Cardio · Ellipticals
Best Ellipticals for Home (2026)Six Low-Impact Machines Compared by Stride, Drive and Space
Prices checked November 11, 2026 · 11 min read
The best ellipticals for home use are the ones that match your stride, your ceiling and your delivery route, not the ones with the biggest screen. An elliptical is the quiet, low-impact alternative to running: your feet stay on the pedals, there is no foot strike, and the same machine can load your legs, glutes and arms. It is also one of the largest and heaviest pieces of cardio kit you can put in a room, and most of the machines below are premium purchases by design.
Everything here comes from manufacturer spec pages and Amazon product listings, not from hands-on testing. We compare what each brand states: stride length, flywheel weight, resistance levels, incline, user capacity, footprint and warranty. Where a brand does not publish a figure, such as step-on height or noise, we say so rather than guess. Four of the six picks are SOLE models, so the picks explain how they differ, and say which NordicTrack or Life Fitness alternative suits whom. If you are still deciding between cardio machines, our best treadmills guide and best rowing machines guide cover the alternatives.
The short version: the SOLE E35 Elliptical is the best all-round pick for most households, the SOLE E95 Elliptical is the one to buy if you are tall or heavy and have the room, the NordicTrack AirGlide 16 Elliptical suits people who want guided iFIT workouts and accept a membership, the Life Fitness E1 Cross Trainer with Go Console is the brand-diverse choice with a long parts warranty and no app, and the SOLE E20 Front-Drive Elliptical is the cheapest way in if you can live with a shorter stride and no incline.
Quick picks
- $1,599.99Shop now →
- $2,099.99Shop now →
Best for tall and heavy users
SOLE E95 Elliptical27 lb flywheel, 13.3 in touchscreen and a 400 lb rating.
- $1,999.00Shop now →
Best smart console
NordicTrack AirGlide 16 Elliptical16 in touchscreen, 26 resistance levels and iFIT-driven incline.
- $2,541.00Shop now →
Best parts warranty
Life Fitness E1 Cross Trainer with Go Console5 years on parts and resistance system, 400 lb rating.
- $1,199.99Shop now →
- $899.99Shop now →
Some links on this page go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Specifications come from each product's Amazon listing or manufacturer, not from our own testing; prices were checked on the date shown and change often. Affiliate disclosure
The picks
The 6 best ellipticals for home use
Prices and stock come from Amazon and are shown on each card. These are research-based picks from published specifications.
SOLE E35 Elliptical
SOLE lists the E35 Elliptical with a 20 in stride, front drive, a 25 lb flywheel, 20 magnetic resistance levels, a 20-level power incline and a 10.1 in touchscreen. It is rated to 350 lb and measures 70 x 31 in. Warranty is lifetime frame, 2 years parts and 1 year labor. Compared with the E95 it has a smaller screen, lighter flywheel and lower capacity; compared with the E25 it adds a touchscreen and a heavier flywheel. Most adults will not miss the extras.
- Footprint
- 70 in x 31 in (178 cm x 79 cm)
- Ceiling
- Your height + deck + headroom
- Rated capacity
- 350 lb max user weight
- Warranty
- Lifetime frame, 2 years parts, 1 year labor, 90 days cosmetic; no electronics period stated
Clearance: Allow room to step on and off at the rear or side, and keep the moving pedals and handles clear of walls. The listed 70 x 31 in is the unit size, so allow extra for stepping on and off.
SOLE E95 Elliptical
The SOLE E95 Elliptical is the top of the SOLE range here: front drive, a 27 lb flywheel, 20 magnetic resistance levels, a 20-level power incline, a 13.3 in touchscreen and a 400 lb rating. SOLE lists knob-adjustable pedals and several grip positions, and 3 years on the brake and electronics. The stride is the same 20 in as the E35, so tall users should not expect a longer reach. It is the largest here at 83 x 34 in. Buy it for capacity and durability, not stride.
- Footprint
- 83 in x 34 in (211 cm x 86 cm)
- Ceiling
- Your height + deck + headroom
- Rated capacity
- 400 lb max user weight
- Warranty
- Lifetime frame and flywheel, 3 years magnetic brake and electronics, 1 year parts, 90 days labor
Clearance: Allow room to step on and off at the rear or side, and keep the moving pedals and handles clear of walls. The listed 83 x 34 in is the unit size, so allow extra for stepping on and off.
