Finding the perfect elliptical for your home gym shouldn’t mean sacrificing half your living room. Whether you’re working with a compact apartment, a cozy corner in your bedroom, or a dedicated workout space that’s just a bit snug, the right elliptical can deliver a full-body, low-impact workout without dominating your floor plan.
We’ve tested and researched dozens of ellipticals to bring you machines that excel in three key areas: compact footprints, solid performance, and real value for your money. From budget-friendly options under $500 to premium models with all the bells and whistles, this guide covers every price point and fitness level.
Quick Comparison Table
Model | Price | Flywheel | Stride | Resistance | Incline | Weight Cap | Warranty |
Sole E95 | $1,800-$2,000 | 27 lb | 20″ | 20 | 20 power levels | 400 lb | Lifetime frame |
Sole E25 | $1,100-$1,300 | 20 lb | 20″ | 20 | 20 power levels | 350 lb | Lifetime frame |
Horizon EX-59 | $600-$800 | 14.3 lb | 18″ | 10 | None | 300 lb | Lifetime frame |
Sunny SF-E3912 | $400-$500 | 15.4 lb | 15.5″ | 16 | None | 330 lb | 3 year frame |
YOSUDA Pro | $430-$490 | 18 lb | 15″ vertical | 16 | 45 degree climb | 300 lb | 5 year service |
Pooboo E399 | $350-$450 | 16 lb | 15″ vertical | 16 | None | 350-400 lb | Lifetime service |
Sole E95
Best Overall
Price: $1,800-$2,000
The Sole E95 represents the gold standard for home ellipticals, delivering commercial-gym quality without requiring a commercial-gym budget. With its massive 27-pound flywheel, 20-inch stride length, and 13.3-inch touchscreen loaded with Netflix and the free SOLE+ app, this machine transforms your home workouts into an immersive experience.
Key Specifications:
- Flywheel: 27 lbs (heaviest in class)
- Stride Length: 20″
- Resistance Levels: 20 (electromagnetic)
- Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
- Dimensions: 83″ L x 34″ W x 70″ H
- Incline: 20 power levels (0-40 degrees)
- Warranty: Lifetime frame, 5-year electronics, 2-year labor
Pros:
- Heavy 27 lb flywheel delivers buttery-smooth motion
- 13.3″ touchscreen with WiFi and screen mirroring
- Free SOLE+ app (no subscription required for hundreds of classes)
- Netflix, YouTube, and streaming apps built in
- 20 levels each of resistance and power incline
- Adjustable foot pedals with a 2-degree inward slope (reduces knee stress)
- Wireless phone charging pad
- Bluetooth speakers and a cooling fan
- 400 lb weight capacity
Cons:
- Premium price point
- Large footprint (83″ length)
- Heavy (242 lbs) – difficult to move
- Assembly can take 2+ hours
Best For: Serious fitness enthusiasts who want the best home elliptical available and have space for a full-sized machine.
Sole E25
Best Value
Price: $1,100-$1,300
The E25 delivers Sole’s signature quality at a mid-range price. You get the same lifetime frame warranty, 20-inch stride, and 20 resistance levels as pricier Sole models, making it the sweet spot for buyers who want premium features without the premium price.
Key Specifications:
- Flywheel: 20 lbs
- Stride Length: 20″
- Resistance Levels: 20
- Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
- Dimensions: 70″ L x 28″ W x 63″ H
- Incline: 20 power levels
- Warranty: Lifetime frame, 3-year electronics, 1-year labor
Pros:
- 20″ stride accommodates taller users comfortably
- Power incline with 20 levels
- 7.5″ LCD with tablet holder
- Free SOLE+ app integration (no subscription)
- Adjustable foot pedals designed by a physical therapist
- Bluetooth speakers and USB charging
- 90% pre-assembled
- Lifetime frame warranty
Cons:
- Smaller display than E95 (no touchscreen)
- No streaming apps built in
- Still requires dedicated space (70″ length)
- Heavier than budget models
Best For: Home gym owners who want commercial-grade durability and features at a mid-range price.
Horizon EX-59
Best Budget
Price: $600-$800
The EX-59 proves you don’t need to spend four figures to get a quality elliptical. Consistently rated among the best budget ellipticals by fitness reviewers, it delivers rock-solid stability, smooth motion, and a lifetime frame warranty at an entry-level price.
