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Looking for the best elliptical machines? Check out these 6 top picks for men

Discover the optimal brands for your home gym

Man using an elliptical
ShotPot / Pexels

Ellipticals are great for full-body workouts either in a gym or at home. They are versatile and often quiet, allowing for a smooth and peaceful workout. These machines can have tremendous benefits for your physical and mental health as well.

Though several ellipticals are on the market, not all will suit you. They all have distinct features and capabilities, and it can be difficult to pick one that addresses your fitness needs as a man. Therefore, we have compiled the best elliptical machines for men in 2025. Let’s dive in.

Horizon Fitness 7.0 AE Elliptical

The Horizon 7.0 AE is a sturdy, straightforward elliptical built for people who want serious training features without a steep learning curve. It’s designed around a durable SixStar frame with a 23 lb flywheel, offering a smooth 20″ stride, 20 levels of magnetic resistance, and 20 levels of incline to match your fitness goals. The console is easy to read with a 7″ LCD screen that shows all your key stats, and it comes preloaded with workouts like Hill Climb, Fat Burn, 5K, and Target Heart Rate.

On the comfort and connectivity side, it’s got Bluetooth speakers for streaming music, a tablet rack, USB charging port, cooling fan, and water bottle holder. The machine supports users up to 325 pounds and measures 76 inches long by 24 inches wide and 65.5 inches tall. At 194 pounds, it’s solid but still manageable. You’ll also get peace of mind with a lifetime warranty on the frame and brake, plus one year of labor and three years on parts.

NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical

When it comes to quality gym equipment, NordicTrack delivers the best. This AirGlide 14i has exceptional incline and decline capabilities with 26 resistance levels, an auto-adjustable stride length of 17.8 to 18.5 inches, a smart HD touchscreen of 14 inches, and an auto trainer control. This machine’s weight capacity is 300 pounds, and its dimensions are 69 inches L x 25 inches W by 71 inches H. 

BowFlex Max Total 16

The Bowflex Max Trainer Total 16 is built for people who want an intense, full-body workout without sacrificing space or convenience. It features a large 16″ HD touchscreen that tilts to your comfort, giving you access to the JRNY® fitness platform (with a free trial included) where you can follow trainer-led workouts or explore scenic routes around the world. Even without a subscription, you still get four built-in workouts like Manual, Fat Burn, and Stairs.

With 20 levels of resistance, Bluetooth® speakers, heart rate tracking (via hand grips and an included armband), and handy extras like a media shelf, USB charging port, and transport wheels, the Max Total 16 packs a lot into a compact design. It supports users up to 300 lbs, fits in tighter spaces, and is backed by a solid warranty—3 years on the frame and parts, 1 year on electronics, and 90 days for labor.

Niceday Classic Elliptical CT11S

The Niceday CT11S elliptical has 90% pre-assembled parts, making it easy to set up. It has 16 levels of smooth resistance. The maximum weight capacity is up to 400 pounds, which is relatively higher than others. Its dimensions are 48 inches D x 25 inches W x 62 inches H. In addition, this elliptical is equipped with large pedals, a 15.5’’ stride, and physical handlebars. 

Schwinn 490 Elliptical

The Schwinn 490 elliptical machine features 16 resistance levels and -5 to 15-degree incline and decline settings; even if you use the highest resistance and incline settings, the machine still feels smooth, stable, and sturdy. This elliptical comes with some effective built-in workout programs. It has a flywheel in front instead of between the pedals, which results in smaller footprints. However, the stride length of 20 inches is longer than others, and the machine has a 7-inch LED display. The maximum weight capacity is 330 pounds, and the product dimensions are ‎58.1 inches L x 33.9 inches W x 68 inches H.

Sole E95 Elliptical

The Sole E95 elliptical is a good choice for a smooth, quiet, and comfortable workout. It has a space-saving design and a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds. Its dimensions are 83 inches L x 34 inches W x 70 inches H. This elliptical features a powerful 20-inch stride length and 10.1-inch display screen. 

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of using an elliptical?

Using an elliptical supports weight loss and muscle building. It is good for your joints and can help prevent heart conditions like high blood pressure. Let’s not forget that it’s also a great way to blow off steam after a long day.

Are there any downsides to using ellipticals for cardio?

The downsides of using an elliptical depend on your current fitness level and health condition. However, if the machine’s proportions don’t suit your body, it may cause sore muscles, fatigue, and knee pain. 

What factors should you consider when choosing an elliptical machine?

Factors to consider include stride length, resistance levels, power source, drive (front driven or rear driven), maximum user weight, machine weight, heart rate monitors, moveable arms, and frame construction.

Steph Green

Steph Green is a content writer specializing in healthcare, wellness, and nutrition. With over ten years of experience, she has worked with marketing agencies, written medical books for doctors like ‘Untangling the Web of Dysfunction,’ and her poetry book ‘Words that Might Mean Something.’ She also contributes to wellness companies like Ketogenic. Steph grew up in Wales and England, UK, before moving overseas to Florida. After years of struggling with painful autoimmune disease, she developed a life-changing knowledge of nutrition and healthcare. Steph continues her healing journey and enjoys helping others, too.

 

Sasha Hanna, MS, RD
Former Digital Trends Contributor

Sasha is a registered dietitian whose career path has spanned the areas of community health, worksite wellness, recipe development and nutrition communications. She keeps a pulse on food trends and industry developments by regularly attending the leading nutrition and wellness conferences, reading up on the latest and greatest developments in nutrition science, and immersing herself in the world of food trends with everything she does.

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