NordicTrack AirGlide 16 Elliptical
NordicTrack lists the AirGlide 16 Elliptical with a 16 in HD touchscreen, 26 digital magnetic resistance levels and incline to 15%, with iFIT reaching down to minus 5% decline. The stride is listed as 48.2 cm, about 19 in, so it is not longer than the SOLE machines. The catch is subscription: full content depends on an iFIT membership, sold separately. The sheet we read is the international one, so confirm US warranty and dimensions. Pick it if guided classes keep you moving.
Ongoing cost: Full content and features depend on an iFIT membership, sold separately and billed monthly or annually; check what the console does without it before buying.
- Footprint
- 71 in x 25 in (180 cm x 64 cm)
- Ceiling
- Your height + deck + headroom
- Rated capacity
- 300 lb max user weight
- Warranty
- Not stated by the seller
Clearance: Allow room to step on and off at the rear or side, and keep the moving pedals and handles clear of walls. The spec sheet read is NordicTrack's international version; confirm US dimensions with the seller.
Life Fitness E1 Cross Trainer with Go Console
Life Fitness lists the E1 Cross Trainer with Go Console with a fixed 20 in stride, 20 speed-independent eddy current resistance levels, a 6.5 in step-up height and a 400 lb rating. The warranty is lifetime frame, 5 years on parts and the resistance system, 3 years on the console and 1 year labor. The Go console is the base console: 13 workouts, no Bluetooth, no screen, no incline. Amazon shows a third-party seller, Peak Home Fitness, so check who handles delivery and service. It suits people who want a plain, long-warranted machine.
- Footprint
- 81.7 in x 30 in (208 cm x 76 cm)
- Ceiling
- Your height + deck + headroom
- Rated capacity
- 400 lb max user weight
- Warranty
- Lifetime frame, 5 years resistance system, mechanical and electrical parts, 3 years console, 1 year labor
Clearance: Allow room to step on and off at the rear or side, and keep the moving pedals and handles clear of walls. The listed 81.7 x 30 in is the product size, so allow extra for stepping on and off.
SOLE E25 Elliptical
The SOLE E25 Elliptical keeps the 20 in stride, front drive and 20-level power incline of the pricier SOLE models in a 70 x 24 in footprint, the narrowest of the 20 in stride machines here. The flywheel is 20 lb, the console is a 4 in LED display with a tablet holder and Bluetooth audio, and capacity is 350 lb. Electronics and brake are covered for 2 years. It suits a tighter room, or someone who streams classes on their own tablet.
- Footprint
- 70 in x 24 in (178 cm x 61 cm)
- Ceiling
- Your height + deck + headroom
- Rated capacity
- 350 lb max user weight
- Warranty
- Lifetime frame and flywheel, 2 years magnetic brake and electronics, 1 year parts, 90 days labor
Clearance: Allow room to step on and off at the rear or side, and keep the moving pedals and handles clear of walls. The listed 70 x 24 in is the unit size, so allow extra for stepping on and off.
SOLE E20 Front-Drive Elliptical
The SOLE E20 Front-Drive Elliptical is the entry model: an 18 in stride, a 14.3 lb flywheel, 20 magnetic resistance levels and no power incline. It is the smallest and lightest here at 65 x 22 in and 133 lb, with a 300 lb rating. SOLE lists lifetime frame but only 1 year on the brake, electronics and parts. Taller users will find the 18 in stride short. Choose it for a compact room and steady low-impact sessions.
- Footprint
- 65 in x 22 in (165 cm x 56 cm)
- Ceiling
- Your height + deck + headroom
- Rated capacity
- 300 lb max user weight
- Warranty
- Lifetime frame, 1 year magnetic brake, electronics and parts, 90 days labor
Clearance: Allow room to step on and off at the rear or side, and keep the moving pedals and handles clear of walls. The listed 65 x 22 in is the product size, so allow extra for stepping on and off.
Will it fit
Elliptical footprints, ceiling needs and capacity compared
An elliptical is taller than it looks, and the pedals move you up and forward. The footprint below is the manufacturer's figure where it gives one; ceiling guidance follows each machine's active height.
- Footprint
- 65 in x 22 in (165 cm x 56 cm)
- Ceiling
- Your height + deck + headroom
- Capacity
- 300 lb max user weight
- Clearance
- Allow room to step on and off at the rear or side, and keep the moving pedals and handles clear of walls. The listed 65 x 22 in is the product size, so allow extra for stepping on and off.
- Footprint
- 70 in x 24 in (178 cm x 61 cm)
- Ceiling
- Your height + deck + headroom
- Capacity
- 350 lb max user weight
- Clearance
- Allow room to step on and off at the rear or side, and keep the moving pedals and handles clear of walls. The listed 70 x 24 in is the unit size, so allow extra for stepping on and off.
