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9 Best Compact Elliptical Machine 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Elliptical Exercise Machine by Sole Fitness, Home Workout Equipment for Cardio, Running, and Walking, 13.3" Touch Screen, 20" Stride Length, Bluetooth, and Heart Rate Monitoring (Sole E98)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,406
Stride Length
Resistance Levels
Footprint

Most important from
880 reviews

Stride Length
The elliptical's stride length and design provide a comfortable and natural motion.
Resistance Levels
The resistance levels offer noticeable gradation, enhancing workout versatility.
Footprint
Despite its weight and size, the machine fits well in a home gym setup, though it requires adequate space.
Console Features
Integrated features like the touch screen and Bluetooth enhance the workout experience.

The Sole E98 elliptical machine offers a robust yet space-saving design, making it a suitable choice for home workouts. With dimensions of 83” L x 34” W x 70” H, it can handle users up to 400 lbs. One of its standout features is the 20” stride length, which provides a comfortable and natural motion for users of different heights. The machine also includes a precision-balanced flywheel, contributing to a smooth workout experience.

The 13.3” touch screen combined with Bluetooth and heart rate monitoring enables users to keep track of their progress easily. Its integration with the Sole+ app allows access to numerous workout classes, enhancing the versatility of the workouts. With 20 levels of resistance and incline, this machine offers significant variability, catering to beginners and advanced users alike. However, its larger footprint might be a drawback for those with limited space.

The machine's weight, at 246 lbs, could make it challenging to move. The Sole E98 stands out for its durability, variety of workout options, and advanced features, though it requires a notable amount of space and effort to set up and move.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,406
Stride Length
Resistance Levels
Footprint

Most important from
880 reviews

Stride Length
The elliptical's stride length and design provide a comfortable and natural motion.
Resistance Levels
The resistance levels offer noticeable gradation, enhancing workout versatility.
Footprint
Despite its weight and size, the machine fits well in a home gym setup, though it requires adequate space.
Console Features
Integrated features like the touch screen and Bluetooth enhance the workout experience.
#2

Niceday Elliptical Exercise Machine, Elliptical Machine for Home Use, Magnetic Elliptical Trainer with 18IN Stride, 16 Resistance Levels, 400LBS Loading Capacity, Support Kinomap APP Black

Rating
9.7
Stride Length
Resistance Levels
Footprint

Most important from
273 reviews

Stride Length
The adjustable stride length of 15.5 to 19 inches makes it perfect for users of different heights.
Resistance Levels
The 16 resistance levels allow for gradual increases in workout intensity, from a casual stroll to climbing a steep incline.
Footprint
The compact size and transport wheels make it easy to move and store, even across carpeting.
Console Features
The digital monitor is not backlit, which can make it harder to read in low light conditions.

The Niceday Elliptical Exercise Machine, designed for home use, presents several notable strengths. Its 18-inch stride length ensures smooth and fluid motion, reducing stress on joints and knees, which is ideal for users seeking a comfortable workout. The machine offers 16 levels of adjustable resistance, supported by an 18-pound flywheel, catering to both beginners and advanced users by providing varied exercise intensities. One standout feature is its ultra-quiet operation, functioning below 15 decibels, making it suitable for home environments without disturbing others. Additionally, the robust construction with a 400-pound weight capacity provides stability during use, even for heavier individuals.

The digital monitor displays essential fitness metrics in real-time, helping users track their progress effectively. Setup is straightforward, with 90% of the machine pre-assembled, and it can be installed within 30 minutes with provided tools and instructions. Compatibility with the Kinomap APP offers interactive workout options, enhancing user engagement. Despite its sturdy build, the machine occupies only 6.67 square feet and is easy to move and store due to transport wheels, making it a practical choice for compact spaces.

However, it lacks incline options, which may be a downside for users looking to vary their workout intensity further. The console features are basic but sufficient for tracking main workout metrics. The machine's footprint, while compact, may still be a bit cumbersome for very tight spaces. The Niceday Elliptical is a strong contender for those seeking a durable, quiet, and versatile elliptical machine for home use.

Rating
9.7
Stride Length
Resistance Levels
Footprint

Most important from
273 reviews

Stride Length
The adjustable stride length of 15.5 to 19 inches makes it perfect for users of different heights.
Resistance Levels
The 16 resistance levels allow for gradual increases in workout intensity, from a casual stroll to climbing a steep incline.
Footprint
The compact size and transport wheels make it easy to move and store, even across carpeting.
Console Features
The digital monitor is not backlit, which can make it harder to read in low light conditions.
#3

Niceday Elliptical Machine, Cross Trainer with Hyper-Quiet Magnetic Driving System, 16 Resistance Levels, 400LB Weight Limit

Rating
9.4
Stride Length
Resistance Levels
Console Features

Most important from
3531 reviews

Stride Length
The 15.5-inch stride length feels short and somewhat awkward, especially for taller users, and it cannot be adjusted.
Resistance Levels
The magnetic resistance system operates very quietly, allowing workouts without disturbing others nearby.
Console Features
The built-in heart rate monitor is unreliable and inconsistent compared to dedicated devices.