Key Specifications:
- Flywheel: 14.3 lbs
- Stride Length: 18″
- Resistance Levels: 10
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Dimensions: 68″ L x 25″ W x 64″ H
- Preset Programs: 6
- Warranty: Lifetime frame, 1-year parts and labor
Pros:
- Lifetime frame warranty (rare at this price)
- Bluetooth speakers for streaming audio
- USB charging port
- Textured pedals prevent slipping
- Quick assembly (under 30 minutes per Horizon)
- Six-Star Certified design for natural movement
- Device holder for tablet or phone
- Low 10-inch step-on height
Cons:
- No incline adjustment
- Basic 4.5″ LCD
- 18″ stride may feel short for users over 6’2″
- Lighter flywheel than mid-range models
- Only 10 resistance levels
Best For: First-time elliptical buyers who want quality without overspending, beginners, or those looking for a reliable backup machine.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912
Best for Beginners
Price: $400-$500
With 24 pre-programmed workouts, the SF-E3912 eliminates the guesswork from elliptical training. Perfect for beginners seeking structured guidance, this machine offers variety and challenge at a price that won’t break the bank.
Key Specifications:
- Flywheel: 15.4 lbs
- Stride Length: 15.5″
- Resistance Levels: 16 (programmable electromagnetic)
- Weight Capacity: 330 lbs
- Dimensions: 55″ L x 23″ W x 64.5″ H
- Preset Programs: 24
- Warranty: 3-year frame, 180-day parts
Pros:
- 24 unique workout modes (manual, pre-program, watt, body fat, heart rate, user)
- Programmable electromagnetic resistance
- Backlit LCD
- Heart rate monitoring (pulse grips plus optional wireless belt compatibility)
- Device holder and water bottle holder
- Front-loaded transportation wheels
- Adjustable stabilizers for uneven floors
- Compact footprint (shorter than average)
Cons:
- Requires power outlet (adapter included)
- Assembly can take 2 hours for one person
- Shorter height (benefits low ceilings, but less imposing)
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- 15.5″ stride may feel short for taller users
Best For: Beginners seeking variety in guided workouts, those seeking heart-rate-targeted training programs, and users with lower ceilings.
YOSUDA Pro Cardio Climber
Best Compact
Price: $430-$490
The YOSUDA Pro redefines compact ellipticals with its 3-in-1 design. Combining elliptical, stepper, and climber motions in a footprint of just 38″ x 21″, this machine delivers intense, full-body workouts that rival those of machines twice its size.
Key Specifications:
- Flywheel: 18 lbs (heaviest in this price range)
- Stride Length: 15″ (with vertical and horizontal motion)
- Resistance Levels: 16
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Dimensions: 38″ L x 21″ W (extremely compact)
- Warranty: 5-year service with 12-hour response time
Pros:
- 3-in-1 design (elliptical, stepper, climber) for workout variety
- Heaviest flywheel in this price range (18 lbs)
- 45-degree climbing motion engages the full body
- Ultra-compact footprint saves space
- Whisper-quiet magnetic system (26dB)
- 15mm thickened frame tube for stability
- iPad holder and LCD monitor
- Oversized textured non-slip pedals
- Cordless design (no outlet required)
Cons:
- Vertical motion may feel unfamiliar initially
- 38″ length may limit the stride for very tall users
- No preset workout programs
- Assembly takes approximately 30-45 minutes
- Basic LCD
Best For: Users seeking maximum workout intensity in minimal space, apartment dwellers, and those who want stair-climber benefits with the elliptical’s low-impact motion.
Pooboo E399 Elliptical
Best for Quiet Operation
Price: $350-$450
The Pooboo E399 operates at an incredibly quiet 20dB with its hyper-quiet magnetic rear-drive system. Perfect for apartment living or early-morning workouts, this foldable elliptical combines whisper-quiet operation with commercial-grade stability and compatibility with the Kinomap app.
