Elliptical Trainers: Reviews

The Sole E35 continues to impress reviewers with its combination of durability, function and value. Experts say the Sole E35 elliptical trainer is sturdy and quiet, and it excelled in a series of independent tests… expandconducted in 2011. The Sole E35 has a 20-inch stride and an automated incline that helps target different muscle groups. Other popular features include wireless heart-rate monitoring, 10 workout programs, 16 resistance levels and built-in speakers for an MP3 player. The Sole E35 can support up to 375 pounds and is backed by a solid warranty: lifetime on the frame, five years on parts and electronics, and two years on labor. On a negative note, owners say assembly can be frustrating and time-consuming. We also saw a few complaints about poor customer service and some durability concerns, but overall this remains the best-reviewed home elliptical trainer in its price range. The Smooth CE 3.6 (*Est. $1,300) is a worthy alternative that also draws excellent reviews. collapse

The NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Pro has many of the features you'd find on more expensive elliptical machines, including a motorized incline, 30 workout programs, built-in speakers and numerous resistance levels. The… expandstride length power-adjusts from 20 to 23 inches, a feature you won't find on many budget elliptical trainers. Most reviewers praise the AudioStrider 990 Pro for its stability and variety of workout programs, and the automated incline -- which adjusts as high as 40 degrees on the 2012 model -- gets high marks for increasing this elliptical trainer's exercise range. The 990 Pro is also compatible with iFit Live, which allows you to race against friends online or create your own workouts based on real-world terrain. However, there are a few downsides. We read mixed reviews for durability, including complaints about broken components and long service delays. The AudioStrider 990 comes with a lifetime frame warranty; parts are covered for three years and labor is covered for one year. If you're not completely sold on this elliptical machine, check out the Sole E25 (*Est. $1,300), which offers some tough competition with a power-adjust incline setting and fixed, 20-inch stride. collapse

If you don't want to spend much, the basic Schwinn 420 elliptical trainer gets good user reviews in this price range. The Schwinn 420 is a compact elliptical trainer that boasts 16 resistance levels, eight workout… expandprograms and a handgrip heart-rate monitor. The stride length is fixed at 18 inches, which is in line with most budget ellipticals, but some tall users say the stride is too short. The Schwinn 420 also lacks heart-rate workouts and an adjustable incline. Though it lacks these bells and whistles, owners say the 420 is a good value. Durability is good for an elliptical trainer in this price range, and reviewers say the Schwinn 420 doesn't squeak or rattle if you maintain it regularly. However, users report long service delays if something breaks; some say they waited months for replacement parts. Experts also recommend that serious athletes, heavy individuals or tall users look for a more durable trainer, like the Sole E35 (*Est. $1,300). If you're on a budget but still want to do heart-rate control workouts, the Schwinn 431 (*Est. $700) and Nautilus E514 (*Est. $700) offer similar machines, with improved displays and heart-rate control programs for a little more. collapse

Many heavy-duty elliptical trainers draw criticism for their high price, but the Precor EFX 5.33 is an exception -- it collects several awards from respected fitness reviewers. One expert points out that this elliptical… expandtrainer uses the same frame, and many of the same components, as the commercial-grade Precor elliptical trainers you'll see in the gym. The 5.33's warranty is as solid as its reputation, with 10 years of coverage for parts and wear items. Downsides include the treadmill's lack of fancy features, like built-in speakers and cooling fans, although we didn't see any user complaints about this; perhaps buyers are more interested in the machine's proven durability and comfortable operation. The EFX 5.33 treadmill's heft is a downside for some when assembling and moving it. If you want a more creative take on a near club-quality home elliptical machine, the Octane Q37ci (*Est. $3,100) draws good reviews for its innovative features. collapse