--- title: The 8 Best Ellipticals for Home Gyms (2026) description: 8 spec-verified ellipticals for home gyms across full-size, compact and under-desk tiers, plus how ellipticals compare to treadmills for your knees. image: https://spareroomgym.com/hubfs/spare-room-gym/reviews/best-ellipticals-home-gyms-hero.webp --- [SR Spare Room Gym](https://spareroomgym.com/) [Equipment Reviews](https://spareroomgym.com/best-home-gym-equipment) [Small-Space & Budget](https://spareroomgym.com/best-compact-home-gym) [Comparisons](https://spareroomgym.com/nordictrack-vs-peloton) [Guides](https://spareroomgym.com/guides/how-to-build-a-home-gym) [About](https://spareroomgym.com/about) ⓘ Spare Room Gym is reader-supported — we may earn a commission from links here, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our rankings. [How we make money](https://spareroomgym.com/affiliate-disclosure) [Home](https://spareroomgym.com/)›[Equipment Reviews](https://spareroomgym.com/best-home-gym-equipment)›Best Ellipticals # The 8 Best Ellipticals for Home Gyms (2026) By Marcus Bell·Updated October 2026·Evaluated on documented specs, not hands-on testing The short answer An **elliptical** swaps a treadmill’s repeated foot strike on a belt for a guided, low-impact pedal motion, and many models add moving handlebars for the arms — a sensible choice if you want low-impact cardio and have the floor space to leave one set up. Footprint is an important buying consideration in this category, so we state it plainly pick by pick rather than underselling it. The **Sole E25 (2026)** is our best-overall full-size pick; the **Schwinn 411** is the strongest small-footprint option if space is tight. Want a treadmill instead, or alongside? See our [best treadmills for home gyms](https://spareroomgym.com/reviews/best-treadmills-home-gyms-1) guide. ## Elliptical vs. treadmill — which is better for your knees? An elliptical and a treadmill feel different rather than one being better for everyone. On an elliptical your feet stay on the pedals through the motion rather than landing on a moving belt, so there is no repeated foot strike as there is when you walk or run on a treadmill. We don’t give medical advice: if a joint or other health concern is behind your choice, ask your clinician first. The trade-off is space and mechanical simplicity: the standing ellipticals below run from 53.8 inches long (Schwinn 411) to 76 inches (Horizon 7.0 AE), Horizon lists both of its models as non-folding, and none of the other maker pages we read lists a fold feature, whereas many home treadmills fold for storage — see our [best treadmills for home gyms](https://spareroomgym.com/reviews/best-treadmills-home-gyms-1) guide. If you want running-specific fitness, or you need to reclaim floor space between sessions, a treadmill is the better fit; if you prefer a low-impact full-stride motion and can leave the machine set up, an elliptical is the better fit. ## How we chose We set out to cover three groups: full-size ellipticals, compact/space-saving models, and budget or under-desk options. For every candidate we read the manufacturer’s own current product page on 6 October 2026 for stride, resistance type and levels, maximum user weight, footprint, warranty and subscription terms, and we flag wherever a page doesn’t state a figure rather than filling the gap with a guess. Where a maker sells the model on its own US store we read that store for the price band, and where the linked Amazon listing is the exact model we read it too. We use Schwinn’s 490 because it lists the most features of Schwinn’s three current ellipticals on Schwinn’s comparison table (our reading). We also screened each brand’s name against CPSC recall records on 30 September and 1 October 2026, by recall title and product name; the recall FAQ below sets out what that screen found. That left **eight picks**, and we did not pad the list to a round number (see the FAQ below). Rankings rest on **documented manufacturer specifications** — **not hands-on testing by us**; we do not hands-on test equipment and every entry states its basis plainly. No static prices or star ratings are shown. Bands reflect observed selling prices at our last review. Offers