A fast admission: I completely love an elliptical or cross coach. They don’t at all times get the plaudits they deserve, however these low-impact cardio machines not solely put much less pressure in your joints than a treadmill but additionally allow you to get a formidable, full-body exercise. Whether or not you hop on one to heat up earlier than an intense strength-training session or use it to softly burn energy whereas listening to your favorite podcast, the elliptical or cross coach can strengthen muscle, cut back fats and enhance cardiovascular health.
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Nevertheless, there’s a catch in that these machines range wildly of their design – and subsequently the emphasis they place on totally different muscular tissues. Conventional elliptical machines eschew shifting handles, as an alternative choosing static poles, whereas cross trainers often have dynamic handles that recruit the muscular tissues in your again, shoulders and arms. On prime of this, stride size, the form of the handles and the positioning of the footplates could make a giant distinction to the kind of exercise you’ll have.
They’ll range significantly of their weight and measurement, however are often bulkier and extra cumbersome than, say, a compact treadmill. Dwelling gymnasium aficionados beware: you’ll possible want a good quantity of room for considered one of these. When you’ve got sufficient area, although, an elliptical or cross coach generally is a invaluable addition to your property coaching setup.
At a look
Why you must belief me
I’m a eager health fan who does gym-based power coaching and kickboxing courses, in addition to out of doors path runs, cold-water browsing, and extra. Because of this, I’ve typically been tasked with testing health expertise for magazines, newspapers and web sites. I’ve at all times been one to get caught in, no matter I’m testing, whether or not which means browsing within the newest smartwatch or feeling the burn to check a set of linked kettlebells.
I’m additionally a powerful believer that you must use new tech to get a grasp of the way it suits into each day life, so I’ve at all times sought to check a product for so long as potential and within the right setting. With train ellipticals and cross trainers, that meant getting hands-on expertise, regardless of how sweaty it made me.
How I examined
As with every trendy piece of health gear, the one approach to confirm whether or not it’s any good is to don your gymnasium equipment and get caught in. So, after researching the latest and hottest fashions in the marketplace, I set about trialling all eight of them.
Most of my testing was carried out in purpose-built boutiques or buyer expertise centres as a result of accommodating so many examples of such gymnasium gear in my residence will not be straightforward. I did handle to squeeze a pair into my storage by way of short-term loans, although.
Throughout exercises, I used a smartphone-based decibel reader to get a way of how loud they have been in use, and I additionally examined any linked or on-line options, which regularly meant downloading related apps and trialling their exercise content material.
The place trainers had shows, I used these to log in to apps, resembling Spotify and YouTube, and I additionally used any built-in Bluetooth audio system (if this operate was provided). For every mannequin, I made notes on ease of use, construct high quality and any options, in addition to the general measurement of the machine. If it had transport wheels, I used these to maneuver the coach round, simulating how straightforward it might be to manoeuvre in a home setting.
The most effective cross trainers and elliptical machines to purchase in 2025
Finest cross coach total:BowFlex Max Coach M6
BowFlex
Max Coach M6
from £1,149.99
What we loveGreat lower-body exercise and pretty compact
What we don’t loveCould be higher for higher physique; can’t modify stride size
Being a petrolhead, I’ve to admit I used to be initially drawn to the BowFlex Max Coach M6 as a result of its LCD console jogs my memory of the dials present in a Mk3 Golf GTI. Nevertheless, that’s not all that’s particular about this cross coach.
Mixing the movement of a stair-stepper with that of an elliptical machine, it has comparatively compact dimensions and supplies 16 resistance ranges, enabling it to supply punishing, linked exercises.
These searching for highly effective upper-body exercises or massive, adjustable stride lengths could need to look elsewhere, however if you happen to’re trying to find a cross coach that’ll have your glutes and quads burning in fast time, look no additional.
Why we love itMost elliptical machines supply a mild, calorie-burning exercise, however the Max Coach M6 is among the many few which have left me absolutely gassed, with barely weak legs on the finish of a exercise.
