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10 Best Elliptical Cross Trainer

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical Trainer, Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,481
Resistance Levels
Flywheel Weight
Incline Adjustment
Resistance Levels
The elliptical delivers smooth, natural movements thanks to its well-balanced flywheel and adjustable resistance levels.
Flywheel Weight
The elliptical delivers smooth, natural movements thanks to its well-balanced flywheel and adjustable resistance levels.
Incline Adjustment
Adjustable incline settings effectively simulate varied terrains, adding challenge and targeting different muscle groups.
Console Features
The interactive 14-inch touchscreen and iFIT integration create an immersive workout, automatically adjusting incline and resistance based on virtual routes.
Footprint and Portability
The machine’s solid build quality and reasonable footprint make it a stable yet space-conscious choice for home use.

The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is a solid elliptical cross-trainer featuring a smooth 15kg flywheel that creates natural and consistent movements during workouts. It offers 26 resistance levels, providing plenty of options to adjust intensity for beginners or advanced users. A standout feature is its adjustable incline, ranging from -5° to +15°, allowing you to simulate different terrains to add challenge and target various muscle groups.

The 14-inch touchscreen console is user-friendly and enhances the workout experience with interactive coaching via iFIT, enabling guided workouts and virtual route exploration. The console also tracks progress in real time, which is helpful for those aiming to improve steadily. With product dimensions of 180 x 63 x 175 cm, the machine requires a dedicated space but maintains a reasonable footprint for its features. It weighs 92 kg, indicating solid build quality, though it is not very portable. The maximum user weight of 135 kg (about 297 lbs) accommodates most users.

This elliptical is well-suited for those seeking a versatile, interactive machine with a strong resistance range and incline options. It is ideal for users who appreciate guided workouts and do not mind a larger machine that is less portable.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,481
Resistance Levels
Flywheel Weight
Incline Adjustment
Resistance Levels
The elliptical delivers smooth, natural movements thanks to its well-balanced flywheel and adjustable resistance levels.
Flywheel Weight
The elliptical delivers smooth, natural movements thanks to its well-balanced flywheel and adjustable resistance levels.
Incline Adjustment
Adjustable incline settings effectively simulate varied terrains, adding challenge and targeting different muscle groups.
Console Features
The interactive 14-inch touchscreen and iFIT integration create an immersive workout, automatically adjusting incline and resistance based on virtual routes.
Footprint and Portability
The machine’s solid build quality and reasonable footprint make it a stable yet space-conscious choice for home use.
#2

MERACH Long Stride Cross Trainer, Self-Generating Elliptical Machine for Home Use, Ultra-Quiet Magnetic Resistance System, Elliptical Trainer, 18.5Inch Stride, Auto Resistance, 400 lbs Weight Capacity

Rating
8.5
Console Features
Footprint and Portability
Console Features
The console display is clear and easy to read, providing all the key workout stats expected.
Footprint and Portability
Assembly is generally straightforward, though handling the machine can be cumbersome due to its weight.

The MERACH Long Stride Cross Trainer is designed with home users in mind, featuring a comfortable 47 cm (18.5 inch) stride length that accommodates a wide range of heights and promotes smooth, natural movement. It includes a 17.6 lb flywheel paired with a 16-level magnetic resistance system, allowing users to easily customize their workout intensity from beginner to advanced levels. The machine supports a high weight capacity of 180 kg (around 400 lbs), providing reassurance for heavier users and contributing to its sturdy feel. A notable feature is its self-powered system, which eliminates the need for plugging in, enhancing portability and eco-friendliness compared to most ellipticals. The unit operates quietly at below 20 dB, making it suitable for workouts without disturbing others.

The console is equipped with a clear LCD display that shows essential statistics such as heart rate, time, distance, speed, and calories burned, helping users track their progress conveniently. Multiple grip positions are available to enable more targeted workouts for different muscle groups. The product dimensions and footprint (approximately 125 x 38 cm) are compact, benefiting smaller spaces though they may feel a bit tight for taller users. The resistance levels are adjustable, but this model does not include incline adjustment, which some ellipticals offer to vary workout intensity and target muscles differently.

Assembly is mostly pre-done, allowing for a quick and straightforward setup process. This elliptical appeals to home users seeking a quiet, versatile, and stable machine that is easy to move and operates without requiring an external power source.

Rating
8.5
Console Features
Footprint and Portability
Console Features
The console display is clear and easy to read, providing all the key workout stats expected.
Footprint and Portability
Assembly is generally straightforward, though handling the machine can be cumbersome due to its weight.
#3

JTX Tri-Fit 2.0 Elliptical Cross Trainer, App Connectivity, Adjustable Incline, 16-20” Adjustable Stride Length, 8.5 Kg Inertia Enhanced Flywheel, Kinomap, 2 Year Home Warranty

Rating
8.2
Stride Length
Resistance Levels
Console Features
Stride Length
Adjusting the stride length is surprisingly easy and adds enjoyable variety to workouts, making the feature genuinely useful rather than just a gimmick.
Resistance Levels
The machine’s resistance and workout variety suit a broad range of fitness levels, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users.
Console Features
The built-in features like speakers, drinks holder, pulse monitoring, and a body fat analyzer add convenient extras that enhance the workout experience.
Footprint and Portability
The elliptical delivers a rock-solid, super sturdy experience that remains stable even during intense workouts without any creaking or rocking.

