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Looking for the best elliptical machines? Check out these 8 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 2024. Let’s dive in.

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NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical

NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical
NordicTrack

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. 

Pros Cons
Easy to move about with wheels

Durable frame that comes with a 10-year warranty

Compatible with iFit

Large cushioned pedals

Not simple to set up

Buy at NordicTrack

Niceday Classic Elliptical CT11S

Niceday Classic Elliptical CT11S
Niceday

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. 

Pros Cons
Maximum weight capacity is high

Simple to assemble

No electricity is needed

Sturdy and stable

Shorter stride length

Buy at Amazon

Pooboo Elliptical Machine

Pooboo Elliptical Machine
Pooboo

This is one of the more affordable ellipticals on the market. It comes with 80% pre-assembled parts and 16 smooth resistance levels, making adjusting your workout to suit your mood easy. The machine has a hyper-quiet magnetic system that makes for a peaceful workout session. Its maximum stride length is 15 inches, and the maximum weight capacity is 400 pounds. The product dimensions are 49.2 inches D x 29.92 inches W x 62.2 inches H. 

Pros Cons
Foldable design that saves space

High maximum weight capacity

80% pre-assembled parts

Lightweight and easy to move around

Lacks incline adjustment

Buy at Amazon

Merach E17 Elliptical

Merach E17 Elliptical 
Merach

Due to its compact design, Merach’s E17 elliptical is versatile, durable, and suitable for home and gym workouts. It has 16 magnetic resistance mechanisms and combines three functions: elliptical, stair stepper, and climbing machine. This machine has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds, a 7-inch stride length, and dimensions of 37 inches D x 26 inches W x 62 inches H. 

Pros Cons
Hyper-quiet and smooth magnetic resistance

High-density carbon steel construction is durable and stable

Combines three functions: elliptical, stair stepper, and climbing machine 

Compact design perfect for home use 

Unique design can overwhelm beginners

Buy at Amazon

Harison E1190 Elliptical

Harison E1190 Elliptical
Harison

The Harison E1190 elliptical has an ergonomic design with oversized anti-slip textured pedals to enhance grip and give a safe workout experience. The machine comes 90% pre-assembled with a high-quality LCD monitor and has 16 smooth resistance levels. It features a quiet magnetic rear drive system that allows you to enjoy a peaceful workout. It also has a high stride length of 21 inches and a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds. The product’s dimensions are ‎40 inches D x 12 inches W x 30 inches H.  

Pros Cons
Adjustable leveler maintains stability

High stride length

Heavy-duty construction design is sturdy and durable

Transport wheels make it easy to move about

Doesn’t have a compact design

Buy at Amazon

Schwinn 490 Elliptical

Schwinn 490 Elliptical
Schwinn

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.

Pros Cons
Longer stride length is perfect for tall people

Tablet stand

Built-in workout programs

Sturdy and stable

Can stream workouts from the app, but they don’t display on the monitor

Buy at Amazon Buy at Walmart

Marcy Magnetic Elliptical

Marcy Magnetic Elliptical
Marcy

This durable and reliable elliptical has an ergonomic design with sturdy handles and pedals that target different muscle groups. It features eight smooth and quiet magnetic resistance levels, a 14-inch stride length, and a high-quality LCD screen display. The maximum weight capacity is 300 pounds, and the product dimensions are 51 inches D x 20.5 inches W x 64 inches H. 

Pros Cons
Low-impact design

Warranty of two years

Textured foot pedals provide support

Ergonomic design, which is easy to transport

Plastic material may not be durable

Buy at Amazon Buy at Walmart

Sole E95 Elliptical

Sole E95 Elliptical
Sole

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. 

Pros Cons
Allows you to place your foot at a comfortable angle

Operates quietly

Pedals support knees and ankles and reduce stress

Space-saving size

Limited built-in workout programs

Buy at Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Man on an elliptical
Gpointstudio / Shutterstock

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.

Amber Sayer
Amber Sayer is a fitness, nutrition, and wellness writer and editor, and was previously a Fitness Editor at Byrdie. She…
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