The Best Compact Ellipticals for Small Home Gyms in 2024
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Ellipticals are an excellent way to get a low-impact, total body workout, but some of them take up a lot of space. If you don’t have a ton of extra room in your home and aren’t interested in other space saving equipment like under desk treadmills, there’s a way to make it work. The best compact ellipticals are smaller than full-size machines, but still sturdy enough to provide a great workout.
Some smaller elliptical machines have the same advanced features and specs of full-size models, while others forgo bells and whistles to get to a more budget-friendly price point. One type isn’t necessarily better than the other; it really comes down to what you’re looking for.
In this guide, we’ll share our top picks of 2024, go through the benefits of a compact elliptical and provide guidance on how to choose the best elliptical for you, considering factors like size, weight capacity, stride length and portability.
Our Picks for the Best Compact Ellipticals of 2024:
- Highest Weight Capacity Compact Elliptical: Sole Fitness E55 Elliptical
- Best Folding Compact Elliptical: NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i Elliptical
- Best Quiet Compact Elliptical: FitNation Flex Elliptical Trainer
- Top Rated Compact Elliptical: Bowflex Max Trainer M6 Elliptical
- Best Compact Elliptical with Virtual Classes: ProForm Carbon HIIT H7 Elliptical
- Best Compact Elliptical Under $500: Sunny Health & Fitness Air Walk Trainer Glider Exercise Machine
- Smallest Compact Elliptical: Schwinn Fitness 411 Elliptical
Highest Weight Capacity Compact Elliptical: Sole Fitness E55
Sole Fitness
Key features & specs:
- Dimensions: 71-inches H x 71-inches L x 27-inches W
- Max weight capacity: 375 pounds
- Weight of machine: 214 pounds
- Resistance levels: 20
- Size of flywheel: 20 pounds
- Stride: 20 inches
- Screen: nine-inch LCD
- Programs: Six standard, two custom and two heart
- Warranty: Lifetime for frame, five years for electronics and parts, two years for labor
- Assembly: $299 for assembly
- Bluetooth compatible?: Yes
- Price: $1,500
Pros:
- Adjustable foot pedals
- Wide resistance and incline range
- Heavy flywheel
Cons:
- Fixed stride length
- Underwhelming display
- Pricey for the lack of technology
The Sole Fitness E55 is a front-drive elliptical that’s compact without sacrificing function. It has a 375-pound weight capacity and a 20-pound flywheel that relies on magnetic resistance, so it’s smooth and quiet when in use. You can toggle through 20 resistance and incline levels and choose from 10 preset workout programs. The stride length is fixed at 20 inches, but you can adjust the foot pedals to get the right angle for your natural gait.
The workout display is pretty standard. It’s a nine-inch black and white LCD screen that shows basic metrics, like time, pace and calorie burn. While there’s no immersive touchscreen, you can connect your own tablet via Bluetooth if you want to follow along with a fitness app. It also has plenty of additional comfort features like a water bottle holder, tablet holder, USB charging port and built-in cooling fan.
Best Folding Compact Elliptical: NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i Elliptical
NordicTrack
Key features & specs:
- Dimensions: 67-inches H x 80-inches L x 32-inches W
- Max weight capacity: 325 pounds
- Weight of machine: 218 pounds
- Resistance levels: 24
- Size of flywheel: 18 pounds
- Stride: 18 inches (adjustable)
- Screen: 14-inch HD touchscreen
- Programs: 20 preset workouts (non-video); compatible with iFit
- Warranty: 10 years for frame, two-years for parts, one-year for labor
- Assembly: $199 for assembly
- Bluetooth compatible?: Yes
- Price: $1,699
Pros:
- Adjustable stride length
- Compatible with iFit
- Large touchscreen display
Cons:
- Pre-programmed workouts aren’t video
- Limited functionality without iFit subscription
- On the pricier side
The NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i is very similar to the NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 Elliptical, except it has a unique design that allows you to fold the handlebars down on the body of the machine to minimize its vertical footprint. While this doesn’t affect the amount of horizontal space it takes up (it’s actually longer and wider than the Commercial 14.9), it makes the machine less commanding in the room. It also has rear-mounted wheels, so you can roll it out of the way when you’re not using it.
