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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Affiliate Disclosure: Stem & Stone earns from qualifying purchases. Our recommendations are based on research and user feedback, not affiliate relationships.