That is due to its mixture of elliptical and stepping movement, favouring shorter strides and an emphasis on downward stress as an alternative of the big strides of conventional machines. The handles are additionally intriguing as they provide a plethora of grip choices, opening up the potential for coaching a number of sections of the higher physique (again, biceps, triceps and so forth). However they’re pretty quick, not providing an ideal vary of movement to essentially work the higher physique.
The machine immediately connects with the BowFlex Jrny app, which is the corporate’s reply to Peloton, providing video-based exercises to make the expertise extra interactive. You’ll want an internet-connected smartphone or pill, however the classes are good, if restricted, offering guided exercises that span all method of health objectives.
Small(ish), quiet and comparatively straightforward to maneuver round, this is among the few ellipticals that may be put away within the nook of a storage or lounge with out an excessive amount of affect on dwelling area.
It’s a disgrace that … it doesn’t supply an adjustable stride size, and it’ll really feel an excessive amount of like a stepper for true elliptical followers.
Dimensions: 66 x 117 x 163cm (WLH)Weight: 61.7kgDrivetrain: front-drive with magnetic resistance (16 ranges)Stride size: 38cmConnectivity: Bluetooth (for Jrny app entry and HR monitoring); USB charging port; media shelf for machine placementFolding? NoNoise degree: about 45dBMaximum person weight: 136kgBuilt-in leisure: no; burn fee dial and fundamental LCD, helps third-party exercises together with Jrny by way of smartphone, pill or laptop computer
BowFlex
Max Coach M6
from £1,149.99
What we loveGreat lower-body exercise and pretty compact
What we don’t loveCould be higher for higher physique; can’t modify stride size
Finest worth elliptical coach:Horizon EX-59
Horizon
EX-59 Elliptical
from £699.99
What we loveGreat construct high quality; good worth
What we don’t loveResistance gradual to regulate; show and audio system poor
Though it’s not the most cost effective elliptical coach on this checklist, the Horizon EX-59 continues to be my prime worth choose because of its array of options, sturdy construct high quality and a comparatively low worth.
Why we find it irresistible A easy, front-mounted flywheel supplies 10 ranges of quiet resistance, and oversize pedals accommodate quite a lot of different-sized customers. With a stride size of 46cm, it’s not dissimilar to the bigger elliptical machines you would possibly discover at a gymnasium – that means it feels extra pure and fewer intense than a stepper or cross coach.
The EX-59 connects to third-party apps by way of Bluetooth, nevertheless it received’t mechanically modify the resistance like some rivals do. As with most Horizon health gear, this mannequin works with the model’s @Zone app, which supplies a number of high-quality on-demand exercises and coaching plans totally free. There’s not an enormous quantity of content material geared in the direction of elliptical coaching, however most treadmill and train bike high-intensity interval coaching classes work simply as properly.
To me, it’s not the prettiest health machine, although it actually does the job, providing drinks holders, a spot to stash your smartphone or pill, and a built-in heart-rate monitor on the static handles.
The construct high quality is nice, particularly contemplating the value, though that doesn’t lengthen to the LCD show and console, that are fundamental. Throughout testing, I discovered the modifications to resistance inputs gradual to react: not nice if you happen to’re indulging in a Hiit session and it’s good to spike the guts fee shortly. Equally, the built-in Bluetooth audio system aren’t actually well worth the trouble of tethering a tool – you’d get higher sound high quality out of a tin can. As an alternative, carry a pair of headphones, hearth up the @Zone exercise app and benefit from these free on-demand courses.
It’s a disgrace that … the Bluetooth audio system are tinny, and ECB magnetic brake resistance is gradual to react to inputs.