In this case, compact certainly doesn’t mean less feature-rich. The SpaceSaver SE9i comes with all of the bells and whistles you’d expect from a NordicTrack machine. It has a 18-pound rear-drive flywheel that operates on silent magnetic resistance, plus 24 digital resistance levels. The machine is compatible with iFit, but if you want to forgo that monthly subscription cost, you can access 20 preset workout programs through the 14-inch smart HD touchscreen. (Note: These are not immersive video experiences.) If you do want to connect iFit, you’ll get the benefit of Automatic Trainer Control, which allows your machine to automatically adjust its resistance level and incline (zero to 10%) based on feedback from your iFit trainer.
The NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i is also Bluetooth compatible and has comfort features like a cooling fan, water bottle holder and gripped handles. The cushioned pedals are adjustable and max out at an 18-inch stride length.
Best Quiet Compact Elliptical: FitNation Flex Elliptical Trainer
FitNation
Key features & specs:
- Dimensions: 38-inches L x 58.5-inches H x 19.75-inches W
- Max weight capacity: 260 pounds
- Weight of machine: 99.2 pounds
- Resistance levels: Eight
- Size of flywheel: N/A
- Stride: Not available
- Screen: Basic performance monitor
- Programs: None
- Warranty: One-year limited
- Assembly: No professional assembly available
- Bluetooth compatible?: No
- Price: $599
Pros:
- Eight levels of magnetic resistance
- Adjustable height
- Minimal footprint
Cons:
- No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity
- Very basic display
- No extras like a water bottle holder or fan
All cardio equipment is going to make some noise, but if you want one that’s as quiet as possible, you need magnetic resistance. Unlike friction resistance, which involves pads coming into contact with the flywheel, magnetic resistance relies solely on the opposing force between magnets. This means the parts never touch each other, so the operation is nearly silent.
The FitNation Flex Elliptical Trainer has eight levels of magnetic resistance, plus a heavy-duty flywheel that makes for a quiet, smooth and stable ride. At only 38-inches long and just under 20-inches wide, it’s also one of the most compact machines on the market. There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles here, but it does have a basic performance monitor that tracks metrics and an adjustable height. The weight capacity is on the lower side—it maxes out at 260 pounds—but it’s what you’d expect from a machine at this price point.
Top Rated Compact Elliptical: Bowflex Max Trainer M6 Elliptical
Bowflex
Key features & specs:
- Dimensions: 46-inches L x 64.2-inches H x 26-inches W
- Max weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Weight of machine: 148 pounds
- Resistance levels: 16
- Size of flywheel: N/A
- Stride: Not available
- Screen: Backlit LCD console
- Programs: Five preset workouts
- Warranty: Two-year for frame and parts, 90-days for labor
- Assembly: In-home assembly available for $169
- Bluetooth compatible?: Yes
- Price: $1,499
Pros:
- Takes up less floor space than other models
- Design maximizes workout efficiency
- Magnetic tablet holder
Cons:
- Console is basic
- Limited functionality without JRNY subscription
- Some users say it’s noisy
Because it has more vertical movement than traditional ellipticals, the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is more of a cross between a stepper and an elliptical trainer. The unique motion of the pedals engages both your lower body and upper body more than a traditional elliptical, so you can maximize your home workouts. It also allows for a more compact design; at only 46-inches long and 26-inches wide, this elliptical takes up less floor space than standard models.