change; check the listing. Where we could not read a purchasable offer for the linked product, the band reads "Band not confirmed: check the listing". ## Footprint & stride by tier | Tier | Footprint range (L x W) | Stride | Folds? | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Full-size (E25, 490, 7.0 AE, AirGlide 16, EX-59) | 58.1–76 in L x 24–33.9 in W | 18–20 in | Horizon lists its two as non-folding; no fold feature is listed by the other three | | Compact (411, Carbon EL) | 53.8–67.3 in L x 24–24.6 in W | 18 in | No fold feature listed on either maker page | | Under-desk (SF-E3872) | 24 in L x 19 in W x 11 in H | 7 in | 25 lb with a carry handle; no fold feature listed | Figures are ranges drawn from the maker pages for the models below, read on 6 October 2026, and our tier labels overlap, so compare individual models. Confirm the exact footprint on the manufacturer’s own spec sheet before you buy, and check ceiling height too: Schwinn lists a minimum ceiling height of your height plus 28.3 in for the 490 and plus 17 in for the 411, and the other maker pages we read don’t state one. ## Quick comparison | # | Model | Best for | Capacity | Price band | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | [Sole E25 (2026)](https://spareroomgym.com/reviews/best-ellipticals-home-gyms#b-1) | Best overall | 350 lb | $700+ | | 2 | [Schwinn 490 Elliptical](https://spareroomgym.com/reviews/best-ellipticals-home-gyms#b-2) | Best upgraded Schwinn | 330 lb | $700+ | | 3 | [Horizon 7.0 AE](https://spareroomgym.com/reviews/best-ellipticals-home-gyms#b-3) | 23 lb flywheel, power incline | 325 lb | Band not confirmed: check the listing | | 4 | [NordicTrack AirGlide 16](https://spareroomgym.com/reviews/best-ellipticals-home-gyms#b-4) | Best touchscreen / incline-decline | 300 lb | $700+ | | 5 | [Horizon EX-59](https://spareroomgym.com/reviews/best-ellipticals-home-gyms#b-5) | Best affordable full-size | 300 lb | $700+ | | 6 | [Schwinn 411](https://spareroomgym.com/reviews/best-ellipticals-home-gyms#b-6) | Best small footprint | 300 lb | $300–700 | | 7 | [ProForm Carbon EL](https://spareroomgym.com/reviews/best-ellipticals-home-gyms#b-7) | Best iFit-compatible compact | 275 lb | $700+ | | 8 | [Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3872](https://spareroomgym.com/reviews/best-ellipticals-home-gyms#b-8) | Best under-desk / seated option | not stated (seated use) | $75–150 | ## The 8 best ellipticals for home gyms (2026) 1 ### Sole E25 (2026) Best Overall A front-drive full-size elliptical with a 20-inch stride, a 20-pound flywheel, and 20 levels each of resistance and power incline — a broad feature set for a single machine. **Key features** - ECB magnetic resistance, 20 levels, plus 20 levels of power incline; 20-pound flywheel - 20 in stride length; 350 lb max user weight; footprint 70 in L x 24 in W x 70 in H - Bluetooth with SOLE+ app connectivity (syncs to Apple Health, Google Health Connect, Strava) **What we could confirm:** Specs come from Sole’s own product pages (the spec page at sole.dyaco.com and the US store at soletreadmills.com), read on 6 October 2026. The US store lists the warranty as lifetime on frame and flywheel, 2 years on the magnetic brake, electronics and parts, 1 year on labor and 90 days cosmetic. **Pros & cons** - \+ Highest max user weight (350 lb) of the standing picks here - \+ 20 levels each of resistance and power incline; Sole lists the SOLE+ app as free with no monthly subscription - – Sizeable footprint: 70 in long and 70 in tall as assembled, so check your ceiling height - – The 20 lb flywheel is lighter than the 7.0 AE’s 23 lb Price band: $700+ Specs source: Sole’s own product pages, read 6 October 2026. Sold direct by SOLE. The Amazon listing for this exact model showed no buyable offer on 2026-10-06 (US delivery address). [Buy from SOLE →](https://www.soletreadmills.com/products/sole-e25-elliptical) 2 ### Schwinn 490 Elliptical Best Upgraded Schwinn Schwinn’s comparison table lists three current ellipticals (411, 430, 490); the 490 lists the most resistance levels of the three (25, vs 20 and 16) and is the only one with motorized incline and decline. **Key features** - Magnetic resistance, 25 levels; -5% to 