Dimensions: 61 x 186 x 167cm (WLH)Weight: 74.5kgDrivetrain: front-drive with ECB magnetic resistance, electronically adjustable (10 ranges)Stride size: 46cmConnectivity: Bluetooth audio system, machine rack, USB rapid-charge port; suitable with in style health apps by way of Bluetooth FTMSFolding? NoNoise degree: about 42dBMaximum person weight: 136kgBuilt-in leisure: no touchscreen; has Bluetooth-enabled audio system and a pill holder for exterior content material
Horizon
EX-59 Elliptical
from £699.99
What we loveGreat construct high quality; good worth
What we don’t loveResistance gradual to regulate; show and audio system poor
Finest foldable elliptical coach:Technogym Elliptical
Technogym
Elliptical
£3,940
What we loveClassy, quiet and compact
What we don’t loveYou want a separate machine for courses
If cash’s no object, it’s price a go to to Technogym’s London Mayfair retailer, which is filled with drool-inducing health gear that may make any residence exercise area really feel like a five-star lodge.
This elliptical coach is a part of the model’s give attention to the house and, as such, it folds upright to minimise its footprint in your lounge, residence gymnasium or – in my case at the least – cobweb-strewn storage.
Because of this, it shuns the standard front- or rear-mounted flywheel for a suspended set of footplates and a resistance system that’s in its upright physique. This helps save area however nonetheless gives a comparable, virtually anti-gravity upper- and lower-body exercise to different premium elliptical machines.
With 25 problem ranges and as much as 600W of electrically adjustable resistance (as much as 160 strides a minute: good luck with that), the elliptical packs a imply punch – and it really works completely with the model’s digital exercise portfolio. Having stated that, though there’s a fundamental display screen to point out all the standard essential knowledge, you’ll have to carry your individual machine if you’d like any kind of guided exercise.
Why we love itTechnogym’s “classes” are up there with a few of Peloton’s interactive courses, though you’ll want to supply your individual pill, smartphone or laptop computer. Not like different health apps, there are many elliptical-based courses to get pleasure from, which makes the expertise really feel rather more pleasant.
Certainly, the place some elliptical trainers can ship me to sleep, the teacher in Technogym’s interactive courses may have you hanging off the unit, torching your glutes and pummelling your quads. It is going to hold you coming again for extra.
The motion itself takes a little bit of getting used to: the stride isn’t fairly as apparent because the bigger items present in business gyms. I needed to adapt my method to get essentially the most out of it, and I discovered it lacked the a number of grip positions and vary of movement for efficient upper-body focus coaching.
Regardless, this coach has Technogym high quality baked into its core. It gives an enormous unfold of resistance ranges, is just about silent, and is all wrapped up in some of the compact, storable and stylish items on take a look at.
It’s a disgrace that … you must carry a tool to get pleasure from a exercise, and Technogym’s month-to-month subscription charges are, predictably, costly.
Dimensions: 65 x 162 x 160cm (WLH)Weight: 100kgDrivetrain: front-drive electronically adjustable magnetic resistanceStride size: not specifiedConnectivity: tablet-compatible console to be used with Technogym’s appsFolding? Sure (folds to 75cm size for compact storage)Noise degree: about 36dBMaximum person weight: 130kgBuilt-in leisure: no built-in display screen; designed for pill use by way of console
Technogym
Elliptical
£3,940
What we loveClassy, quiet and compact
What we don’t loveYou want a separate machine for courses
Finest compact cross coach:JTX Strider-X8
What we loveSuper compact and reasonably priced
What we don’t loveSmall footplates received’t swimsuit bigger toes
The JTX Strider-X8 was some of the compact true ellipticals I obtained my palms on: it’s simply 130cm lengthy. The BowFlex Max Coach M6 will match higher into tight areas, nevertheless it doesn’t supply the identical form of conventional elliptical stride.
Why we love itThe Strider-X8 supplies 41cm of wonderful gliding, corralled by a 7kg inertia-enhanced flywheel on the rear. It’s quiet, though maybe not as whisper-quiet as some rivals, and gives 16 ranges of simply adjustable resistance.
Nevertheless, there are a number of compromises. The compact proportions limit the utmost person top to 5ft 9in, which implies even a vertically challenged particular person like myself is butting up towards the boundaries. The construct high quality isn’t a powerful level: the console, full with fundamental show, appears and feels a bit like an outsized college calculator. Nevertheless, this coach could be very a lot on the price range finish of the price range spectrum. JTX gives a two-year at-home guarantee, which ought to give some peace of thoughts for these frightened it might not go the gap.