It doesn’t have a flywheel, but operates with a specialized motor, instead. This motor is slightly louder than magnetic resistance flywheels, but it precisely controls the 16 levels of resistance. If you buy the Max Trainer M6 directly from Bowflex, you’ll get a one-year JRNY membership as part of the deal (it’s $149 annually after that). This gives you access to trainer-led workouts, but since the M6 doesn’t have a full touchscreen, you’ll need to follow along with your tablet. In addition to magnetic tablet and smartphone holder, this elliptical also has Bluetooth connectivity, a USB charging port and heart rate monitors integrated into the handles.
Check out our Bowflex Max Trainer M6 review for more information!
Best Compact Elliptical with Virtual Classes: ProForm Carbon HIIT H7 Elliptical
ProForm
Key features & specs:
- Dimensions: 52-inches L x 66.7-inches H x 29.25-inches W
- Max weight capacity: 325 pounds
- Weight of machine: 225 pounds
- Resistance levels: 24
- Size of flywheel: 30 pounds
- Stride: 10-inch vertical and five-inch horizontal
- Screen: Seven-inch HD touchscreen
- Programs: Three to five sample workouts available without iFit
- Warranty: 10 years for frame, two years for parts, one-year for labor
- Assembly: $199 for assembly
- Bluetooth compatible?: Yes
- Price: $1,403
Pros:
- Compatible with iFit
- Seven-inch HD color touchscreen
- Heavy-duty flywheel
Cons:
- Limited functionality without iFit subscription
- Some users say its noisy
- Stride path is different from a standard elliptical
If you want a compact elliptical that delivers top-rate virtual programming, the ProForm Carbon HIIT H7 is the choice for you. Owned by the same company as NordicTrack (ICON Health & Fitness), this elliptical is fully integrated with iFit. This gives you access to hundreds of on-demand fitness classes, studio sessions and live workouts. It’s also equipped with Automatic Trainer Control, which allows your instructor to adjust the resistance and incline of the machine virtually during your live workouts. All iFit workouts are in full color video, so you can follow along on the Carbon HIIT H7’s seven-inch HD touchscreen display. Head’s up: You’ll get three years of iFit free when you purchase directly from ProForm, but will be charged $396 annually after that.
Like the Bowflex trainer, this elliptical has a somewhat vertical stride path, which allows for a more compact design. It operates on magnetic resistance with 24 resistance levels, and has a heavy-duty, 30-pound flywheel that keeps it smooth and stable even at higher speeds. It’s equipped with all the extras—a workout fan, Bluetooth speakers, a water bottle holder and heart rate monitors.
Best Compact Elliptical Under $500: Sunny Health & Fitness Air Walk Trainer Glider Exercise Machine
Sunny Health & Fitness
Key features & specs:
- Dimensions: 25-inches L x 57-inches H x 19-inches W
- Max weight capacity: 220 pounds
- Weight of machine: 35 pounds
- Resistance levels: None
- Size of flywheel: N/A
- Stride: 30 inches
- Screen: Basic performance monitor
- Programs: None
- Warranty: One year for frame, 180 days for parts
- Assembly: Self-assembly only; everything you need is included
- Bluetooth compatible?: No
- Price: $159.99
Pros:
- Very budget-friendly
- Folds for storage
- Includes a basic performance monitor
Cons:
- No manual resistance control
- Doesn’t have preset workouts
- Stride is different from a traditional elliptical
Sunny Health & Fitness is the go-to brand for budget gym equipment that’s still high-quality. This Air Walk Trainer Glider Exercise Machine is built differently than a standard elliptical—there’s no flywheel or motor—but it offers just enough to give you a solid cardio workout without taking up too much space. It has gripped handlebars and non-slip pedals that have a 30-inch stride length. It moves in more of a gliding motion than a traditional elliptical, but you can work up to full running speeds without shaking or instability.
There’s a small performance monitor attached to the screen that shows metrics like time and calories burned, but there are no additional features, which explains the budget-friendly price. At 25-inches by 57-inches by 19-inches, it already starts out compact, but it folds vertically to half its size when you’re not using it.
