8 Best Compact Elliptical Trainers For Space Saving

Looking for the best compact elliptical? Check out our review of top-rated models and find the perfect one for your home workout routine.

The elliptical trainer is an ideal choice for home cardio and strength training equipment.

Our team has researched several compact elliptical machines on the market to help you find the best compact elliptical machine for you to take up less space. We’ve read hundreds of user feedback and picked out our top 8 best options.

We found the Schwinn Fitness 430 Elliptical to be the best compact elliptical machine.

We hope that one of the compact elliptical machines in this guide will help you reach your fitness goals quickly.

Let’s get started.

Our Top Choices

Are you in a hurry? Here are our pick of the best compact elliptical machines.

Our Choice of The Best Compact Elliptical Trainers

1. Schwinn Fitness 430 Elliptical (Best Elliptical Trainer Overall)
2. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E320001 Pre-Programmed Elliptical Trainer (Best Cost-effective Elliptical Trainer)
3. Niceday CT11 Elliptical Machine (Best Heavy Duty Elliptical Trainer)
4. Nautilus E616 Elliptical (Best Commercial Grade Elliptical Trainer)
5. ANCHEER Elliptical Machine For Home Use (Best Budget Elliptical Trainer)
6. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Bike (Best Compact Elliptical Trainer)
7. DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical Machine (Best Under Desk Elliptical Trainer Overall)
8. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3872 Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical Machine (Best Budget Under Desk Elliptical Trainer)

8 Best Compact Elliptical Trainers Reviewed

Below we introduce the 8 best compact elliptical machines for your home gym.

Schwinn Fitness 430 Elliptical

• Stride Length : 20 inches
• Resistance Levels : 20
• Item Dimensions : 70.1″ x 28.2″ x 63.2″
• Maximum Weight Capacity : 300 lbs
• Warranty : 10 years frame, 2 years mechanical parts, 1 year electronics, 90 days labor

If you are looking for an affordable elliptical machine that offers a lot of features, this cardio machine is a good choice. This elliptical machine is perfect for anyone who values ​​versatility in their workouts. This machine includes 22 exercise programs. It’s not flashy, but it has a dual LCD screen, which is great for tracking workout stats.

In addition to this, it includes a number of features to help you exercise. It has a USB port so you can connect your phone or tablet to charge while exercising, or connect your device via the audio jack to listen to music through the built-in speaker. It also has a water bottle holder and a cooling fan for comfortable workouts.

The resistance level can be digitally changed up to 20 levels, so you can conveniently exercise at various intensities. You can also manually adjust the incline system in 6 levels. Changing the incline manually is a bit cumbersome, but can provide a more varied workout experience than without an incline system.

Overall, most users say it is easy to assemble and it will take about an hour.

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Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E320001 Pre-Programmed Elliptical Trainer

• Stride Length : 18 inches
• Resistance Levels : 16
• Item Dimensions : 66.9″ x 24.8″ x 64.6″
• Maximum Weight Capacity : 330 lbs
• Warranty : ‎3 years structural frame, 180 days other parts and components

If you’re looking for a compact elliptical machine with multiple workout routines at an affordable price, this machine is a good choice. 24 programmed options allow for a variety of workout situations.

This machine is sturdy and runs very smoothly. You can also pedal backwards.

The resistance level is changed electronically, so it is easy to change with the push of a button. It’s not noisy at all, so you won’t be disturbing the people around you.

It can hold a tablet or phone, but it’s a bit disappointing that there is no USB port for charging. It is also a pity that the water bottle holder cannot hold large bottles. Some reviews say that the customer service is not good, so if you take this seriously, you may be hesitant to purchase.

Assembly is pretty easy, but it can take quite a while if you assemble it yourself. We recommend that two or more people assemble together.