The Niceday Elliptical Machine is a solid option for those looking for a compact, home-friendly elliptical trainer. It offers a 15.5-inch (about 40 cm) stride length, which is suitable for users from 4'9" to 6'4", making it comfortable for most people. With 16 resistance levels and a 16-pound flywheel, it provides a smooth and adjustable workout, fitting both beginners and more experienced exercisers. The magnetic resistance system is very quiet, so it won’t disturb others nearby, which is great if you want to exercise without noise disruptions.

In terms of size, the footprint of 48 by 25 inches is fairly compact for an elliptical, so it can fit into most home spaces without taking up too much room. The sturdy alloy steel frame supports up to 400 pounds, ensuring good stability and durability, which is better than many basic machines. It doesn’t have incline options, which might limit workout variety for some users seeking more challenge.

The console includes a 5-inch screen with smart features powered by Kinomap, offering interactive workout videos and tracking of key stats like heart rate, time, speed, distance, and calories. This helps keep workouts engaging and allows you to monitor your progress easily. Assembly is straightforward and mostly pre-assembled, so you can get started quickly. The machine comes with a standard one-year warranty. While the stride length is sufficient for most, it may feel a bit short for those who prefer a more natural running motion. This elliptical is a reliable, quiet, and versatile machine well-suited for home users who want a stable workout device with smart features but don't need incline adjustments.

Rating
9.4
Stride Length
Resistance Levels
Console Features

Most important from
3531 reviews

Stride Length
The 15.5-inch stride length feels short and somewhat awkward, especially for taller users, and it cannot be adjusted.
Resistance Levels
The magnetic resistance system operates very quietly, allowing workouts without disturbing others nearby.
Console Features
The built-in heart rate monitor is unreliable and inconsistent compared to dedicated devices.

Buying Guide for the Best Compact Elliptical Machine

Choosing the right compact elliptical machine can significantly enhance your home workout experience. These machines are designed to provide a low-impact cardiovascular workout while taking up minimal space. To find the best fit for you, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your fitness goals and living space. Here are the main specs to consider when selecting a compact elliptical machine.
Stride LengthStride length refers to the distance between the pedals when they are at their farthest apart. This spec is crucial because it affects the comfort and effectiveness of your workout. Shorter stride lengths (under 16 inches) are suitable for shorter individuals or those with limited space, while medium stride lengths (16-20 inches) offer a more natural stride for average users. Longer stride lengths (over 20 inches) are ideal for taller individuals or those seeking a more intense workout. Choose a stride length that matches your height and workout intensity preferences.
Resistance LevelsResistance levels determine how challenging your workout can be. This spec is important because it allows you to adjust the intensity of your exercise, helping you to progress and avoid plateaus. Machines with fewer resistance levels (under 10) are suitable for beginners or those looking for light workouts. Medium resistance levels (10-20) offer more variety and are good for intermediate users. High resistance levels (over 20) are ideal for advanced users or those seeking a more challenging workout. Consider your current fitness level and future goals when choosing the resistance range.
Flywheel WeightThe flywheel weight affects the smoothness and stability of the elliptical motion. A heavier flywheel generally provides a smoother and more stable workout experience. Light flywheels (under 10 pounds) are suitable for beginners or those with limited space. Medium flywheels (10-20 pounds) offer a balance of smoothness and portability, making them good for most users. Heavy flywheels (over 20 pounds) are ideal for advanced users seeking a more stable and fluid motion. Choose a flywheel weight that matches your workout intensity and space constraints.
FootprintThe footprint of an elliptical machine refers to the amount of floor space it occupies. This spec is important for ensuring the machine fits comfortably in your available space. Smaller footprints (under 4 feet in length) are ideal for tight spaces or apartments. Medium footprints (4-5 feet) offer a balance between space efficiency and stability, suitable for most home gyms. Larger footprints (over 5 feet) provide more stability and are better for dedicated workout areas. Measure your available space and choose a machine that fits comfortably without compromising on stability.
Incline OptionsIncline options allow you to adjust the angle of the elliptical path, simulating uphill walking or running. This spec is important for adding variety and intensity to your workouts. Machines with no incline are suitable for basic, flat workouts. Adjustable incline options provide more versatility and can target different muscle groups, making them ideal for users looking to diversify their workouts. Consider your fitness goals and whether you want the ability to simulate different terrains when choosing an elliptical with incline options.
Console FeaturesThe console features include the display and any built-in programs or connectivity options. This spec is important for tracking your progress and keeping your workouts engaging. Basic consoles display essential metrics like time, distance, and calories burned, suitable for users who prefer simplicity. Advanced consoles offer features like heart rate monitoring, pre-set workout programs, and connectivity to fitness apps, ideal for users who want more guidance and motivation. Consider what features will help you stay motivated and track your progress effectively.

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