Smallest Compact Elliptical: Schwinn 411 Elliptical
Schwinn Fitness
Key features & specs:
- Dimensions: 53.8-inches L x 62.5-inches H x 24-inches W
- Max weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Weight of machine: 100 pounds
- Resistance levels: 16
- Size of flywheel: N/A
- Stride: 18 inches
- Screen: 5.5 inches, not backlit
- Programs: 13 preset workout programs; compatible with Explore the World
- Warranty: 10 years for frame, two years for parts, one year for electronics, 90 days for labor
- Assembly: $249 for in-home assembly
- Bluetooth compatible?: Yes
- Price: $599
Pros:
- Full stride length
- Compatible with Explore the World
- Wireless heart rate tracking
Cons:
- Console isn’t backlight
- Some users say lowest resistance is still hard
- Doesn’t come with heart rate monitor
The Schwinn 411 isn’t the smallest machine out there, but it’s the most compact traditional-style elliptical. Even with the space-saving design, it has an 18-inch stride length, which works well for most people, and it can accommodate users up to 300 pounds. Rather than a typical flywheel, it operates on magnetic resistance and offers 16 levels that you can toggle through to change the intensity of your workout.
It has a 5.5-inch basic console that displays distance, time and calories and gives you access to 13 preset workout programs. There’s also a manual option if you want to do your own thing. If you want more interactive programming, you can use the integrated Bluetooth to connect to Explore the World—Schwinn’s fitness app that takes you on immersive workouts in global destinations. While the app does give you access to a few preview workouts, the full version costs $9.99 per month or $59.99 for the year if you pay in full. This elliptical also has a built-in media tray and a water bottle holder, plus the option for wireless heart rate tracking (but you have to use your own heart rate monitor).
Benefits of Using a Compact Elliptical
Compact ellipticals offer the exact same benefits as regular ellipticals—a low-impact, full-body workout—but they take up considerably less space in your home gym. And while not always the case, a compact elliptical may be easier to store, too, especially if it folds and has transport wheels. You may also be able to save some money if you opt for a compact machine, although some of them are just as expensive as the full-size models.
How to Choose the Best Compact Elliptical for Your Home Gym
All compact ellipticals share one common feature: They’re smaller than their full size counterparts. But that could be where the similarities end. When shopping for an elliptical, make sure you’re considering the weight capacity, size and stride length, as well as the additional features listed here.
Fitness level
Ellipticals are an excellent cardio machine for all fitness levels. That being said, if you’re new to ellipticals, you can probably make do with a more beginner-friendly model that has a smaller incline and resistance range. If you’ve been training on an elliptical for a while and you’re looking to upgrade, you’ll likely want a model that has a wide range of adjustable resistance levels and preset workout programs.
Weight capacity
Weight capacity is especially important when purchasing a compact machine. Because these machines are smaller than commercial fitness equipment, they may not hold as much weight. As such, you need to check the maximum user weight to make sure the machine you want can accommodate you before committing to it.
Size
If you’re trying to fit a compact elliptical into a certain space, you’ll want to check the dimensions to make sure that it will work. Pay attention to overhead clearance, too. You don’t want an elliptical machine that props you up too high for your ceiling. It’s also a good idea to check the weight of the machine, especially if you’re planning to move it to store it away when you’re not using it.
Flywheel
The flywheel makes a huge difference in the feel of your machine. In general, the heavier the flywheel, the smoother the machine. However, heavy flywheels can be big and bulky, so you may have to make some sacrifices here if you want to save space. Typically, a 20-pound flywheel gives you the best of both worlds—a smooth ride without contributing too much bulk to the machine.
You’ll also want to consider the flywheel positioning. Ellipticals that have the flywheel in the back, called rear-drive ellipticals, tend to be bulkier and take up more horizontal space than ellipticals that have the flywheel in the front, or front-drive ellipticals.
