Elliptical Trainer Reviews (2026): Compare the Top Brands & Models
Choosing the right elliptical often comes down to choosing the right brand.
On this page, you’ll find an overview of the top elliptical manufacturers along with links to individual brand reviews and popular models. It’s designed to help you quickly compare your options and narrow down which companies are worth a closer look.
If you’re not sure where to start, the comparison table below highlights what each brand is known for and who it’s best suited for.
Looking for specific recommendations instead? Visit our
Best Ellipticals for 2026 page.
TOP ELLIPTICAL BRANDS AT A GLANCE
| Brand | Best Known For | Good Fit If You Want... |
|---|---|---|
| Sole | Durability & simplicity | A stable, long-lasting machine without unnecessary extras |
| NordicTrack | Interactive training | Guided workouts, incline options, and connected features |
| ProForm | Value + features | Lower-cost machines with solid tech and programming |
| Horizon | Performance value | Reliable machines that are easy to use and quick to start |
| Bowflex | Compact versatility | Flexible trainers that save space and offer varied workouts |
| Schwinn | Budget-friendly options | A simple, affordable elliptical for light to moderate use |
| Life Fitness | Commercial quality | A gym-quality feel with very smooth motion and durability |
| Matrix | Premium design | High-end performance, build quality, and advanced consoles |
| Precor | Smooth motion | A low-impact, natural stride with excellent joint comfort |
HIGHEST RATED BRANDS
$799 to $1999
Sole Ellipticals
Sole ellipticals are known for their durability, stability, and straightforward design. They focus on building machines that hold up well over time rather than packing in unnecessary features.
If you're looking for a reliable elliptical that feels solid and easy to use, Sole is one of the more consistent brands in this category.
Read Full Sole Elliptical Reviews »
Popular Sole Models:
NordicTrack Ellipticals
NordicTrack ellipticals are among the most popular on the market, offering a wide range of models with interactive features and built-in training options.
They’re especially appealing for users who want more variety in their workouts, with incline, decline, and guided training built into many machines.
Read Full NordicTrack Elliptical Reviews »
Popular NordicTrack Models:
X16 • AirGlide 16 • FS10i • FS14i
ProForm Ellipticals
ProForm ellipticals focus on delivering solid features at a more affordable price point, making them a popular choice for home users on a budget.
Many models include interactive training and compact designs, making them a good fit for lighter use or smaller spaces.
Read Full ProForm Elliptical Reviews »
Popular ProForm Models:
Carbon EL • HIIT H14 • HIIT H7
Horizon Ellipticals
Horizon ellipticals are known for their simplicity and reliability, focusing on performance rather than extra features.
They’re a good option if you want an easy-to-use machine that starts quickly and delivers a consistent workout without a lot of setup.
Read Full Horizon Elliptical Reviews »
Popular Horizon Models:
Bowflex Ellipticals
Bowflex Max Trainers stand out for their compact design and hybrid motion, combining elements of an elliptical and a stepper in one machine.
They’re a good fit for users who want shorter, higher-intensity workouts and a smaller footprint than a traditional elliptical.
Read Full Bowflex Elliptical Reviews »
Popular Bowflex Models:
M6 • M9 • Max Total 16
Schwinn Ellipticals
Schwinn ellipticals are known for offering simple, budget-friendly machines that cover the basics without unnecessary extras.
They’re a solid entry-level option for users who want a straightforward elliptical for occasional or moderate use.
Read Full Schwinn Elliptical Reviews »
Popular Schwinn Models:
$1999 and Up
Life Fitness Ellipticals
Life Fitness ellipticals are built to a higher standard, with a focus on smooth motion, durability, and commercial-grade performance.
They’re a strong choice if you want a gym-quality feel at home and are willing to invest in long-term build quality.
Read Full Life Fitness Elliptical Reviews »
Popular Life Fitness Models:
Matrix Ellipticals
Matrix ellipticals are premium machines designed for both home and commercial use, offering high-end build quality and advanced console options.
They’re a strong choice if you want a more refined, gym-quality experience with modern features and long-term durability.
Read Full Matrix Elliptical Reviews »
Popular Matrix Models:
Precor Ellipticals
Precor ellipticals are known for their exceptionally smooth motion and low-impact design, and are widely used in commercial gyms.
They’re a strong choice if comfort and natural movement are your top priorities, especially for longer workouts or joint-friendly training.
Read Full Precor Elliptical Reviews »
Popular Precor Models:
Octane Ellipticals
Octane Fitness ellipticals focus on performance-driven design, with a strong emphasis on biomechanics and a more natural stride feel.
They’re a popular choice for users who want a smoother motion and a more refined workout experience compared to typical home ellipticals.
Read Full Octane Elliptical Reviews »
Popular Octane Models:
TRUE Ellipticals
TRUE ellipticals are built with a focus on durability and smooth, consistent performance, with many models designed to meet commercial standards.
They’re a good fit if you want a machine that feels solid and refined, with an emphasis on long-term reliability rather than flashy features.