The JTX Tri-Fit 2.0 is a solid mid-range elliptical cross trainer that suits users looking for versatility and a full-body workout. Its adjustable stride length from 16 to 20 inches is a standout feature, allowing comfortable use by people of different heights and helping target various muscle groups. The machine offers 16 levels of silent magnetic resistance controlled electronically, paired with an 8.5 kg inertia-enhanced flywheel that provides smooth and consistent motion, although the flywheel weight is moderate compared to some heavier models which may provide an even steadier feel.

Incline adjustment is another strong point, letting you focus workouts on your core and glutes when increased or on legs and cardio fitness when lowered. This adds valuable variety and intensity control to your sessions. The console is quite advanced, with Kinomap app connectivity offering interactive workouts, music playback through built-in speakers, and even workout syncing with Strava, catering well to users who enjoy tech-enhanced training.

The footprint is fairly compact (155 x 72 x 167 cm) for an elliptical with these features, making it suitable for home use without requiring excessive space. It supports a maximum user weight of 150 kg, accommodating most users comfortably. The included 2-year home warranty adds peace of mind. The machine weighs 75 kg, making it a stable but less portable option once set up. This elliptical is a well-rounded choice for home users wanting adjustable stride and incline, decent resistance levels, and interactive training options, ideal for improving fitness and weight loss with good durability and warranty support.

Rating
8.2
Stride Length
Resistance Levels
Console Features
Stride Length
Adjusting the stride length is surprisingly easy and adds enjoyable variety to workouts, making the feature genuinely useful rather than just a gimmick.
Resistance Levels
The machine’s resistance and workout variety suit a broad range of fitness levels, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users.
Console Features
The built-in features like speakers, drinks holder, pulse monitoring, and a body fat analyzer add convenient extras that enhance the workout experience.
Footprint and Portability
The elliptical delivers a rock-solid, super sturdy experience that remains stable even during intense workouts without any creaking or rocking.

Buying Guide for the Best Elliptical Cross Trainer

Choosing the right elliptical cross trainer can significantly enhance your workout experience and help you achieve your fitness goals. When selecting an elliptical, it's important to consider various specifications that can affect the machine's performance, comfort, and suitability for your needs. Understanding these key specs will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the best fit for your workout routine.
Stride LengthStride length refers to the maximum distance between the pedals when they are at their farthest apart. This spec is important because it affects the comfort and effectiveness of your workout. Shorter stride lengths (16-18 inches) are suitable for shorter individuals or those with a smaller range of motion, while medium stride lengths (18-20 inches) are versatile and can accommodate most users. Longer stride lengths (20-22 inches) are ideal for taller individuals or those looking for a more intense workout. Choose a stride length that matches your height and workout intensity.
Resistance LevelsResistance levels determine how challenging your workout can be. This spec is crucial for tailoring the intensity of your exercise and for progressive training. Basic models may offer 8-12 levels of resistance, which are suitable for beginners or casual users. Mid-range models typically provide 16-20 levels, offering more variety and challenge for intermediate users. High-end models can have 20+ levels, ideal for advanced users or those seeking a highly customizable workout. Consider your fitness level and goals when choosing the number of resistance levels.
Flywheel WeightThe flywheel weight affects the smoothness and stability of the elliptical's motion. A heavier flywheel generally provides a smoother and more stable ride. Light flywheels (10-15 lbs) are common in entry-level models and may be sufficient for beginners. Medium-weight flywheels (15-20 lbs) offer a good balance of smoothness and stability for most users. Heavy flywheels (20+ lbs) are found in high-end models and are ideal for serious fitness enthusiasts who want the smoothest and most stable experience. Choose a flywheel weight that matches your workout intensity and preference for smoothness.
Incline AdjustmentIncline adjustment allows you to change the angle of the elliptical path, simulating uphill walking or running. This spec is important for targeting different muscle groups and adding variety to your workouts. Some models offer manual incline adjustment, which requires you to stop and adjust the incline manually. Others have motorized incline adjustment, allowing you to change the incline during your workout. If you want to add more variety and challenge to your workouts, look for a model with incline adjustment that suits your preference for manual or motorized control.
Console FeaturesThe console features include the display and any built-in programs or connectivity options. This spec is important for tracking your progress and keeping your workouts engaging. Basic consoles may display essential metrics like time, distance, speed, and calories burned. More advanced consoles can offer heart rate monitoring, pre-set workout programs, and connectivity to fitness apps or entertainment options. Consider what features are important to you, such as tracking specific metrics, following guided workouts, or staying entertained during your exercise.
Weight CapacityWeight capacity refers to the maximum user weight that the elliptical can safely support. This spec is crucial for ensuring the machine's durability and your safety. Entry-level models may have a weight capacity of around 250-300 lbs, suitable for most users. Mid-range models typically support 300-350 lbs, offering more durability and stability. High-end models can support 350+ lbs, ideal for heavier users or those seeking a more robust machine. Choose a weight capacity that comfortably supports your weight and provides a stable workout experience.
Footprint and PortabilityThe footprint refers to the amount of space the elliptical occupies, while portability includes features like transport wheels for easy movement. This spec is important for fitting the machine into your available space and for storage convenience. Compact models are suitable for smaller spaces and may have a smaller footprint and lighter weight. Larger models offer more stability and features but require more space. If you need to move the elliptical frequently, look for models with transport wheels. Consider your available space and need for portability when choosing the right footprint.