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Niceday CT11 Elliptical Machine

• Stride Length : 15.5 inches
• Resistance Levels : 16
• Item Dimensions : 48″ x 25″ x 62″
• Maximum Weight Capacity : 400 lbs
• Warranty : Lifetime all parts

The biggest advantage of this cardio machine is its robustness. Among compact elliptical machines in a similar price range, it’s one of the few machines from the company that offers a lifetime warranty. This means that it is made of high-quality materials. With a maximum weight capacity of 400 lbs, even heavy people can use it.

It also has a very silent magnetic resistance system. It’s very quiet when moving, so you can exercise without disturbing those around you, making it great for home use.

One of the things to consider when buying a compact elliptical machine is your stride length. This machine has a stride length of 15.5 inches, making it suitable for users up to 6 feet 2 inches tall. It is okay for a tall person to do light exercise, but if you do strenuous exercise, the movement is unnatural.

Monitors only have basic information, which can be a bit disappointing for those who value screens. There are no workout programs or Bluetooth connectivity, and resistance level is adjusted manually, not digitally.

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Nautilus E616 Elliptical

• Stride Length : 20 inches
• Resistance Levels : 25
• Item Dimensions : 59″ x 26″ x 77″
• Maximum Weight Capacity : 300 lbs
• Warranty : ‎10 years frame, 3 years mechanical parts, 3 years electronics, 1 year labor

This machine is a fairly good choice for beginners or intermediate fitness level people looking for a compact elliptical trainer at an affordable price. With a stride length of 20 inches, tall people can exercise comfortably, and the movement is firm and smooth. With up to 10 degrees of motorized inclination, 25 levels of resistance, and 29 exercise programs, you can set various goals and exercise. There are three lineups of elliptical machines from the Nautilus brand: E614, E616 and E618, this machine is the mid-range model. The performance difference from the high-end model E618 is not that big.

It has great Bluetooth compatibility and can track your workout data with popular fitness apps. A USB charging port allows you to charge your smartphone or tablet while exercising, and a 3-speed cooling fan keeps you in the mood for a workout.

It has a dual-track display, making it a good value for money purchase for multitasking users.

The frame has a 10-year warranty, so it’s a pity that it’s not a lifetime warranty, but given the price of the machine, it’s fine.

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ANCHEER Elliptical Machine For Home Use

• Stride Length : 13 inches
• Resistance Levels : 8
• Item Dimensions : 40.9″ x 18.9″ x 63″
• Maximum Weight Capacity : 350 lbs
• Warranty : 1 year

This is a great low-budget elliptical machine to save space. The transport wheels also make it easy to move the machine around the home space.

It has an LCD monitor to track your workout progress, including pulse rate and time, speed, distance traveled and calories burned. However, there is no backlight, so reading can be poor in a dark environment. The resistance level can be manually adjusted to 8 different levels.

Its stride length is on the short side at 13 inches, so it is not suitable for tall people. If you want pre-set workout routines or extra features like Bluetooth connectivity, go for a better but more expensive elliptical machine. Although this elliptical machine lacks some features, customers who have purchased it are highly satisfied. If you don’t have a lot of floor space to install in your home or if you’re on a tight budget, this machine can be a good choice.

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Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Bike

• Stride Length : 11 inches
• Resistance Levels : 8
• Item Dimensions : 28″ x 17″ x 57″
• Maximum Weight Capacity : 220 lbs
• Warranty : 3 years structural frame, 180 days other parts and components

If you want to do cardio in the comfort of your own home without spending a lot of money on a machine, this elliptical machine is an excellent choice. Designed for small spaces, this elliptical machine is not lacking in quality.

It’s not as high as other machines, but you can design your workout to help you reach your fitness goals with 8 levels of resistance. There is a digital monitor that provides exercise data such as elapsed time, speed, distance, heart rate and calories burned, and you can place your tablet or phone on it. This compact machine weighs no more than 70 lbs and has transport wheels so it can be moved easily.

With a maximum weight capacity of 220 lbs and a stride length of 11 inches, the figures are small compared to other machines. Not suitable for tall or heavy people.

