bit high.
I think this is excellent equipment that you can have.
Ease Of Use
7/10
Build Quality
8/10
Safety Features
7/10
Noise Level
9/10
NordicTrack AirGlide 14i
Score: 8/10
Offers varied workouts with 26 resistance levels and incline features, but stride adjustment is minimal.
Performance
8/10
The Nordic Track Airglide 14i features incline and decline options, along with 26 levels of magnetic resistance, for the ultimate leg workout.
The Airglide 14i really shines here; you have 26 levels of magnetic resistance.
The stride length for the Airglide 14i will slightly adjust from 17.8 to 18.5 inches, which really isn't that much.
Ease Of Use
7/10
Build Quality
8/10
Safety Features
7/10
Noise Level
6/10
Sole E35 Elliptical
Score: 8/10
Offers varied workouts with 20 resistance levels and a smooth motion, but stride length is non-adjustable.
Performance
8/10
The E35 can deliver an intense workout with 20 levels of resistance and 20 levels of incline.
The flywheel weighs 25 lbs and is positioned at the front of the elliptical, creating a smooth elliptical motion.
The incline doesn't necessarily make the elliptical more challenging, but it does target your glutes and quads more.
Ease Of Use
7/10
Build Quality
8/10
Safety Features
7/10
Noise Level
8/10
Bowflex Max Trainer M6
Score: 8/10
Offers a high-intensity cardio workout with a combination of stepper and elliptical features.
Performance
8/10
If you are looking for a high-intensity cardio workout that will significantly elevate your heart rate while also actively building muscle, I think this is a great option to consider.
It's a combination of a stepper and an elliptical, and I really think Bowflex did a good job with this.
The first drawback is the cost; it's a very expensive machine.
Also, notice that it gets quite loud when I use it.
Ease Of Use
7/10
Build Quality
8/10
Safety Features
6/10
Noise Level
5/10
ProForm Pro HIIT H14
Score: 8/10
Offers intense workouts with 26 resistance levels, but requires iFit for full features.
Performance
8/10
It's great for high-intensity interval training, which is fittingly in the name, and it's also great for longer cardio sessions.
We are really impressed with its silent magnetic resistance, which provides 26 levels that we found to be quite challenging.
The biggest drawback of this elliptical is that you need an iFit subscription to use the screen outside of manual training mode and to access most of the features.
Ease Of Use
7/10
Build Quality
8/10
Safety Features
7/10
Noise Level
8/10
Sole E25 Elliptical
Score: 8/10
Offers versatile workout options with adjustable resistance and incline, suitable for most users.
Performance
8/10
The e25 uses adjustable magnetic resistance, offering 20 levels to choose from, just like other higher-end models from Seoul.
The flywheel makes the e25 feel very smooth and stable to use.
The stride length is fixed at 20 inches, which should feel comfortable for most users.
Ease Of Use
7/10
Build Quality
8/10
Safety Features
7/10
Noise Level
8/10
Bowflex Max Trainer M9
Score: 8/10
Offers high-intensity workouts with adaptive resistance levels, but requires a subscription for full features.
Performance
8/10
Max motivates you to move really fast with high-intensity interval training.
The Max Trainer M9 machine features 20 resistance levels with steel-resistant style four-grip handlebars.
Ease Of Use
7/10
Build Quality
8/10
Safety Features
6/10
Noise Level
6/10
Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical
Score: 8/10
Smooth motion with a 23-pound flywheel and full-body engagement, but lacks advanced features.
Performance
8/10
A 23-pound heavy flywheel ensures smooth motion.
A heavy flywheel is crucial for smooth, consistent movement on an elliptical machine.
The Horizon 7.0 AE elliptical remains one of the most popular models.
Ease Of Use
7/10
Build Quality
8/10
Safety Features
6/10
Noise Level
7/10
Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer
Score: 8/10
Offers a higher calorie burn and ergonomic design, but is heavy and has a limited weight capacity.
Performance
8/10
The Teeter FreeStep offers a 17.5% higher calorie burn compared to that of a recumbent bike.
It provides a fluid stride that is ergonomic for the back and gentle on the knees.
The product is relatively heavy, weighing about 110 pounds.
Fitnessdrum.com
Ease Of Use
7/10
Quotes from Reviewers
The FreeStep is easy to assemble, requiring about an hour and ten minutes with the help of the recommended app.
The included tool is not very practical for assembly. Users are advised to use their own tools for better results.
Fitnessdrum.com
Fitnessdrum.com
Build Quality
8/10
Quotes from Reviewers
The product is sturdy and stable, featuring a solid build that includes stabilizers to prevent rocking.
The FreeStep is quite heavy, which might be a concern for some users when moving it.
Fitnessdrum.com
Safety Features
9/10
Quotes from Reviewers
The design ensures that the knees do not travel over the toes, reducing the risk of joint strain.
The handles feature a de-rattler for a secure grip.
Noise Level
10/10
Quotes from Reviewers
The FreeStep operates in complete silence, allowing users to watch TV or listen to music without disturbance.
This makes it ideal for use in shared living spaces.