Looking for the highest quality elliptical that still meets your budget? This year's "Best Buys" offer you high elliptical value at a value price.
Our picks were based on:
Affordability
Range of Workout Features
Quality of Construction
Expert Ratings
Consumer Reviews
Stability & Feel
Stride Length
Overall Value For Your Dollar
We've listed the 3 top elliptical trainers in 3 price categories: Economy, Mid-Priced and Premium best ellipticals, along with reviews and links to where you can find out more about each machine.
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1) 30 Degree Power Incline - You can change the slope of your elliptical motion with the touch of a button. This works different muscle groups and gives you a more effective workout.
Incline used to be found only on a few commercial $3000+ machines so it's great to find here.
2) iPod dock with Sound System - The 990 has an iPod/mp3 port with built-in speakers. You can plug in your iPod and listen to your favorite music or audiobooks while you workout.
While this feature is becoming fairly standard, it's still a fun option to have that can make your workouts more enjoyable.
3) Folding For Easy Storage - The 990 folds up for easy storage and cleaning. While most treadmills fold up, very few ellipticals will offer this feature. It's handy if you don't have much space and for easy cleaning.
4) 18" Stride Length - Many cheaper ellipticals offer stride lengths of only 14 or 16 inches. The larger stride length ensures you work the full range of leg muscles and burn maximum calories. While taller users may want to go up to a 20" stride length of the Sole E95 (see below), this is still good for most people and better than you'll get on an average department store elliptical.
Conclusion: Highly Recommended
The Nordic Track Audiostrider 990 gives you the core basics of a good elliptical with some high end features you won't find on other economy machines. Plus it feels much more stable than some other starter ellipticals we've tried - probably due to the heavier frame.
We also really like the incline capability which helps you target different muscle systems and gives you a more efficient workout overall. This isn't a commercial machine - but for the money, an excellent value buy.
Buying Tip: You can get this year's 990 elliptical models direct from the Manufacturer. Plus they're also throwing in Free Shipping which will save you about $150
1) Properly Aligned Design - When you use an elliptical the natural alignment of your body is thrown off no matter how close the footpads are.
The Sole E95 footpads have a slight inward angle of two degrees. This angle actually helps to puts your body back into a neutral alignment throughout the elliptical motion and protects your back, knees, ankles and hips.
2) 20" Stride Length - Many cheaper ellipticals offer stride lengths of 14 - 16 inches. The larger 20" stride length gives you a better leg workout and can result in more calories burned.
It will also feel much more comfortable for taller users or those who really like to pick up their pace.
3) Best Elliptical Trainer Warranty - This is one of the best elliptical trainer warranties in the business: the Sole E95 offers a 5 years on parts and electronics, lifetime on the frame and 2 years on service.
Note the 2 years on service - which is amazing as most ellipticals only give you 1 year. This also tells you about the quality of the parts used in manufacturing.
4) Built To Withstand Heavy / Aggressive Use - If you really want to pick up your pace, the E95 can definitely handle it.
It offers an incredible 400 pound user weight capacity and a heavy 29 lb. flywheel - one of the heaviest in the market (which also gives it a very smooth feel). Also, there are 4 rear wheels that ride on heavy duty rails, all encased in a plastic shroud which will give you extra stability.
5) 40 Degree Power Incline - Incline changes the slope of your elliptical workout and helps you to crosstrain different groups of muscles. This can give you a better, more effective workout and avoid overtraining.
Conclusion: Highly Recommended
The Sole E95 is a monster machine that caters to the elite exerciser. It feels solid and substantial, even when you really work it.
And with the health club style console, iPod hookup with speakers, power incline and 10 workout programs, your workouts are much more enjoyable.
Bottom Line? Watch out Precor - Gym quality without the price.
Buying Tip: You can get the E95 elliptical direct from the Manufacturer. They also offer Free Shipping and $0 sales tax (in most States) which will save you about $150+.
1) Ergonomic Pivoting Foot Pedals - These pedals mimic the natural motion of your ankle and hold the proper alignment keeping your ankle, knee and hip from suffering impact.
This can give you less of the muscle strain and soreness that you sometimes get with cheaper ellipticals.
2) 21" Stride Length - This is one of the main benefits of the Smooth 7.4 as it's one of the best elliptical trainer stride lengths on the market.
A longer stride better mimics the way you walk and can help you get an overall more efficient workout. While shorter users (under 5'2") may find they prefer an 18-20" stride, most people really love the feel of a longer stride.
3) Advanced Console - The Smooth CE 7.4 has a console similar to health club units that show you a dot matrix profile of your workout, intensity level, time elapsed, workout programs and more.
One-touch stop and start buttons are well laid out and easy to reach.
4) Heavy Duty Flywheel - Smooth is known for using some of the heaviest duty flywheels on the market. (The heavier the flywheel, the smoother the feel of the elliptical.)
The heavier flywheel on the 7.4 gives you a much smoother ride without the 'bumps' sometimes felt on cheaper ellipticals.
Conclusion: Highly Recommended
The Smooth CE 7.4 is one of Smooth's best elliptical trainer models and boasts an amazing 21" stride - one of the longest in the industry.
Along with the pivoting foot pedals that help you stay in proper alignment, this gives you an optimium calorie-burning workout without the toe numbness that you sometimes get with cheaper designs.
Plus with a heavy duty flywheel and rollerless design, you get a very smooth feeling elliptical ride. Overall, a beautifully designed, higher-end elliptical under $2000.
Buying Tip: Smooth has offered our visitors an exclusive coupon - You can Save $100 on the Smooth CE 7.4 at the Smooth manufacturer. Just enter the promo code smooth74 at checkout.