- Footprint
- 70 in x 31 in (178 cm x 79 cm)
- Ceiling
- Your height + deck + headroom
- Capacity
- 350 lb max user weight
- Clearance
- Allow room to step on and off at the rear or side, and keep the moving pedals and handles clear of walls. The listed 70 x 31 in is the unit size, so allow extra for stepping on and off.
- Footprint
- 83 in x 34 in (211 cm x 86 cm)
- Ceiling
- Your height + deck + headroom
- Capacity
- 400 lb max user weight
- Clearance
- Allow room to step on and off at the rear or side, and keep the moving pedals and handles clear of walls. The listed 83 x 34 in is the unit size, so allow extra for stepping on and off.
- Footprint
- 71 in x 25 in (180 cm x 64 cm)
- Ceiling
- Your height + deck + headroom
- Capacity
- 300 lb max user weight
- Clearance
- Allow room to step on and off at the rear or side, and keep the moving pedals and handles clear of walls. The spec sheet read is NordicTrack's international version; confirm US dimensions with the seller.
- Footprint
- 81.7 in x 30 in (208 cm x 76 cm)
- Ceiling
- Your height + deck + headroom
- Capacity
- 400 lb max user weight
- Clearance
- Allow room to step on and off at the rear or side, and keep the moving pedals and handles clear of walls. The listed 81.7 x 30 in is the product size, so allow extra for stepping on and off.
| Product | Price | Footprint (L x W) | Ceiling | Clearance | Rated capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOLE E20 Front-Drive Elliptical | $899.99 | 65 in x 22 in (165 cm x 56 cm) | Your height + deck + headroom | Allow room to step on and off at the rear or side, and keep the moving pedals and handles clear of walls. The listed 65 x 22 in is the product size, so allow extra for stepping on and off. | 300 lb max user weight |
| SOLE E25 Elliptical | $1,199.99 | 70 in x 24 in (178 cm x 61 cm) | Your height + deck + headroom | Allow room to step on and off at the rear or side, and keep the moving pedals and handles clear of walls. The listed 70 x 24 in is the unit size, so allow extra for stepping on and off. | 350 lb max user weight |
| SOLE E35 Elliptical | $1,599.99 | 70 in x 31 in (178 cm x 79 cm) | Your height + deck + headroom | Allow room to step on and off at the rear or side, and keep the moving pedals and handles clear of walls. The listed 70 x 31 in is the unit size, so allow extra for stepping on and off. | 350 lb max user weight |
| SOLE E95 Elliptical | $2,099.99 | 83 in x 34 in (211 cm x 86 cm) | Your height + deck + headroom | Allow room to step on and off at the rear or side, and keep the moving pedals and handles clear of walls. The listed 83 x 34 in is the unit size, so allow extra for stepping on and off. | 400 lb max user weight |
| NordicTrack AirGlide 16 Elliptical | $1,999.00 | 71 in x 25 in (180 cm x 64 cm) | Your height + deck + headroom | Allow room to step on and off at the rear or side, and keep the moving pedals and handles clear of walls. The spec sheet read is NordicTrack's international version; confirm US dimensions with the seller. | 300 lb max user weight |
| Life Fitness E1 Cross Trainer with Go Console | $2,541.00 | 81.7 in x 30 in (208 cm x 76 cm) | Your height + deck + headroom | Allow room to step on and off at the rear or side, and keep the moving pedals and handles clear of walls. The listed 81.7 x 30 in is the product size, so allow extra for stepping on and off. | 400 lb max user weight |
Where a brand lists only an assembled size, the table shows that. Check the active footprint with the manufacturer before ordering.
How to choose an elliptical: stride, drive and flywheel
Stride length. Stride length is the distance your foot travels front to back. The SOLE E35, E95 and E25 and the Life Fitness E1 list 20 in, the NordicTrack AirGlide 16 is listed at about 19 in, and the SOLE E20 at 18 in. None of these is adjustable, so if you are tall or have a long running stride, look at stride length before screen size.
How the four SOLE models differ. All are front drive with 20 magnetic resistance levels. The E20 has an 18 in stride, a 14.3 lb flywheel, no incline, 300 lb capacity and 1 year on parts. The E25 moves to 20 in, a 20 lb flywheel, power incline, a 4 in console and 350 lb. The E35 adds a 25 lb flywheel and a 10.1 in touchscreen. The E95 has a 27 lb flywheel, a 13.3 in touchscreen, 400 lb capacity and 3 years on the brake and electronics. Stride stays 20 in from the E25 up.
