Ellipticals

What's behind our elliptical Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 18 models in ellipticals to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Overall Score is based on ergonomics, exercise range, ease of use, construction, heart-rate monitoring and user safety.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics considers how well an elliptical accommodates people of various sizes and aspects of the pedaling motion.
Exercise range
Exercise range considers aspects of exercise intensity and measures incline and the effort to pedal the machine through the resistance level settings.
Ease of use
Ease of use considers ease of use aspects of controls, display and using the programs.
Construction
Construction considers aspects that indicate good construction methods, design choices and our perception of quality based on noise, feel and ride.
Heart rate monitor
Heart-rate monitor considers aspects of heart-rate sensing and heart-rate programs and their control of the elliptical.
User safety
User safety considers aspects of safety including pinch points, non-slip materials, stability and static loading strength.

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Elliptical user reviews

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Recommended ellipticals

Recommended ellipticals are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended ellipticals

Elliptical buying guide

To find the elliptical that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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Buying guide video

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Why shop here?

In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy ellipticals in a safe-shopping environment.

Learn more about our Price & Shop program

Elliptical exercisers are part stair-climber, part cross-country-ski machine. Your feet move in flattened circles—an elliptical pattern. The workout value comes from resistance that slows the ellipticals' flywheel as you try to turn it. If you have the space to devote to an indoor exercise machine, make sure you first try the elliptical exerciser at the store. If you're looking for information about elliptical exercisers, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ elliptical exerciser reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our elliptical exerciser buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and elliptical exerciser reviews to help you choose the best elliptical exerciser for your needs.

Ratings & recommended ellipticals

Ellipticals (18)

Workouts on an elliptical exerciser approach the cardio levels you can reach on a treadmill and are better for those with joint problems

Elliptical buying guide

Our survey of readers who owned a treadmill or elliptical exerciser found that about 60 percent of the machines were used at least as much as their owners had expected. And the majority of them held up decently over time, causing no serious problems or need for repairs.

That's encouraging, since a piece of home exercise equipment can be a big purchase, as our tests of elliptical exercisers show. Our top-scoring elliptical costs $3,100. Spending that much can get you sturdier construction, better hardware, and more features. But you ... Read more

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