It does not offer an exercise program. But considering the price it’s fine.

For anyone with a compact design and difficulty moving heavy machines, this elliptical machine is a good choice.

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DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical Machine

• Stride Length : No Information
• Resistance Levels : 8
• Item Dimensions : 23″ x 18″ x 10″
• Maximum Weight Capacity : No Information(Feet Only)
• Warranty : No Information

If you want to stay active while working from home, this elliptical machine is for you. You can work out together under your desk while reading a book or responding to emails.

Assembly is very simple. Just attach the foot pedal and hook to the LCD screen. There are 8 levels of resistance so you can adjust the intensity of your elliptical workout.

It comes with much larger foot pedals than typical under-desk elliptical machines. So, you can change the position of your feet to give a variety of exercise stimulation.

While reviewers generally say the machine is smooth and quiet, some report that the machine occasionally creaks. There are also disappointing reviews of customer service.

This under-desk elliptical machine helps maintain blood circulation while sitting at your desk at home. You can burn calories, but this machine alone is not enough to lose weight.

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Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3872 Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical Machine

• Stride Length : 7 inches
• Resistance Levels : 8
• Item Dimensions : 24″ x 19″ x 11″
• Maximum Weight Capacity : No Information(Feet Only)
• Warranty : ‎2 years structural frame, 180 days other parts and components

This is an under-desk elliptical machine that’s great for a budget. As with other branded products, it has a digital monitor that displays time, speed, estimated calories burned, and distance. The resistance level is also easily adjustable to 8 levels. It is shipped fully assembled for ease of use. It has a handle in the middle of the machine, so it can be easily carried around the house.

It’s a light machine, but quite reliable. It doesn’t wobble when pedaling, the motion is smooth and there’s no interference. Some people say that the machine can be a little slippery, so it’s a good idea to put a mat underneath to keep it stable.

This is a machine that helps build physical endurance and strength while sitting.

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Guide To Buy Best Compact Elliptical Trainers for Space Saving

There are a few things to consider when buying the best compact elliptical trainer for your home gym. We will give you our guide on how to choose a compact elliptical trainer. This will help you to make a quick and easy choice.

Essential considerations

If you want to exercise more effectively with the compact elliptical trainer, be sure to consider the following features before purchasing.

Stride Length

The proper stride length for an elliptical machine is determined by your height. In general, 16 to 18 inches is good for people who are less than 5 feet 3 inches tall. For those under 7 inches, we recommend choosing an elliptical machine with a stride length of 18 to 20 inches. For taller people, we recommend choosing an elliptical stride length of 20 to 22 inches. Some compact elliptical machines have a stride length of 14 inches or less. It’s not usually recommended, but if you need to conserve space in your home, you can also choose it. With adjustable stride lengths from 18 to 22 inches, the elliptical trainer is suitable for a wide range of users.

Foot spacing is also an important part. For the most natural movement, we recommend no more than 2 inches between the foot pedals.

Resistance Level

To burn calories with an effective workout, you need to use an elliptical trainer with sufficient resistance level. On an elliptical trainer with little resistance, you won’t lose as much weight as you want, no matter how much time you spend. The higher the resistance level, the more force you will put on the pedals, consuming more energy and burning more fat. If you are heavy, consider investing in an elliptical trainer with a high level of resistance.

Also, the high-quality elliptical trainer makes the movements smooth. Choose a machine that provides a consistent, natural feel throughout your workout.

Size

Elliptical machines can take up quite a bit of floor space in your home, as they need space for the pedals to fully rotate. Be sure to keep in mind the size of the machine and the space it will be placed in.

The elliptical trainer moves up and down when you pedal. So, if your home has low ceilings or you are tall, you might hit your head. Consider the distance between the pedal at the highest point and the ground. Unfortunately, many companies do not disclose this information. If that’s the case, it’s good to assume that it’s a generous 16 inches.