15% motorized incline and decline; 13 workout programs; 7 in LCD display, Bluetooth - 20 in stride length; 330 lb max user weight; footprint 58.1 in L x 33.9 in W x 68 in H; assembled weight 187 lb **Pros & cons** - \+ Motorized decline as well as incline (-5% to 15%) - \+ Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year mechanical parts, 1-year electronics, 90-day labor - – Widest footprint (33.9 in) of the standing picks here - – Schwinn says the JRNY app connection needs a separate digital subscription Price band: $700+ Specs source: Schwinn’s own product page, read 6 October 2026. We link Schwinn’s own page, which sells the 490. [Buy from Schwinn →](https://www.schwinnfitness.com/products/schwinn-490-elliptical) 3 ### Horizon 7.0 AE 23 lb Flywheel Horizon lists the 7.0 AE as a SixStar non-folding frame with a 23-pound flywheel, 20 resistance levels and 20 incline levels. **Key features** - Magnetic resistance, 20 levels; power incline, 20 levels (listed as 0–100%); 23 lb flywheel - 20 in stride length; 325 lb max user weight; footprint 76 in L x 24 in W x 65.5 in H - Bluetooth, integrated speakers, USB charging; 16-digit LED + 7 in LCD display **Pros & cons** - \+ Lifetime frame and brake warranty plus 3-year parts coverage - \+ 23 lb flywheel - – Longest assembled length of the standing picks here (76 in) - – Non-folding, so plan a permanent spot for it Price band: Band not confirmed: check the listing Specs source: Horizon’s own product page, read 6 October 2026. Horizon’s page showed the 7.0 AE as sold out on 2026-10-06, and the Amazon listing for this exact model showed no buyable offer that day (US delivery address). [See the maker’s page →](https://www.horizonfitness.com/products/horizon-7-0-ae-elliptical) 4 ### NordicTrack AirGlide 16 Best Touchscreen Motorized incline *and* decline, plus a tilting 16-inch touchscreen — built around iFIT’s trainer-led workouts. **Key features** - 26 resistance levels; 15° incline to -5° decline; tilting 16 in HD touchscreen - 19 in auto-adjustable stride; 300 lb max user weight; footprint 70.2 in L x 24.6 in W x 67.4 in H **What we could confirm:** Specs and warranty come from NordicTrack’s US product page (nordictrack.com), read on 6 October 2026: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year tablet and 1-year labor and repairs. NordicTrack states that a paid iFIT Pro subscription is required to access the full content and features. **Pros & cons** - \+ Motorized decline (down to -5°) as well as incline - \+ Highest resistance-level count of the eight (26; the Schwinn 490 lists 25) - – Full content requires a paid iFIT Pro subscription - – 70.2 in long and 67.4 in tall as assembled Price band: $700+ Specs source: NordicTrack’s US product page, read 6 October 2026. We link NordicTrack’s own US page, which sells the AirGlide 16. [Buy from NordicTrack →](https://www.nordictrack.com/product/airglide-16-elliptical) 5 ### Horizon EX-59 Best Affordable Full-Size Horizon’s page titles the EX-59 an “Affordable Elliptical”: an 18-inch stride, 10 resistance levels and a lifetime frame warranty in a machine that is lighter (145 lb vs 194 lb) and 3 inches shorter (73 in vs 76 in) than the 7.0 AE above. **Key features** - Electronically adjustable magnetic resistance, 10 levels; no incline; 14 lb flywheel; 5 built-in programs - 18 in stride length; 300 lb max user weight; footprint 73 in L x 24 in W x 66 in H; assembled weight 145 lb - Bluetooth speakers, tablet rack, USB rapid-charge port **Pros & cons** - \+ Lifetime frame warranty (brake, flywheel, parts and labor are 1 year each) - \+ Lighter (145 lb vs 194 lb) and shorter than the 7.0 AE, so it may be easier to reposition (our inference from the listed weights and lengths) - – No incline adjustment; resistance provides the adjustable load - – Fewest resistance levels (10) of the standing picks here Price band: $700+ Specs source: Horizon’s own product page, read 6 October 2026. [Check price on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QRCSBY6) 6 ### Schwinn 411 Best Small Footprint Schwinn’s compact 411 is shorter than the 490 above (53.8 in vs 58.1 in long) while still keeping an 18-inch stride and a 10-year frame warranty. **Key