Read Full TRUE Elliptical Reviews »
Popular TRUE Models:
OTHER ELLIPTICAL BRANDS
Body-Solid Ellipticals
Body-Solid ellipticals are built with a focus on durability and straightforward functionality, with many models designed for light commercial or home gym use.
They’re best suited for users who prioritize solid construction and simplicity over newer features or connected training options.
Read Full Body-Solid Elliptical Reviews »
Cubii Ellipticals
Cubii ellipticals are compact, under-desk machines designed for light activity rather than full workouts.
They’re a good fit if you want to stay active while working or sitting for long periods, but they’re not intended to replace a traditional elliptical trainer.
Read Full Cubii Elliptical Reviews »
Cybex Ellipticals
Cybex ellipticals are designed for commercial use, with a strong focus on biomechanics and a motion that’s intended to feel more natural and low-impact.
They’re best suited for users who want a gym-quality machine and prioritize smooth movement and durability over home-focused features or compact design.
Read Full Cybex Elliptical Reviews »
Popular Cybex Models:
ElliptiGO Ellipticals
ElliptiGO ellipticals are unique in that they’re designed for outdoor use, combining elliptical motion with a bike-style frame.
They’re a good fit if you want a low-impact workout outside rather than a traditional indoor elliptical machine.
Read Full ElliptiGO Elliptical Reviews »
Spirit Ellipticals
Spirit ellipticals are known for offering a balance of performance, durability, and value, with many models designed for both home and light commercial use.
They’re a good fit if you want a solid, smooth-performing machine with practical features, without paying premium prices for high-end branding.
Read Full Spirit Elliptical Reviews »
Popular Spirit Models:
Stamina Ellipticals
Stamina ellipticals are designed primarily for affordability and compact use, with many models geared toward light workouts or smaller spaces.
They’re best suited for beginners or users looking for a simple, low-cost option rather than a full-featured or heavy-duty elliptical trainer.
Read Full Stamina Elliptical Reviews »
Star Trac Ellipticals
Star Trac ellipticals are designed primarily for commercial environments, with a focus on durability, smooth performance, and high-end build quality.
They’re best suited for users looking for a gym-quality machine, especially if long-term durability matters more than budget pricing.
Read Full Star Trac Elliptical Reviews »
Popular Star Trac Models:
Teeter Ellipticals
Teeter ellipticals are built around a recumbent cross-trainer design, offering a low-impact workout that reduces stress on the joints.
They’re a good fit for users looking for a more comfortable, seated workout experience rather than a traditional upright elliptical.
Read Full Teeter Elliptical Reviews »
Tunturi Ellipticals
Tunturi ellipticals offer a wide range of models, from basic home machines to more advanced trainers designed for performance and durability.
They’re a good fit for users who want a variety of options across different price points, with a focus on smooth motion and low-impact workouts.
Read Full Tunturi Elliptical Reviews »
Vision Ellipticals
Vision ellipticals are premium machines known for their suspension design, smooth motion, and higher-end construction.
They’re a good fit for users who want a more refined workout feel and don’t mind paying more for commercial-grade quality.
Read Full Vision Elliptical Reviews »
Popular Vision Models:
Xterra Ellipticals
Xterra ellipticals are designed as budget-friendly machines that share many components with higher-end brands like Sole and Spirit.
They’re a good fit for users looking for an affordable option with solid basic performance, without the higher price of premium models.
Read Full Xterra Elliptical Reviews »
Which Elliptical Brand is Right For You?
The best elliptical brand for you depends less on specs and more on how you plan to use the machine.
Here’s a simple way to narrow it down based on your goals, budget and workout style:
For durability and long-term use
Sole, Matrix, and TRUE are known for their build quality and stability, making them a strong choice if you want a machine that will hold up over time.
For interactive training and features
NordicTrack and ProForm focus more on connected features, including guided workouts and incline options, which can make workouts more engaging.
For budget-friendly options
Schwinn and ProForm offer solid entry-level machines that cover the basics without a higher price tag.
For a premium, gym-quality feel
Matrix, Life Fitness, and TRUE are designed to deliver a smoother, more refined workout experience, with stronger construction and higher-end components.
For a balance of performance and value
Horizon and Sole sit in a strong middle ground, offering reliable performance and solid build quality without getting into premium pricing.
For compact or alternative designs
Bowflex Max Trainers, Cubii, and Teeter machines offer different styles of motion or smaller footprints, which can be a better fit for certain spaces or workout preferences.
Beyond brand, it’s also worth considering the type of elliptical you want — front-drive, rear-drive, or center-drive — as this affects how the machine feels and how much space it takes up.
If you’re still unsure, you can compare the top options on our Best Ellipticals for 2026 page.
UPDATE: May Elliptical Sales are going strong!
SEE THE BEST CURRENT DEALS HERE
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Elliptical Buying Guide
8 Features to Compare
Brake Systems
Stride Length
Front vs. Rear Drive
Warranties
Consumer Reviews
Here is your chance to rant or rave about the elliptical you use at home or at the fitness center.