11 Best Elliptical Machines for Low-Impact Workouts

My knees just can’t take the pounding of a treadmill anymore. After years of running, I needed something that would give me a great cardio workout without making my joints scream. I looked into everything from an at home pilates reformer to rowing machines, but I kept coming back to the elliptical for that classic cardio feel.

An elliptical machine gives you a full-body workout that’s smooth and easy on your body. You get your heart rate up and burn calories without the harsh impact. It’s the perfect sweet spot for getting a sweat in at home.

So I tested a bunch of them. From budget-friendly models to tech-heavy machines that feel like they belong in a fancy gym, I put them through their paces. Here are the best elliptical machines I found for a great low-impact workout.

 

 

Our Elliptical Rankings

Sole E25 Elliptical

The Sole E25 runs about $1300, and it’s my top pick for most people. The value here is just fantastic. It has a super solid steel frame that doesn’t wobble, and the motion feels incredibly natural and comfortable.

I was really impressed by how quiet it is. The front-drive system is smooth as butter, which is great for early morning workouts when you don’t want to wake anyone up. It also connects to fitness apps, which is a nice touch for a machine at this price point.

The Downside: The display is pretty basic. There’s no fancy touchscreen, which might be a dealbreaker if you love streaming workouts directly on your machine.

 

 

Bowflex Max Trainer M6

At $1299, the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is less of a traditional elliptical and more of a HIIT machine. It combines the movement of an elliptical and a stepper for a killer, low-impact workout that gets your heart rate soaring in minutes.

The electromagnetic resistance is incredibly smooth, and it’s surprisingly compact, making it a good fit for smaller spaces. It’s perfect if you’re short on time and want to maximize your calorie burn quickly. The whole thing is also really quiet.

The Downside: The weight capacity is a bit lower than other models in its class, so heavier users might want to look elsewhere.

 

 

NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical

For around $1799, this NordicTrack is for the tech lovers. The big draw is the 14-inch touchscreen and its integration with the iFIT app. The guided workouts, where the machine automatically adjusts your incline and resistance, are seriously engaging.

The ride itself is super smooth, and the incline capability adds a whole new level of challenge to your workouts. I found it to be really stable, even when I was pushing hard during a class. It makes working out feel less like a chore.

The Downside: You really need to pay for the iFIT subscription to get the most out of it. Without the app, it’s a much more limited machine.

 

 

YOSUDA EM2 Electromagnetic Elliptical Machine

The YOSUDA EM2 costs about $1100. This is a fantastic option if you live in an apartment or just don’t have a ton of space for fitness equipment. It’s compact but doesn’t feel flimsy.

The electromagnetic resistance makes it really quiet and smooth, perfect for not bothering neighbors or roommates. For beginners or people who need a solid, straightforward workout, this machine delivers without any unnecessary bells and whistles.

The Downside: If you’re already pretty fit, you might find the resistance levels a bit too easy. It’s definitely geared more towards beginner and intermediate users.

 

 

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical

You can find this Sunny elliptical for under $500, which is an amazing deal. I was honestly surprised by how well it performed for the price. It’s a great entry-level machine for anyone on a tight budget.

It feels stable and doesn’t shake much during use, which can be a problem with cheaper equipment. The magnetic resistance is smooth enough for a good cardio session, and it even has some built-in workout programs.

The Downside: The 15.5-inch stride length is pretty short. Taller users might find the motion feels a bit choppy and unnatural.

 

 

Horizon EX-59 Elliptical

Priced at $800, the Horizon EX-59 is an excellent choice for seniors or anyone with sensitive joints. The step-up height is really low, making it easy and safe to get on and off. The pedals are also spaced closely together, which reduces stress on your hips and knees.

It’s a simple, no-fuss machine that provides a smooth and stable workout. It’s built to be comfortable and reduce strain, and it absolutely succeeds at that. It’s just a really solid, user-friendly elliptical.

The Downside: It doesn’t have a huge range of resistance levels, so advanced users might want something more challenging.

 

 

ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical

The ProForm Carbon EL is another great value at $800, especially if you’re interested in guided workouts. Like its NordicTrack cousins, it’s designed to work with the iFIT training platform, which opens up a world of interactive classes.

The pedals are oversized and cushioned, which felt really nice on my feet during longer sessions. You can also adjust the incline and stride, which helps you find the most comfortable position for your body.

The Downside: Similar to other iFIT machines, you pretty much need the subscription to access any workout programming.

 

 

Sole E95 Elliptical

At $1900, the Sole E95 is a step up in price, but you can feel where the extra money went. This thing is a beast. The heavy flywheel makes the motion feel incredibly smooth and powerful, perfect for serious training.

The incline feature is great for targeting different muscle groups and cranking up the intensity to burn more calories. I also love that you can adjust the angle of the foot pedals to minimize stress on your ankles. It’s built like a tank and feels like it will last forever.

The Downside: It’s one of the more expensive options on the list, and it takes up a good amount of space.

 

 

Schwinn 411 Elliptical

The Schwinn 411 is a compact powerhouse for about $700. It’s designed for people who don’t have a dedicated home gym. It delivers a solid full-body workout without taking over your entire living room.

For its size, it offers a good variety of resistance levels and feels surprisingly sturdy. It’s a reliable, straightforward machine from a brand that’s been around forever. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone tight on space.

The Downside: The flywheel is on the lighter side, which means the motion doesn’t feel quite as fluid as on the more expensive models.

 

 

NordicTrack X16 Elliptical

Coming in at a hefty $3000, the NordicTrack X16 is the luxury pick. This is basically three machines in one: it can function as a treadmill, a stepper, and an elliptical. Paired with iFIT, the workout possibilities are almost endless.

The center-drive design is also unique and makes it more compact than you’d expect, so it can fit into tighter spaces than some other large machines. It’s an investment, but it’s an incredible piece of fitness equipment.

The Downside: It’s very expensive and extremely heavy. You’ll want to find a permanent spot for it because moving it is a workout in itself.

Finding the right piece of home fitness equipment is a personal journey. For me, the elliptical was the perfect solution for getting in my cardio without wrecking my joints. It’s a fantastic low-impact option that delivers real results.

Whether you need something small and simple or a high-tech machine with all the features, there’s an elliptical out there for you. It’s all about finding the one that fits your space, your budget, and your fitness goals.