Your days of fighting for gym machines are over.
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If running doesn’t agree with your knees, and you’re not sold on cycling or rowing, the elliptical might appeal to you. It allows you to mimic the running movement, but because your feet never leave the pedals, it’s a bit friendlier to your joints. And with so many compact ellipticals on the market, you can easily do this low-impact, total-body cardio workout at home.
Think of a compact elliptical as a friend of small spaces. With so many size options, even studio apartment-dwellers can get in on the action. Just be sure to check the machine’s specs against the footprint of your space before buying to make sure it’ll fit comfortably.
You also have to decide how much you’re willing to spend. Some compact ellipticals come at a higher price point, offering the same advanced features as the full-sized models in a gym or health club. Meanwhile, others strip away the bells and whistles for a more bare-bones machine with a much friendlier price tag.
Narrow your options with our roundup of the best compact ellipticals. The following seven machines stood out from the rest, while reflecting a range of price points, features, and specs.
Our Top Picks
ProForm Pro HIIT H14
BowFlex Max Total 16
NordicTrack AirGlide 7i
Sunny Health Air Walk Trainer
Schwinn 411 Elliptical
SOLE E55 Elliptical
Gazelle Sprinter
More than your standard elliptical, ProForm’s offering takes things to the next level with a 10-inch vertical stepping path that simulates stair climbing. That, plus handles that encourage a punching action for your upper body, ensure maximum burn. You’ll activate most of your major muscle groups in a single workout. Need a structured routine? Try instructor-led classes through iFIT.
This Bowflex option packs a mighty machine into a small footprint. Oversized textured pedals and six-grip handlebars make it easy to settle into a comfy hand and foot position, so you can focus on nailing the perfect pace. Use the spacious touchscreen to stream through your favorite apps (Netflix, Hulu, Prime, etc.) or on-demand classes and real-time coaching.
Like many competitors, NordicTrack offers an HD touchscreen for streaming workouts and entertainment. But there are a few features that set this elliptical apart. Mainly, the ability to customize your stride length and bump up the incline to target specific muscle groups. This compact elliptical also boasts one of the highest weight capacities among our picks.
Looking for a budget-friendly option? The search ends with Sunny Health & Fitness. Not only is the air walk trainer lightweight and effortless to move, but it folds to half its size for easy storage. Don’t expect much tech. But at less than 200 bucks, this compact elliptical is definitely a steal.
If you’re on a budget but want more features than the Sunny elliptical, go for this Schwinn machine. By spending a few hundred more dollars, you’ll get a sturdier machine to support heavier builds (up to 300 pounds), 16 resistance levels for added burn, heart rate monitoring to track intensity, and a built-in media tray for your phone or tablet. All in all a great compact elliptical.
Meet the smaller, more compact version of the brand’s highly-rated E95 elliptical. Like its bigger sibling, this machine features foot pedals engineered to reduce ankle and knee stress. You can also easily adjust the angle of the foot pedals with a dial to prevent toe numbness and Achilles tendon soreness— common on other ellipticals. Access workout stats and classes through a free one-year Studio membership.
Another option for a budget-friendly compact elliptical, Gazelle’s Sprinter may not offer a long list of features, but it gets the job done. Each leg moves independently with this machine, providing a greater range of motion and a more challenging workout. Reclaim your space by folding and rolling the elliptical into a corner or closet when you’re done for the day.
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