Weight Capacity

Regardless of the model and capabilities of an elliptical trainer, it is important to check the weight capacity. It’s always best to check how much weight the machine can withstand, especially if you’re heavy. A good compact elliptical trainer can safely support at least 300 lbs. Some of the oval products on the market have a maximum weight capacity of 400 lbs. Elliptical machines with a higher maximum weight are generally very durable and robust.

Additional considerations

If you consider the following features, you will be more satisfied with the full body workout with the elliptical trainer.

Folding

If you can fold the elliptical trainer, you can save a lot of space. When not in use, you can fold it up and store it in a small space to save floor space.

Incline

If you have an incline function, you can increase the intensity of your total body workout even more. It can help you burn more calories and strengthen your muscles.

Electronics

Exercising will be more fun if it also includes a wide LCD screen or other features to help you lose weight.

The best compact elliptical machines support classic as well as interactive workouts. It uses technologies like Google Street View to make your cardio workout more immersive. It also has a built-in app or supports WiFi, so you can track your fitness stats and synchronize it with a variety of mobile devices.

Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Compact Elliptical Trainer in Top Shape

Compact ellipticals are great for those who want to stay fit in small spaces. But like any other fitness equipment, they require regular maintenance to perform at their best. Here are some tips for keeping your compact elliptical in top shape.

Clean the machine regularly

Dust and sweat can accumulate on the machine, causing it to wear out faster. Use a clean cloth and mild soap to wipe down the pedals, handles, and console after every use. Be careful not to use too much water, as it can damage the machine’s electronics.

Lubricate moving parts

Regular lubrication of the machine’s moving parts is essential for its smooth operation. Use a silicone-based lubricant to oil the pedals, joints, and flywheel. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended lubricants and frequency of application.

Check the bolts and screws

Over time, the bolts and screws of the machine may loosen, causing the machine to wobble or make noise during use. Check the bolts and screws regularly and tighten them as necessary.

Keep the machine dry

Moisture can damage the machine’s electronics and cause rust to form on metal parts. Avoid placing the machine in humid areas and wipe down the machine with a dry cloth after each use.

Store the machine properly

If you’re not using the machine for an extended period, it’s best to store it in a dry and cool place. Cover the machine to protect it from dust and moisture. Make sure to disconnect the machine from the power source before storing it.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your compact elliptical stays in top shape for years to come. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of the machine but also ensures that you get the best workout experience every time you use it.

Frequently Asked Questions about Elliptical Trainers

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about elliptical trainers.

Is the elliptical trainer good for losing belly fat?

Elliptical trainers can help you burn calories, reduce belly fat, and build a toned body. Compared to forms of aerobic exercise such as running and jogging, the effect of exercise is not great. However, you can do effective low-impact aerobic exercise. Running burns more calories than an elliptical trainer, but it also puts your joints at risk. This makes elliptical machines ideal for people who are not used to running or who have arthritis or an injury and want to do low-impact workouts.

If you want to know how to lose weight quickly, check out this article.

Is the elliptical trainer better than walking?

If you want to burn fat and lose weight, using an elliptical trainer is better than walking. In general, elliptical trainer workouts burn more calories than walking.

Comparing the calories burned by a 155-pound person after 30 minutes of exercise, walking burned 175 calories, while the elliptical trainer burned 324 calories, according to Harvard Health Publishing.

Is the elliptical trainer hard on the knees?

The Elliptical Trainer is known for being a low-impact aerobic machine, and when used correctly it won’t cause any knee pain. Elliptical machines can be a good alternative to running or jogging for people with arthritis or pain from injuries.

Our Verdict : The Best Compact Elliptical Machine

Consider your fitness goals and choose the elliptical trainer that best fits your home gym. Take a close look at size, maximum weight capacity, stride length, and more, and make a choice that won’t waste your money.

Overall, the Schwinn Fitness 430 Elliptical is an excellent choice as an elliptical trainer.