Best Compact Elliptical Machines in 2023

1. Horizon Evolve 5 Elliptical

The Horizon Evolve 5 Elliptical is a sleek-looking machine that’s perfect for those living in tight quarters. When fully opened and ready for use, it takes up a space of just 69 x 28 x 69 inches (length, width, height).

If you need it to get even smaller, it folds up to a length of 41 inches. Lift the platform gently, and the hydraulic system activates and lifts it the rest of the way for you. Once it’s folded, you can tilt it and wheel it away, into a closet, or in a corner.

The folding mechanism is at the rear of the elliptical, so it’s a front-drive machine, which gives it slightly more vertical movement on each stride. It uses a 23-pound flywheel with an advanced system of pulleys to create a smooth motion with every stride.

The unique SixStar folding frame has a lifetime warranty and can comfortably handle users of up to 300 pounds.

Whatever your fitness goals, you’ll be able to reach them using a variety of the 37 built-in programs on this machine. Choose a distance workout, a step workout, interval training, performance-related programs, calorie-specific workouts, or custom-designed settings.

Add the 20 resistance levels and a 20-inch stride length, and you can find something appropriate for every fitness level, goal, or preference.

Other features include an Energy Saver mode, built-in speakers, and cushioned pedal inserts to further protect your joints. It’s also compatible with Passport Media Player, which allows you to immerse yourself in exciting locations while you’re working out.

2. XTERRA Fitness FS3.0 Elliptical

If you’re looking for an elliptical that offers a variety of options for users of all levels but is slightly more affordable than our top choice, we recommend the XTERRA Fitness FS3.0.

Like our first choice, it has a weight capacity of 300 pounds and 20 resistance levels. It also has built-in speakers, a tablet holder, and an accessory holder.

The XTERRA has a shorter stride length, at 16 inches. Taller users may need to test drive it before buying, to make sure they can comfortably get a full range of motion.

Although there are significantly fewer built-in programs than the Horizon, you can still choose from 18 different options. You can also pedal both forwards and backwards, which engages the muscles slightly differently.

Despite not being foldable, this elliptical is smaller than our first option, at 54.1 x 24 x 65.2 inches (length, width, height). The rear-drive flywheel makes it feel very stable on the ground, even when you’re moving at a bit of a speed.

You’ll get a 5-year warranty on the frame, and a 1-year warranty on parts.

3. Schwinn 411 Elliptical

The Schwinn 411 is just 53.8 inches long x 24 inches wide x 62.5 inches high. It doesn’t fold, but it’s small enough to fit comfortably in homes with limited space. You’ll find a set of wheels under the front stability bar that makes it super easy to tilt and move.

The front-drive design means the 18-inch stride length also gets a bit of vertical motion, helping you to engage your muscles more effectively. Like the previous two, it can support a weight of 300 pounds comfortably.

It’s slightly less comprehensive than the others we’ve already reviewed, with 16 resistance levels and 13 onboard programs. This elliptical has two sets of handlebars – one that’s attached to the console and remains stationary, and another that’s attached to the pedals and moves with your stride.

This machine is also compatible with RunSocial, which adds an extra element of fun to your workouts.

There’s a 10-year warranty on the frame, 2 years on parts, 1 year on electronics, and 90 days on labor.

4. Go Elliptical V-200T Elliptical

The Go Elliptical V-200T may look robust, but it’s surprisingly compact at 54 x 26 x 65 inches. It can fit quite easily in most spaces, plus it can be moved effortlessly using the front wheels.

You’ll be able to choose from 24 levels of resistance that can be easily adjusted at will by a quick-toggle switch on the handlebars. Whatever resistance you set it on, you’ll be stable on your feet, with the rear-wheel design and oversized platform pedals.

The 17-inch stride length should be adequate for most runners of average height. Choose from 12 different preloaded programs. If you want something that isn’t already loaded onto the console, you can set your own custom program.