Weighing 51kg, the Strider-X8 isn’t one thing you’ll want to choose up and heft round, nevertheless it’s straightforward to tip it on to its transport wheels and stash it someplace handy. With out going for a foldable, there are few cross trainers that may compete with it by way of space-saving – and I managed to cram it into the nook of my busy storage with little stress.
The exercise expertise is essentially effective, though the smaller footplates will likely be an issue for customers with bigger toes. It connects seamlessly with third-party apps and might even be used with digital coaching software program, resembling Zwift.
The digital console is fundamental, nevertheless it all works, with a easy dial adjusting the degrees of resistance. There are even 18 built-in packages for individuals who merely need to hop on and work out.
It’s a disgrace that … components of the machine really feel low cost, and the built-in heart-rate monitoring is ineffective.
Dimensions: 70 x 130 x 169cm (WLH)Weight: 51kgDrivetrain: 7kg inertia-enhanced flywheel and electromagnetic resistanceStride size: 41cmConnectivity: Bluetooth to health apps (resembling Kinomap, iConsole+), built-in Polar heart-rate receiver (chest strap), hand pulse sensorsFolding? No; contains transport wheelsNoise degree: about 38dB Most person weight: 120kgBuilt-in leisure: no; LCD console with 18 exercises
What we loveSuper compact and reasonably priced
What we don’t loveSmall footplates received’t swimsuit bigger toes
Finest full-body coach:Schwinn 590 Elliptical
Schwinn
590 Elliptical
from £1,499
What we loveOne of one of the best full-body exercises on take a look at
What we don’t loveIt’s costly, and audio system are mediocre
Schwinn packs lots into its comparatively compact 590 Elliptical, together with the power to electronically modify the platforms to simulate gradients of -5% to fifteen%. Together with the multitude of upper-body handles, this sees it bundled into the cross-trainer class (regardless of its identify). I discovered it provided among the finest full-body exercises on take a look at.
There are built-in audio system which are of mediocre high quality (they’re higher than these discovered on the Horizon EX-59 however nonetheless not sensible) and a 7in digital show that enables for fast leaps in resistance.
Why we love itThere are handle-mounted controls for each the incline/decline and resistance settings, which is a welcome premium contact, and the unit is suitable with a large number of digital coaching software program, together with Zwift and Schwinn’s beneficial Jrny app.
The 25 ranges of resistance, the power to regulate the incline and decline, and the a number of grip areas make sure the Schwinn supplies among the finest and all-encompassing full-body exercises on take a look at. With a pronated grip on the horizontal handles, I discovered it potential to work the massive muscular tissues of the again and the lats, whereas a supinated grip on the inner-most handles would place extra emphasis on the shoulders and rear deltoid muscular tissues.
It’s an identical case for the decrease physique, as adjusting the decline and incline locations a give attention to muscular tissues within the legs that I not often use. Begin taking part in round with physique positioning, and it gives all the advantages of a static maintain with dynamic motion.
In fact, you possibly can modify the depth as you need, however I discovered the unit to be among the finest for working up a sweat. All of it is available in some of the compact and easy-to-store packages on this checklist, too.
It’s a disgrace that … the built-in audio system aren’t actually well worth the effort, and it’s an costly machine.
Dimensions: 86 x 148 x 173cm (WLH)Weight: 96kgDrivetrain: front-drive with magnetic resistance, electronically adjustable (25 ranges)Stride size: 51cmConnectivity: Bluetooth (heart-rate enabled and built-in audio system), USB charging port, pill/media holder, Jrny and app compatibilityFolding? No; contains transport wheelsNoise degree: about 32dBMaximum person weight: 147kgBuilt-in leisure: no; a 7in full-colour LCD with exercise packages and connectivity
Schwinn
590 Elliptical
from £1,499
What we loveOne of one of the best full-body exercises on take a look at
What we don’t loveIt’s costly, and audio system are mediocre
The most effective of the remainder
Sole E35 elliptical cross coach
Sole
E35 elliptical cross coach
£1,799
What we loveGreat for taller customers
What we don’t loveTakes up a variety of area
Finest for: taller customers
With a beneficiant 50.8cm stride size and outsized footplates, the Sole E35 is designed for taller and bigger customers, providing a number of handles and grip positions for a full-body exercise.