features** - Magnetic resistance, 16 levels; no incline; high-contrast LCD display, 13 workout programs - 18 in stride length; 300 lb max user weight; footprint 53.8 in L x 24 in W x 62.5 in H; assembled weight 100 lb **Pros & cons** - \+ Shortest footprint of the standing picks here (53.8 in) - \+ Same 10-year frame warranty as the 490 (2-year parts, 1-year electronics, 90-day labor on both) - – No incline function - – Fewer resistance levels (16) than most of the picks above Price band: $300–700 Specs source: Schwinn’s own product page, read 6 October 2026. [Check price on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H1BKRQ3) 7 ### ProForm Carbon EL Best iFit-Compatible Compact A compact elliptical with front-mounted transport wheels, built around ProForm’s iFIT workouts. **Key features** - 18 digital resistance levels; 18 in auto-adjustable stride; 16 lb flywheel - 275 lb max user weight; footprint 67.3 in L x 24.6 in W x 66.6 in H; 5 in display, Bluetooth; front-mounted transport wheels **What we could confirm:** ProForm’s current product page (read 6 October 2026) states the 18 resistance levels, 18-inch stride, 16 lb flywheel, 275 lb capacity and footprint above, plus a 10-year frame and 1-year parts, labor and repairs warranty. It lists no incline feature. ProForm states a paid iFIT Pro subscription is required to access the full content and features. **Pros & cons** - \+ Front-mounted transport wheels; ProForm’s page says it “easily rolls away to maximize space” - \+ 10-year frame warranty (1 year for parts, labor and repairs) - – Lowest max user weight (275 lb) of the standing picks here - – Full workout content requires a paid iFIT Pro subscription Price band: $700+ Specs source: ProForm’s own product page, read 6 October 2026. We link ProForm’s own page, which sells the Carbon EL. [Buy from ProForm →](https://www.proform.com/product/carbon-el-elliptical) 8 ### Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3872 Best Under-Desk / Seated Option Not a standing elliptical at all — a seated, under-desk pedal exerciser for light movement while you work, included here for buyers whose real constraint is a home office rather than a home gym. **Key features** - Manual magnetic resistance, 8 levels; digital monitor for time, speed, distance, calories - 7 in stride; 24 in L x 19 in W x 11 in H; 25 lb with a carry handle; Sunny lists it as feet only; the product page we read gives no user-weight capacity, so we treat it as seated-only **What we could confirm:** Resistance, stride, dimensions, weight and warranty are from Sunny’s own product page, read on 6 October 2026. The warranty there is 1 year on the structural frame and 180 days on other parts and components. Sunny’s warranty policy files under-desk ellipticals under its shorter terms (1 year frame, 180 days other parts), not the 3-year frame cover it lists for full-size ellipticals. **Pros & cons** - \+ Smallest listed footprint here; check your desk and seated knee clearance before you buy - \+ Light at 25 lb, with a carry handle - – Not a substitute for a full-body standing elliptical workout: seated, 7 in stride only - – 1-year frame warranty, the shortest on this list Price band: $75–150 Specs source: Sunny’s own product page, read 6 October 2026. We link Sunny’s own page, which sells the SF-E3872; the Amazon listing we had linked is a different Sunny model. [Buy from Sunny →](https://sunnyhealthfitness.com/products/magnetic-under-desk-elliptical-peddler-exerciser-sf-e3872) ## Complete your home gym Deciding between an elliptical and a treadmill? Our [best treadmills for home gyms](https://spareroomgym.com/reviews/best-treadmills-home-gyms-1) guide sets out the treadmill picks. Prefer a rowing machine instead? See our [best rowing machines](https://spareroomgym.com/best-rowing-machines) guide. For the wider equipment picture, see our [home gym equipment guide](https://spareroomgym.com/best-home-gym-equipment). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is an elliptical or a treadmill better for your knees? They feel different rather than one being better for everyone. On an elliptical your feet stay on the pedals through the motion rather than landing on a moving belt, while walking or running on a treadmill involves repeated foot contact with the belt. We don't give medical advice: if a joint or other health concern is behind your choice, ask your clinician. If you want to maintain running-specific fitness, a treadmill (see our [best treadmills guide](https://spareroomgym.com/reviews/best-treadmills-home-gyms-1)) is more directly transferable. ### How much floor space does a full-size elliptical actually need? Across the five full-size picks above, plan for roughly 58 to 76 inches of length and 24 to 34 inches of width, and check ceiling clearance: Schwinn lists a minimum ceiling height of your height plus 28.3 inches for the 490 and plus 17 inches for the 411, and the other maker pages we read don't state one. Horizon lists both of its ellipticals as non-folding, and none of the other maker pages lists a fold feature. If space is the deciding factor, the Schwinn 411 (53.8 inches long) and the Sunny SF-E3872 under-desk unit (24 by 19 by 11 inches) are the two smallest options here by listed footprint; the ProForm Carbon EL is 67.3 inches long. Compare individual models rather than tiers. ### What’s the difference between stride length and resistance levels? Stride length is a measurement the makers list in inches: 18 to 20 inches on the standing picks above and 7 inches on the under-desk Sunny. Resistance levels are a separate count that sets how hard the pedals are to push. The NordicTrack AirGlide 16 lists 26 levels, the most of the eight; the Schwinn 490 lists 25 and the Schwinn 411 lists 16. ### Do any of these ellipticals require a subscription to use fully? The ProForm Carbon EL and NordicTrack AirGlide 16 are both built around iFIT, and both makers state that a paid iFIT Pro subscription is required to access full content and features. Schwinn lists 13 built-in programs on the 490 and 411 and says its JRNY and Explore the World apps need a separate digital subscription for connected apps. SOLE lists its SOLE+ app as free with no monthly subscription. Horizon lists built-in programs on the 7.0 AE (which it says includes a free app) and 5 built-in programs on the EX-59. Sunny's SF-E3872 has a basic monitor for time, speed, distance and calories rather than workout programs. ### Are there any safety recalls to know about for home ellipticals? We found no CPSC recall of any elliptical model recommended here (checked September 2026). Our brand-level screen did turn up older recalls of other products, including a 2010 recall of Horizon EX-58, EX-68 and EX-78 elliptical trainers (not the EX-59 or 7.0 AE recommended here), a 2011 recall of the Schwinn 460 elliptical (not the 411 or 490 recommended here), a 2022 recall of Horizon T101-05 treadmills, 2024 recalls of NordicTrack and ProForm adjustable dumbbells, and a 1990s ProForm space-saver rider. None involves a model on this list. Always register any equipment you buy so the manufacturer can reach you directly if a recall is issued later. ### Why does this list have 8 picks instead of 10 or more? We read each pick's own maker page before it goes on a list, and we don't pad a list with a model we can't read a maker page for just to hit a round number. Eight models made it onto this list, spanning full-size, compact and under-desk picks. We read the maker pages on 6 October 2026. Sources: [Sole Fitness](https://sole.dyaco.com/product-page/e25-2026), [Sole Fitness US store](https://www.soletreadmills.com/products/sole-e25-elliptical), [Schwinn](https://www.schwinnfitness.com/products/schwinn-490-elliptical), [Schwinn](https://www.schwinnfitness.com/products/schwinn-411-elliptical), [Horizon Fitness](https://www.horizonfitness.com/products/horizon-7-0-ae-elliptical), [Horizon Fitness](https://www.horizonfitness.com/products/ex-59-elliptical), [NordicTrack](https://www.nordictrack.com/product/airglide-16-elliptical), [ProForm](https://www.proform.com/product/carbon-el-elliptical), [Sunny Health & Fitness](https://sunnyhealthfitness.com/products/magnetic-under-desk-elliptical-peddler-exerciser-sf-e3872), [Sunny’s warranty policy](https://sunnyhealthfitness.com/pages/warranty-policy), and the [U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission](https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls) recall database. Maker pages and store listings were read on 6 October 2026; the CPSC screens were run on 30 September and 1 October 2026. 