Page: 6 of 6
In this report

See Also

Elliptical Trainers: Ratings of Sources
Total of 17 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. ConsumerReports.org
As of Jan. 2011
Ellipticals
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org tests 29 elliptical trainers priced from $400 to $2,800. Eight elliptical trainers are recommended, and only one makes the don't-buy list. Each elliptical is rated on ergonomics, exercise range, ease of use, construction and user safety. The heart-rate monitor is also tested and scored. Although we appreciate the competent testing at ConsumerReports.org, there is little analysis or commentary to accompany the ratings.
2. TreadmillDoctor.com
As of Jan. 2011
2011 Elliptical Best Buy Awards
by Editors of TreadmillDoctor.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentTreadmillDoctor.com sells replacement parts and supplies for treadmills and elliptical trainers, but it also posts short evaluations of nearly every elliptical trainer on the market. Although the reviews themselves are very short, each elliptical is rated on a variety of criteria and there is a good discussion of brand reliability. Several elliptical trainers earn Best Buy awards, including the ProForm 600 ZNE and the Sole E25.
3. Sears.com
As of Jan. 2011
Elliptical Trainers
by Contributors to Sears.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentSears.com sells a large number of elliptical trainers, so it is one of the best spots for user reviews. There are a meaningful number of owner-written reviews here, especially for ellipticals that have been on the market for several years. Several NordicTrack ellipticals get high marks, including the NordicTrack E7sv and NordicTrack E5vi. The ProForm 390 E is also highly rated.
4. Amazon.com
As of Jan. 2011
Elliptical Trainers
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAmazon.com has increased its inventory of elliptical trainers in recent years, so the site is a good source for elliptical reviews. It also sells more budget ellipticals than other sites. Schwinn and Sole elliptical trainers are particularly well reviewed here.
5. Fitness-Equipment-Source
As of Jan. 2011
2010 "Best Buy" Elliptical Trainers
by Fred Waters
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentFred Waters at Fitness-Equipment-Source.com writes relatively balanced reviews of elliptical trainers, with pros and cons listed. It should be noted, however, that Waters is a former executive of Smooth Fitness, which manufactures some of the ellipticals he recommends. The reviews are based on personal testing, usually in stores, along with consideration for user reviews and other reviews on the Internet.
6. Health Magazine
July 15, 2009
America's Healthiest Fitness Buys 2009
by Taylor Dahl, Jacquelyne Froeber, and Josh Rutledge
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentHealth magazine picks its favorite workout gear and equipment in this brief article. Products are tested and evaluated by an expert panel, although it's not clear how many elliptical trainers were evaluated before the top picks were chosen. It appears that only one expert, Lynn Allen, who is a consultant for the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, evaluated the elliptical trainers. The AFG 18.0 AXT Ascent Trainer is named the best elliptical of the year, but it receives only a brief overview with little balanced analysis.
7. Prevention Magazine
Not Dated
How to Buy a Cardio Machine
by Amanda Vogel
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentGregory Florez, spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise, offers tips on how to assess and compare treadmills, ellipticals and exercise bikes for home use. The article is accompanied by a slide show that recommends three elliptical trainers, based on a test of their comfort and usability. It is not clear who did the testing or how many models were tested. Editors also don't test any budget elliptical trainers.
8. Fitness Magazine
Jan. 17, 2009
Fitting in Fitness: Workout Gear to Suit Your Budget
by Editors of Fitness magazine
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThe Arizona Republic reprints this article from Fitness magazine that focuses on the best fitness equipment for a variety of budgets. Only one elliptical trainer is recommended, and it has already been replaced by a newer model. The review focuses on features and is skimpy on details.
9. Wired
As of Jan. 2011
Sports and Outdoors
by Editors of Wired
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWired is well known for their gadget and electronics reviews, and the site reviews fitness equipment and outdoor gear on occasion. No elliptical trainers have been reviewed recently, although editors do test and rate the popular NordicTrack Audio Strider 990 in an older review. Overall, the elliptical gets a decidedly poor rating. ''The only thing worth exercising on the Audio Strider is its return policy,'' says Terrence Russell.
10. Buzzillions.com
As of Jan. 2011
Elliptical Machine Reviews
by Contributors to Buzzillions.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentBuzzillions.com compiles owner-written reviews of elliptical trainers from online retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods and the Elliptical Trainer Superstore. Several elliptical trainers get high marks from a significant number of users, including the Schwinn 431 and Sole E35. Many of the top-rated ellipticals on this site have been discontinued. Some of the reviews here are also repeats at Sears.com.
11. Walmart.com
As of Jan. 2011
Ellipticals
by Contributors to Walmart.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWalmart.com is a good source to check for reviews of budget elliptical trainers. Many of the ellipticals with a good number of reviews get only average ratings, but several Gold's Gym ellipticals stand out for attracting relatively positive reviews.
12. Bestcovery.com
Not Dated
Best Budget Elliptical
by Jeff Wilson
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentBestcovery.com picks five of their favorite elliptical trainers, but testing details aren't explained and it doesn't appear that these ellipticals have been personally tested. Each elliptical gets a longer review, but they don't contain much detail. Several of the recommended elliptical trainers have been discontinued.
13. Choice magazine
Aug. 4, 2009
Crosstrainers
by Editors of Choice magazine
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis Australian consumer-testing magazine covers seven elliptical trainers and is a great source for shoppers in Australia. None of the elliptical trainers covered in the review is available in the United States. Even so, the site includes helpful buyer's guides and shopping tips.
14. Which? magazine
Not Dated
Exercise Equipment Reviews
by Editors of Which? magazine
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWhich? magazine, a British review publication similar to ConsumerReports.org, tests exercise bikes, treadmills and elliptical trainers. Like Choice magazine, this is one of the better sources for testing, but the article does not include any elliptical trainers sold in the United States.
15. About.com
Nov. 22, 2010
Best Budget Elliptical Trainers
by Paige Waehner
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPaige Waehner, the exercise guide at About.com, recommends four budget elliptical trainers priced under $1,000. She doesn't mention how she arrives at these picks and it doesn't appear that the ellipticals have been personally tested. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
16. About.com
June 14, 2010
Top 4 Best Elliptical Trainers
by Fred Waters
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentFred Waters, who owns several fitness-equipment review websites (including Fitness-Equipment-Source.com, ranked above), contributes this article to About.com. In it, he recommends four elliptical trainers in the $700 to $1,700 price range. Much of this article duplicates info from Waters' other websites. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
17. FitnessProfessorReview.com
As of Jan. 2011
Equipment Reviews - Cardio Cross Trainers / Ellipticals
by Editors of FitnessProfessorReview.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentFitnessProfessorReview.com is an interesting site. On the plus side, it's transparent about who sits on its review board, and the site has fairly good coverage of available brands and models. On the other hand, there are no buying recommendations and it's not clear whether models are actually tested. Reviews are very short with little detail, but each elliptical trainer is rated on a variety of criteria.
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

Read more about our Ratings Criteria by clicking the link at the top of the page.
 
 
 
  
Useful Links
 

Back to top