Best Home Ellipticals in 2024

Cubii Total Body: Smart Seated Elliptical: I had a pleasant experience using this mini elliptical and could see it being handy for those recovering from an injury, the elderly or users with certain physical limitations. It's not heavy, and it's easy to move around on its wheels. I broke a sweat, which I didn't expect from a low-impact workout you can do while sitting down. It also includes resistance handles so you can work the upper body. The reason it didn't make our list is that it's a newer version that was sold out on Indiegogo, but there are older versions on the Cubii website if you want to get a similar experience. This mini elliptical is one of many on the market and would make a good candidate for a future mini elliptical best list.

Over our years of testing, we've established a methodology that helps us evaluate and score each piece of fitness equipment we test. We use that data to help us recommend the best equipment for every type of person. We judge fitness equipment based on the following criteria:

Features: We look at the types of features offered by these pieces of equipment, how advanced or simple these features are, and whether the machine can connect to built-in or third-party apps, smartwatches and gadgets. A machine with good features should ideally have a built-in touchscreen and connect easily to Wi-Fi and compatible apps. No matter how sophisticated it is, it should be intuitive for the majority of users to use.

Software: Many of these machines have programs built in, so we look to see how easy they are to use and any challenges we experience when accessing them or connecting to external compatible devices.

Functionality: When testing, we determine if the machine works as promised or is faulty. Additionally, we observe how intuitive it is to use, whether it has all the bells and whistles or is minimalistic. For example, we know some users will want a machine that’s straightforward without any advanced technology, but the device should still function as promised. If the machine is more modern, it should still be easy to use by anyone, whether you are a tech pro or someone less familiar with the latest innovations.

Assembly: We know people want to know how easy it is to put a workout machine together and how long it will approximately take, so we make a note of that. Fitness equipment tends to be heavy and depending on the machine, transferring it into your home and putting it together can be a two-person job. We also look at whether they have the option to choose a white glove delivery and if it's free or a fee is required.

Warranty: It's important to know the warranty information for your equipment in case you experience any issues with it and need a replacement. Since these are big purchases, you should feel comfortable knowing that you're getting a top-quality product. In the event something needs replacing, the window for replacement or refund should be spelled out clearly. The length of a warranty will vary depending on the type of machine you own, what falls under the warranty and what the manufacturer is willing to cover. 

Ellipticals are quite an investment, so it's important to make sure you're getting the right machine for you.

Space: Consider the amount of space you have and pay attention to dimensions while shopping. Some ellipticals are much bulkier than others or may take up more visual space since they're relatively tall. They tend not to fold away easily like some other types of workout equipment.

Features: Next, consider what type of features you want in an elliptical. Do you want a sitting or standing model? Do you want to track your workout data, watch TV or stream immersive fitness classes through your machine, or would you be happy with a simpler set-up? Higher-end machines tend to be more customizable and come with touchscreens and wireless connections.

Delivery: Lastly, think about the delivery process and whether you're comfortable setting up your new elliptical on your own. Some brands offer white glove service included in the price. You'll also want to double-check the refund and warranty policy.

Ellipticals and treadmills are two of the most popular machines for cardio. They can both be used for high- or low-intensity workouts. They have some key differences that may make them better suited for different things.

Treadmills are used for walking, jogging or running only. These are relatively high-impact workouts, so they can take a toll on sensitive joints over time, but they have the benefit of building bone density. Treadmills are simple and intuitive to use, and there are folding models that are easy to tuck out of sight. They're ideal if you're training for a race, want an alternative to outdoor walks or runs, prefer a hands-free workout, or want a machine you can fold away or tuck under furniture.

Ellipticals use both your arms and legs, meaning they work more muscle groups than treadmills. They can require a bit of a learning curve to get comfortable using. They're low-impact machines that are easy on the joints. They tend not to fold away as easily. They're ideal if you want a gentle but still robust cardio workout, or want to work out your whole body at once.

Although it may seem straightforward, there are some key steps you should follow when using an elliptical. Elyse Miller, an iFIT trainer and elliptical class instructor shared some insight on the key things to keep in mind when hopping on one of these machines.