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On an elliptical your feet stay on the pedals through the motion rather than landing on a moving belt, while walking or running on a treadmill involves repeated foot contact with the belt. We don't give medical advice: if a joint or other health concern is behind your choice, ask your clinician. If you want to maintain running-specific fitness, a treadmill is more directly transferable." }, "name" : "Is an elliptical or a treadmill better for your knees?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Across the five full-size picks above, plan for roughly 58 to 76 inches of length and 24 to 34 inches of width, and check ceiling clearance: Schwinn lists a minimum ceiling height of your height plus 28.3 inches for the 490 and plus 17 inches for the 411, and the other maker pages we read don't state one. Horizon lists both of its ellipticals as non-folding, and none of the other maker pages lists a fold feature. If space is the deciding factor, the Schwinn 411 (53.8 inches long) and the Sunny SF-E3872 under-desk unit (24 by 19 by 11 inches) are the two smallest options here by listed footprint; the ProForm Carbon EL is 67.3 inches long. Compare individual models rather than tiers." }, "name" : "How much floor space does a full-size elliptical actually need?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Stride length is a measurement the makers list in inches: 18 to 20 inches on the standing picks above and 7 inches on the under-desk Sunny. Resistance levels are a separate count that sets how hard the pedals are to push. The NordicTrack AirGlide 16 lists 26 levels, the most of the eight; the Schwinn 490 lists 25 and the Schwinn 411 lists 16." }, "name" : "What's the difference between stride length and resistance levels?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "The ProForm Carbon EL and NordicTrack AirGlide 16 are both built around iFIT, and both makers state that a paid iFIT Pro subscription is required to access full content and features. Schwinn lists 13 built-in programs on the 490 and 411 and says its JRNY and Explore the World apps need a separate digital subscription for connected apps. SOLE lists its SOLE+ app as free with no monthly subscription. Horizon lists built-in programs on the 7.0 AE (which it says includes a free app) and 5 built-in programs on the EX-59. Sunny's SF-E3872 has a basic monitor for time, speed, distance and calories rather than workout programs." }, "name" : "Do any of these ellipticals require a subscription to use fully?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "We found no CPSC recall of any elliptical model recommended here (checked September 2026). Our brand-level screen did turn up older recalls of other products, including a 2010 recall of Horizon EX-58, EX-68 and EX-78 elliptical trainers (not the EX-59 or 7.0 AE recommended here), a 2011 recall of the Schwinn 460 elliptical (not the 411 or 490 recommended here), a 2022 recall of Horizon T101-05 treadmills, 2024 recalls of NordicTrack and ProForm adjustable dumbbells, and a 1990s ProForm space-saver rider. None involves a model on this list." }, "name" : "Are there any safety recalls to know about for home ellipticals?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "We read each pick's own maker page before it goes on a list, and we don't pad a list with a model we can't read a maker page for just to hit a round number. Eight models made it onto this list, spanning full-size, compact and under-desk picks. We read the maker pages on 6 October 2026." }, "name" : "Why does this list have 8 picks instead of 10 or more?" } ] } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://spareroomgym.com/", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://spareroomgym.com/best-home-gym-equipment", "name" : "Equipment Reviews", "position" : 2 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://spareroomgym.com/reviews/best-ellipticals-home-gyms", "name" : "Best Ellipticals", "position" : 3 } ] } ```