Key Specifications:
- Flywheel: 16 lbs
- Stride Length: 15.5″
- Resistance Levels: 16
- Weight Capacity: 350-400 lbs (depending on model)
- Dimensions: Foldable design
- Warranty: Lifetime customer service
Pros:
- Ultra-quiet operation (20dB, quieter than normal conversation)
- Foldable design for easy storage
- 80% pre-assembled (30-minute setup)
- Rotatable tablet holder (fits up to 11.8″ screens)
- Bluetooth connectivity with Kinomap and ZWIFT apps
- 16 resistance levels with three distinct intensity zones
- Transparent non-slip pedal cushions
- D-shape commercial-grade handlebars
- 3 hand grip positions for workout variety
- Transportation wheels for easy mobility
- Accommodates users up to 6’5″
Cons:
- 15.5″ stride may feel short for taller users
- Basic LCD
- Some users report that handles may squeak after extended use
- App subscriptions (Kinomap/ZWIFT) cost extra
- The foldable design may have a slight wobble compared to fixed frames
Best For: Apartment dwellers, early-morning or late-night exercisers, anyone with nearby neighbors, and users who need to fold and store their elliptical between workouts.
How to Choose the Right Elliptical for Small Spaces
Measure Your Space
Before falling in love with any elliptical, measure the space. You’ll need:
- Length, width, and height of your available space
- An extra 2 feet of clearance behind the machine for safe dismounting
- Ceiling clearance (your height plus 15-20 inches for arm movement)
Consider Your Stride Length
Stride length directly impacts comfort and workout effectiveness:
- Under 5’4″: 15-18″ stride works well
- 5’5″ to 6’0″: 18-20″ stride is ideal
- Over 6’0″: Look for 20″+ stride or adjustable options
Flywheel Weight Matters
The flywheel creates momentum and smooth motion:
- Under 14 lbs: Entry-level, some resistance fluctuation
- 14-20 lbs: Mid-range, smooth for most users
- 20+ lbs: Premium, buttery-smooth like commercial machines
Resistance Types
- Magnetic: Quiet, low-maintenance, most common (all our picks use this)
- Electromagnetic: Programmable, extremely smooth, requires power
- Manual: Cheapest, noisier, less smooth
Weight Capacity
Don’t just meet the minimum – aim for capacity 50+ lbs over your weight for:
- Better stability
- Reduced wear and tear
- Longer machine lifespan
Warranty Red Flags
- Frame warranty is less than 10 years (shows a lack of confidence)
- Parts coverage under 1 year
- No labor coverage
FAQs
Q: How much space do I really need for an elliptical? A: Most compact ellipticals need 6-7 feet of length and 2.5-3 feet of width. Add 2 feet to the rear for safe dismounting, and check the ceiling clearance (your height + 15-20 inches).
Q: Are compact ellipticals less stable? A: Not necessarily. Weight capacity, flywheel size, and frame construction matter more than overall size. Our picks, such as the Niceday CT11S, demonstrate that compact machines can be rock-solid.
Q: Can I get a good workout on a budget elliptical? A: Absolutely. The Horizon EX-59 and Sunny SF-E3912 both deliver effective cardio workouts. You’ll sacrifice some features and smoothness compared to premium models, but they’re legitimate fitness tools.
Q: Do I need a subscription service? A: Not with our top picks. The Sole E95 and E25 include free access to the SOLE+ app. Budget models work perfectly fine with your own device and free workout videos.
Q: How loud are ellipticals? A: Modern magnetic ellipticals are very quiet. The Niceday operates at 20dB (quieter than a whisper). Even budget models are quieter than treadmills.
Q: What’s better – front-drive or rear-drive? A: Both work well. Front-drive vehicles (such as the Horizon EX-59) tend to be more compact. Rear-drive (like Niceday) feels more natural to some users. Try both if possible.
Final Recommendations
If money is no object: Get the Sole E95. It’s the closest you’ll get to a commercial gym experience at home.
For the best value: The Sole E25 delivers premium features at a mid-range price, backed by a lifetime warranty.
For budget-conscious buyers: The Horizon EX-59 offers rock-solid performance and a lifetime frame warranty for under $800.
For tight spaces: The YOSUDA Pro packs intense workouts into just 38″ x 21″ with its innovative 3-in-1 design.
For beginners, The Sunny SF-E3912 offers 24 pre-programmed workouts to guide your fitness journey.
For quiet operation: The Niceday CT11S operates at just 20dB while supporting up to 400 lbs.
Affiliate Disclosure: Stem & Stone earns from qualifying purchases. Our recommendations are based on research and user feedback, not affiliate relationships.
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