To me, it’s additionally one of many better-looking elliptical machines on this checklist, with trendy styling and a glossy 10.1in touchscreen to make use of for quite a few built-in exercise classes and longer-term health plans, in addition to in style streaming apps, resembling YouTube, Disney+ and extra.
There’s a built-in fan for preserving customers cool, though it’s not vastly efficient, in addition to a set of audio system for streaming music. These are completely satisfactory, however don’t anticipate room-filling sounds.
The 9kg flywheel supplies loads of resistance although, and with the FTMS protocol, it syncs up with Zwift and the model’s personal Sole+ app, providing an enormous array of digital exercises.
It didn’t make the ultimate lower as a result of … it’s a big and heavy machine that requires loads of cupboard space.
Dimensions: 60 x 177 x 177cm (WLH); weight: 110.8kg; drivetrain: front-drive with computer-controlled magnetic ECB resistance (20 ranges); stride size: 50.8cm; connectivity: Bluetooth audio audio system, USB charging port, wifi, Sole+ and Kinomap app compatibility, pill holder, wi-fi charging pad; folding? No; contains entrance transport wheels; noise degree: about 35db; most person weight: 158kg; built-in leisure: 10.1in touchscreen with built-in apps (YouTube, Netflix, Disney+ and so forth), wifi and display screen mirroring
Sole
E35 elliptical cross coach
£1,799
What we loveGreat for taller customers
What we don’t loveTakes up a variety of area
Matrix Health E30
Matrix Health
E30
from £2,249
What we loveExcellent high quality
What we don’t loveThe high quality comes at a excessive worth
Finest for: gymnasium high quality at residence
It’s a little bit difficult to get your head round how the Matrix E30 works. On paper, it’s one of many extra compact elliptical trainers I examined, but it nonetheless manages to supply a 51cm stride size. That is all all the way down to the intelligent, and fairly complicated, suspension system that homes the outsized footplates and conventional elliptical handles.
Matrix equipment is usually present in business gyms and that’s fairly apparent right here, because the construct high quality is great. It additionally sports activities a ten.5kg flywheel, which is among the heaviest on take a look at. It permits for 20 ranges of resistance and is able to a fairly hardcore exercise.
An up to date XER console has a crisp 10in touchscreen that takes care of many of the performance, in addition to permitting entry to a handful of streaming apps and digital coaching packages.
When you don’t need to pay for one more month-to-month membership (Matrix suggests iFIT), it will probably additionally play properly with no matter third-party apps you want to make use of and options 11 built-in exercise packages.
It didn’t make the ultimate lower as a result of … it’s costly, and the display screen isn’t overly spectacular.
Dimensions: 73x 166 x 148cm (WLH); weight: 126kg; drivetrain: suspension elliptical front-drive with ECB magnetic resistance, electronically adjustable (20 ranges); stride size: 51cm; connectivity: wifi, Bluetooth, USB port and leisure apps (YouTube, Netflix and so forth); folding? No; noise degree: about 38dB; most person weight: 147kg; built-in leisure: 10in touchscreen with apps, media streaming, internet browser (XER console)
Matrix Health
E30
from £2,249
What we loveExcellent high quality
What we don’t loveThe high quality comes at a excessive worth
Life Health E1
Life Health
E1
from £2,145
What we loveFuss-free and easy to make use of
What we don’t loveFeels fundamental in contrast with rivals
Finest for: construct high quality on a price range
Life Health is one other model typically chosen by business gyms for its reliability, and this additionally filters down into its home vary.
Contemplating how fundamental the E1 feels in contrast with some rivals, the value appears excessive, however it is a fuss-free elliptical with a large mounted stride size, outsized footplates and a formidable unfold of easy and natural-feeling resistance. It’s additionally quiet.