Stand up straight: You must remain upright while on an elliptical. Miller says you should stand in a tall, upright position with an engaged core by tucking your hips forward. This will also activate your glutes and keep tension away from your lower back. Your upper body should be relaxed as well. "Relax your shoulders and leave elbows soft without locking them," she said. Additionally, your front leg should feel like a natural stride forward and your heel will slightly lift as you rotate ahead. "Your hands should remain neutral while holding the handles on the elliptical, but don't squeeze them tight," Miller said. Once you have the form down you can mix things up. "For example, angling your toes out will work your inner thighs or moving your hands up and down the handlebars will target different muscles in the upper body," she said.

Hold onto the handles: One of the unique aspects of an elliptical is that it lets you work your full body at once. To get the most out of your workout, you'll want to make sure you're holding onto the handles as you pedal. This will allow your upper body to get the blood flowing as well. "Since elliptical arm handles are long, you can easily change the hand placement as needed for different heights or to target different upper body muscles," Miller said.

Don't slouch over: If the resistance is too high that it's causing you to sacrifice your form, change up the intensity. "Reduce the resistance to maintain a strong, confident posture," Miller said, adding, "don't get stuck in the circling rut — make sure to try out intervals, resistance changes and level shifts rather than zoning out and going through the motions."

Keep your feet on the pedals: Naturally, your body is going to move with the forward motion of the elliptical when your arms and legs are involved. Make sure to keep your feet sturdy and flat on the pedals as you go through the motions.

Most ellipticals come with programs already built into the machine. Miller says the built-in programs are effective, but you can also mix it up with your own routine. Below are some effective ways to get a workout in with an elliptical if you want to try something new.

HIIT: The great part of using a full-body machine like the elliptical is that you can complete an efficient workout in less time. That's where high-intensity interval training can be a win-win. You can do this by changing up the speed and resistance of the elliptical machine to make it easier or harder depending on the interval you're on. A HIIT workout on an elliptical could look like 30 seconds of intense work followed by a minute of rest and repeated over 20 minutes.

Pedal in different directions: If you've used an elliptical then you know you can pedal forward and backward. "I recommend mixing it up for best results and trying intervals of each direction," Miller said. One example of a workout she likes to do is as follows. Complete seven to eight sets:

• 1 minute at a comfortable pace pedaling forward with moderate resistance
• 1 minute fast pace pedaling forward with the same moderate resistance
• 1 minute backward pedaling with high resistance and squatted low

Focus on cadence or rotations per minute: "I like to use cadence or RPMs as the main driving force of an elliptical workout because it tells you how fast you're going and is a fantastic metric to lock into and push yourself," Miller said. She recommends setting the resistance to 8 to start and going up from there. An example of a run/walk routine looks like this:

• Walk — around 40 RPMs
• Jog — around 60 RPMS
• Run — around 90 RPMS
• Sprint — 100+ RPMS

Low-intensity workout: One of the benefits of using an elliptical is that it's easy on the joints. It's the ideal machine for a low-intensity workout if you're starting out or getting back into exercising after an extended break. A low-intensity workout can consist of focusing on your rate of perceived exertion from a 1 to 10 scale. Based on what you find easy and more difficult you can play around with the different levels of intensity as you get a low-intensity workout in.

Incline workout: Another way you can use the elliptical is by testing how hard you can go as you challenge yourself on an incline. The incline makes the workout an effective glute exercise since you're putting extra effort into those muscles. Play around with interval training as you challenge yourself with incline resistance. "You’ll know it’s time to level up the resistance, incline or speed when your workouts don’t feel as challenging anymore," Miller said. In other words, if you're doing an elliptical “sprint,” and it feels like your legs are flying on their own, then you need to bump up the resistance or the incline.

Combine it with a strength program: As with any form of cardio, it's important to make sure strength training is part of your workout routine as well. "I recommend doing cardio on the elliptical three to five times a week, and strength training will vary depending on your goals," Miller said. She advises on strength days to hop on the elliptical for a quick 8- to 10-minute warm-up before lifting.

CNET writers Lindsay Boyers and Megan Wollerton contributed to this story.