Stride length
Many ellipticals are set at an 18- to 20-inch stride length, but that doesn’t necessarily work for everyone. If you’re tall or short, you may need a longer or shorter stride length. When choosing an elliptical, make sure it’s the right stride length for you, or has an adjustable stride length that can accommodate you. An adjustable stride length is especially beneficial if you live with other people who are different heights and also want to use the machine.
Storage/portability
Since you’re looking for a compact elliptical, chances are you’re working with limited space. Compact elliptical machines are smaller than their full-size counterparts, but that doesn’t necessarily equate to easier storage or portability. If you want to stash your elliptical away when you’re not using it, make sure it’s foldable and easy to move (transport wheels help here).
Assembly
When it comes to cardio machines, assembly can get pretty tricky, especially if there are LCD screens and other electronics that you have to hook up yourself. When choosing an elliptical, dig into the user manual to see how long assembly takes and whether you’ll need someone there to help you.
It’s also a good idea to check whether or not in-home assembly is available. Most manufacturers offer this service for an additional fee that typically ranges from $200 to $300. If you know you don’t want to set your machine up yourself, factor this into your overall cost.
Pre-programming
Many ellipticals come with pre-programmed workouts, but the available options run the gamut. Some have a handful of preset workouts, while others have closer to two dozen. If you opt for a smart machine that’s compatible with an immersive fitness app, like a NordicTrack or ProForm, you’ll likely find that there are fewer programs built into the machine. This is because the brand hopes you’ll opt for the fitness subscription.
On the opposite end of the spectrum are budget machines. These machines might have basic performance monitors that display metrics, but don’t offer preset workouts. If pre-programming is important to you, make sure you have all the details about what you can get on the machine without paying for extra subscriptions.
Extra features
Extra features are just that: extras. But sometimes they can be a dealbreaker. Typically, you’ll see things like a water bottle holder, tablet holder or a fan on quality machines. Some also have Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi connectivity, so even if they don’t have interactive programming, you can hook up your tablet and follow along on your own screen. Before purchasing an elliptical, decide which extra features are important to you and which ones you can live without.
Warranty
When choosing an elliptical, dig into the warranty and read the fine print so you know exactly what’s covered and for how long. Most warranties have different coverage time frames on various parts of the machine. Make sure you’re comfortable with what the company is offering before making your purchase.
Cost
Cost is an important consideration for any purchase. Compact ellipticals may be smaller than commercial-size machines, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re less expensive. Figure out your budget before you begin shopping, and make sure you’re sticking to it. If you purchase a machine that connects to a fitness app and want to take full advantage, make sure you’re also calculating the cost of that monthly subscription.
Compact Elliptical FAQs
Are compact ellipticals better than regular ellipticals?
When it comes to functionality, compact ellipticals are neither better nor worse than regular ellipticals; they just take up less space. If you’re working with a limited area, compact ellipticals are a better option, since they fit into small spaces better than regular ellipticals.
Are compact ellipticals good for your knees?
Ellipticals, including compact ellipticals, are low impact, which means they don’t put undue stress on your knees or other joints. Because of this, they’re often recommended for people who experience knee pain during higher-impact exercises like jogging. Some studies show that using an elliptical trainer can actually decrease knee pain, especially if you pedal in reverse.
Are compact ellipticals portable?
Compact ellipticals take up less space and often weigh less than full-size versions, but that doesn’t automatically make them portable. If you want to move your machine around, look for a foldable compact elliptical that’s on transport wheels.
Final Thoughts
Compact ellipticals are the ideal choice if you have limited space but want a way to get in a low-impact workout at home. While the specs can vary widely depending on which model you get, there’s an elliptical for just about everyone. If you’re looking for compact ellipticals that also fold for storage, the NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i Elliptical is a good place to start. If you want a budget-friendly elliptical option that’s smaller than full-size models but still has the same stride pattern and design, the Schwinn 411 Elliptical may work for you.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