The fundamental digital Go Console lacks the flashiness of a large interactive touchscreen, nevertheless it has 13 exercise packages which are simply accessed by way of massive and apparent buttons, nice for these not fussed about binging Netflix throughout a exercise. Throughout testing, I discovered the shortage of a touchscreen fairly refreshing: it was straightforward to hop on and work out with out the faff of connecting Bluetooth-enabled units.
Coronary heart-rate monitoring is pretty dependable by way of its handles and sports activities the FTMS protocol for third-party app integration, nevertheless it additionally works completely properly with out it, and its built-in packages span hill coaching and fat-burning classes.
It didn’t make the ultimate lower as a result of … it feels costly for what it’s and appears dated.
Dimensions: 77 x 209 x 150cm (WLH); weight: 96kg; drivetrain: front-drive with ECB magnetic resistance, electronically adjustable (20 ranges); stride size: 51cm; connectivity: Go Console with LCD, Bluetooth telemetry heart-rate monitoring, 13 pre-loaded exercises; folding? No; noise degree: about 32dB; most person weight: 182kg; built-in leisure: no built-in media apps; easy show for exercise metrics and an built-in accent tray for exterior machine placement
Life Health
E1
from £2,145
What we loveFuss-free and easy to make use of
What we don’t loveFeels fundamental in contrast with rivals
What it’s good to know
What’s the distinction between an elliptical and a cross coach?
The 2 phrases are sometimes used interchangeably, however there are refined variations. A normal elliptical machine focuses on the ahead and backward pedalling movement with mounted handles, offering a low-impact cardio exercise that mimics operating with out the joint stress. A cross coach sometimes contains shifting handlebars that help you work your higher physique as properly, giving a extra full, full-body exercise. In most trendy residence health gear, “elliptical” and “cross coach” often describe the identical kind of machine.
How a lot ought to I spend?
Entry-level elliptical trainers begin at about £400 and supply fundamental stride movement and restricted resistance ranges. Spending greater than £1,000 sometimes will get you a sturdier construct, smoother movement, extra resistance ranges and higher consoles with Bluetooth or app integration. On the prime finish (£2,000+), you’ll discover commercial-grade machines with superior consoles, streaming companies, extra compact footprints, larger ranges of resistance and suspension expertise that tremendously reduces noise and put on.
How a lot room do I want at residence?
Ellipticals are usually massive machines, with footprints starting from about 150cm in size and 70cm in width, all the way in which as much as 200cm in size and 80cm in width, or extra. You’ll additionally want to think about ceiling top – particularly with front-drive machines, as pedals can raise you a further 30-40cm off the bottom.
What options ought to I look out for?
Stride size is a key issue: shorter strides (about 40-45cm) are appropriate for smaller customers, whereas taller customers will profit from 50cm or extra. Search for adjustable resistance ranges and incline choices if you wish to range the depth and muscle teams labored. Consoles with Bluetooth and app assist will help monitor progress and hold exercises partaking, and a few higher-end fashions embody massive touchscreens with streaming apps, followers, audio system and wi-fi charging pads. If area is a priority, compact or folding designs are price exploring.
Are there any upkeep issues?
Ellipticals are typically low-maintenance in contrast with treadmills. Most use magnetic resistance programs that don’t require ongoing adjustment as a treadmill’s belt does. Look out for producer warranties that cowl any put on and tear. Suspension ellipticals – which take away the standard monitor and wheel system – are usually even quieter and want just about no lubrication.
For extra methods to get match at residence: The most effective treadmills, examined by our professional runner Private trainers on one of the best residence train equipment
Leon Poultney is a lifelong health fanatic who can typically be discovered attempting to not kill himself on a mountain bike/surfboard/different excessive factor, typically on the request of an editor. He’s been writing about client expertise for longer than he cares to reveal. Whether or not he’s attending to know the newest linked kettlebells or partaking in CrossFit classes, Leon is at all times placing his physique on the road for nice editorial
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