Which alternative suits whom. The NordicTrack AirGlide 16 Elliptical is for people who want guided workouts that drive incline and resistance and accept an iFIT membership. The Life Fitness E1 Cross Trainer with Go Console is for people who want a plain machine with 5 years on parts and no app. If you prefer SOLE's free app and no subscription, the E35 is the middle ground.
Flywheel, resistance and incline. A heavier flywheel generally smooths the motion, and SOLE publishes weights from 14.3 to 27 lb. NordicTrack and Life Fitness do not state a flywheel weight on the pages we read, so we do not compare it. Incline changes muscle emphasis: SOLE lists 20 incline levels on the E25, E35 and E95, NordicTrack lists up to 15%, and the Life Fitness E1 and SOLE E20 have none.
Elliptical vs treadmill. An elliptical removes impact and is easier on joints for many people, but it does not train the same stride pattern as running. If your goal is road fitness or racing, a curved treadmill or rower may serve better; if you want long, quiet, low-impact sessions, an elliptical is the better fit.
Beyond the sticker
What an elliptical costs beyond the price tag
Subscriptions
The NordicTrack AirGlide 16 needs an iFIT membership for its full content and features, sold separately. The SOLE models use a free SOLE+ app with no monthly fee, and the Life Fitness Go console has no app at all. Read what is locked behind membership before you buy.
Assembly and weight
SOLE lists unit weights from 133 lb (E20) to 249 lb (E95, units not stated on the page), and the Life Fitness E1 is listed at 211 lb. Plan for two people and check the delivery terms, since delivery to the door is not always delivery to the room.
Warranty gaps
SOLE covers frames for life, but parts differ: 1 year on the E20, E25 and E95 and 2 years on the E35, with labor at 90 days to 1 year. Life Fitness lists 5 years on parts and 1 year labor on the E1. Compare the totals, not just the headline.
Power and floor
Ellipticals with power incline and consoles need an outlet nearby, and the Life Fitness E1 needs an external power adapter. A mat under the machine protects the floor and reduces vibration; see the home gym flooring guide.
Will it fit
Ceiling height and floor space for an elliptical
Ceiling height is the number most buyers miss. You stand on the pedals, which lift you by the step-on height, and the stride moves you up and down. A workable rule is your height plus the step-on height plus about 6 in of headroom. Life Fitness lists 6.5 in for the E1; SOLE and NordicTrack do not publish theirs on the pages we read. SOLE lists 70 in unit height on the E25, E35 and E95 and 64 in on the E20. Measure your ceiling, especially in a basement, and see our ceiling height guide.
Floor space. The compact SOLE E20 lists 65 x 22 in, while the SOLE E95 lists 83 x 34 in and the Life Fitness E1 81.7 x 30 in. Leave room to step on and off and keep walls clear of the moving handles. Our home gym space guide walks through a layout.
Noise and delivery. The manufacturers do not publish decibel figures for these machines, so we cannot rank them for noise. Magnetic brakes are generally quiet. Check stair and doorway width against the assembled width, 22 to 34 in here.
FAQ
Are ellipticals worth it for a home gym?
If you want long, low-impact sessions at home, yes. There is no foot strike, so the load on knees and hips is lower than running. They are large, heavy and mostly premium priced, so confirm the footprint and ceiling first.
Elliptical vs treadmill: which is better?
A treadmill trains walking and running stride; an elliptical removes impact and adds arm work. Choose a treadmill for run training and an elliptical for gentler conditioning. Our best treadmills guide compares motorized options.
What is the best compact elliptical?
On published specs, the SOLE E20 Front-Drive Elliptical is the most compact here at 65 x 22 in, but it has an 18 in stride and no incline. The SOLE E25 Elliptical keeps a 20 in stride in a 24 in width.
How do the SOLE E20, E25, E35 and E95 differ?
SOLE lists the E20 at 18 in stride, 14.3 lb flywheel, no incline and 300 lb. The E25 is 20 in, 20 lb, power incline, 350 lb. The E35 adds a 25 lb flywheel and 10.1 in touchscreen. The E95 has a 27 lb flywheel, 13.3 in touchscreen and 400 lb.
What elliptical stride length do I need?
Most machines here list 20 in, with the NordicTrack AirGlide 16 at about 19 in and the SOLE E20 at 18 in. None adjusts, so taller users should favor 20 in models and check comfort with the seller's return terms.
How high does my ceiling need to be for an elliptical?
Add your height, the step-on height and about 6 in of headroom. Life Fitness lists 6.5 in for the E1; SOLE and NordicTrack do not publish theirs on the pages we read, so measure or ask the seller.