The music system built into the elliptical supports MP3 files and iPod files. A nice touch is the USB port on the side of the console, which allows you to charge your devices while you’re exercising.

Keep an eye on your heart rate, time, distance, pace, and calories burned on the 5.5-inch backlit console display.

5. FUNMILY Magnetic Elliptical Bike

For a heavy-duty machine, the FUNMILY Magnetic Elliptical is lovely and compact, just 40.9 x 18.9 x 63 inches in size. It has a weight capacity of 350 pounds – more than the others we’ve reviewed.

It’s also a rear-drive machine, sitting sturdily on the floor even while you’re in the midst of a high-intensity workout. Grab the stationary handles if you want to get an extra leg workout, or the movable handlebars for a bit of an upper-body workout as well.

The 13-inch, non-slip pedals are bi-directional, meaning you can pedal both forwards and backward. This allows you to target your muscles a little differently, adding to the versatility of the machine.

There aren’t preloaded programs on this elliptical, but there are 8 resistance levels that you can scroll through if you want to increase or decrease the intensity of your workout.

Check out the easy-to-read monitor for your time, speed, distance, and calories burned. When you’re done, simply wheel it out of the way with the built-in wheels.

Take note that the stride length of this elliptical is just 12 inches, which is quite a bit less than most others. Taller users may find it uncomfortable or just impossible to use effectively. Worth a test before buying!

6. SNODE E20i Magnetic Elliptical

Not everyone will want an elliptical that has Bluetooth capabilities, but it sure helps if you want to connect your iPod, tablet, or smartphone to play music or videos.

The SNODE E20i offers good Bluetooth connectivity, which also allows you to download your workout data directly into your preferred fitness app. It’s compatible with the iConsole app, which monitors your workout progress.

This machine comes with 12 preloaded programs and 16 resistance levels. On certain programs, the resistance adjusts automatically to mimic real-world conditions as closely as possible.

Before buying this elliptical, consider that the 13.7-inch stride length may be too short for some users. It also only takes weight up to 265 pounds, which is less than the others on this list.

Despite its rear-drive design, the elliptical weighs only 77 pounds, so it may not feel as stable as a more robust machine when you’re in the middle of a serious workout.

7. Schwinn A40 Elliptical

Nobody wants an elliptical that’s complicated to use. The Schwinn A40 wins our first prize for being easy to use. It’s a front-drive machine, but its unusual design makes it pretty stable.

There’s nothing complicated about this machine. It has just 7 programs to choose from, but they’re more than enough for newbies or those who don’t need a lot of variation. 8 tension levels allow you to add resistance for an intensified exercise.

There are no stationary handlebars on this elliptical. The console does have two handlebars with pulse rate detectors, but they’re not designed to be held while moving.

Ergonomically designed foot platforms are comfortable and low-impact. A comfortable stride length of 17.5 inches is more than decent for most runners, and Precision Path Foot Motion Technology keeps your feet positioned in the right way, maintaining good form.

The console is simple to use, although it doesn’t have a backlight, which could make low-light workouts more difficult. If you choose to place a tablet on the holder, be aware that it will cover the console!

8. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905

Investing in a quality elliptical doesn’t have to break the bank. The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 is our top choice for those on a budget, although it’s important to note upfront that the stride length is just 11 inches, which may not suit some users.

It’s the most compact elliptical on this list, at 28 x 17 x 57 inches. It weighs just 60 pounds. That, and its stride length, indicate that it may be a better choice for shorter, more petite users who aren’t likely to rock it too much as they work out. It does have floor stabilizers to increase safety, though.

Although there are no onboard programs, you can switch between 8 adjustable resistance levels for variety and intensity. Change this setting using the tension knob right below the stationary handlebars. These handles also feature pulse sensors so you can monitor your heart rate as you’re exercising.

If you’re feeling more like getting a superb leg workout, brace yourself using the stationary handlebars. For a more comprehensive, full-body workout, hold the moving handlebars as you go along.