Everyone knows that exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, right? And cardio is one of the best ways to promote health. If you’re not much of a walker, runner, or cyclist, though, you might struggle to get your daily amount of heart-healthy exercise. Luckily for you, we have just the alternative you’ve been waiting for.
Elliptical machines provide an amazing and dynamic way to exercise your heart and improve muscular endurance in your lower body. They’re highly versatile machines that offer a low-impact method of exercise, so they can be used by pretty much anybody. And since the intensity can vary depending on how you use them, they’re perfect for training, recovery, and more.
If an elliptical machine sounds like the perfect addition to your home gym, we’d love to help you find your perfect match. Elliptical machines will vary in things like price, overall size, resistance levels, incline levels, weight capacity, and more. And trust us, every feature is worth considering if you want to get the best possible fit.
This comprehensive guide will investigate the best elliptical machines in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.
The Best Elliptical Machines Right Now
Our Top Pick for The Best Elliptical Machine
NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical Machine Review
What We Think of the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical Machine
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical Machine is an amazing choice for just about everybody. It has an amazing 14” touchscreen that allows you to participate in trainer-led sessions (with automatic incline and resistance changes), journey through terrain from different countries with Google Maps workout technology, and track all of your workout stats for each session and all-time.
Since this machine offers 20 different resistance levels and a 20-degree range of incline levels for you to choose from, every workout can be tailored to your fitness progress and how you’re feeling each day. Plus, with tons of included extras like a built-in fan, water bottle holder, Bluetooth connectivity with excellent speakers, and comfortable hand grips and foot pads, the user experience is top-tier with this one.
The only possible reason you won’t want to choose this machine is the price tag. It’s one of the more expensive options out there, and unless you plan to take full advantage of all of its capabilities and commit to using it regularly for years, it might be more elliptical than you need or want. Or can afford right now. And that’s perfectly alright.
Overall, the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical Machine is one of our favourite ellipticals of all time. No matter where you’re at in your fitness journey or how you like to train, this is the right machine for the job. And it’ll even help you stay entertained while you’re working out.
-
Performance: 5/5
-
Usability: 5/5
-
Price: 3.5/5
-
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical Machine
Reviewers are absolutely in love with the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical Machine. The functionality of the screen is impeccable — they love participating in trainer-led sessions and the automatic adjustments the machine can make during them. The resistance and incline levels provide a ton of workout variety, and they really appreciate all of the small touches. They’re very pleased with this machine.
NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical Machine Pros and Cons
Buy If…
-
You like to participate in trainer-led sessions
-
You want all the possible extras
-
You’d love to tailor your workouts precisely to your capabilities
-
You’d love a machine that can adjust settings automatically
Don’t Buy If…
NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical Machine Specifications
-
Dimensions: 69” x 25” x 71”
-
Weight: 244 lbs
-
Resistance Levels: 26
-
Incline Levels: -5º to 15º
-
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
-
Maximum Stride Length: 18.5”
-
Warranty: 10 years for frame, 2 years for parts, 1 year for labour
Our Upgrade Pick
Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine Review
What We Think of the Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine
The Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine has so many features working in your favour so you can work hard. Fun, isn’t it? 20 resistance levels are paired with 20 incline levels to make sure you can always target your workout to your precise needs and capabilities each day. The machine can be used in forward and reverse directions, and with 10-step adjustable foot pads, everyone will be able to find their perfect positioning.
One of the things we love the most is the integrated design of the controls in the handlebars. You’ll be able to adjust your incline and resistance without taking your hands off of the grips — talk about efficiency! Plus, with wireless smartphone charging and screen sharing capabilities (and a device holder), you’ll never be left without your entertainment (AKA motivation).
While we don’t have a single negative thing to say about the quality, usability, or performance of this machine, we do still have a couple of things to warn you about before we wrap up. First, this machine is quite large, so you’ll need to have a good amount of floor space available for it. Second, it’s incredibly expensive, so it won’t be a reasonable or feasible option for everybody.
Overall, the Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine is one of the most highly rated options currently available. No matter what type of training you plan to do or what extras you consider essentials, this option will have what you’re looking for.
-
Performance: 5/5
-
Usability: 5/5
-
Price: 2.5/5
-
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine
Reviewers have a very high opinion of the Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine. They have nothing but good things to say about its quality, versatility, and overall suitability for all kinds of training. The device connectivity is also unparalleled, and they all find a comfortable stance thanks to the adjustable foot pads. They wouldn’t change a thing about it. They all agree it’s worth the money.
Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine Pros and Cons
Buy If…
-
You want to use your elliptical with different devices for entertainment
-
Longevity is really important to you
-
You’ll want to explore a variety of training conditions
-
You’d love to adjust your settings without moving your hands off of the handlebars
Don’t Buy If…
Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine Specifications
Our Budget Pick
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912SMART Elliptical Cross Trainer Review
What We Think of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912SMART Elliptical Cross Trainer
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912SMART Elliptical Cross Trainer is our favourite budget pick for a number of reasons. One of the things you’ll appreciate most about it is how quiet it is. You’ll be able to enjoy music, podcasts, TV shows, or even just exercise in silence without the excess noise of other machines. Sounds peaceful, doesn’t it?
We think the built-in workout programs are also great — you have 24 unique programs to choose from if you’re not sure what to do, but the 16 resistance levels allow you to create a custom session anytime as well. You’re even able to connect to the Sunny Health & Fitness app to track your workout metrics, access workout videos, and even tour the world. How fun! The affordability makes it a great machine for newbies, too.
The main disappointment you’ll encounter if you choose this option is the lack of incline adjustability. Unlike more advanced options, this machine doesn’t allow you to increase or decrease the incline — it just is what it is. Your training won’t be as varied as a result. Otherwise, the shorter stride length might be your only concern with this one.
Overall, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912SMART Elliptical Cross Trainer is the best choice for people who need to spend as little as possible but also want to get a lot in return. With an excellent range of resistance levels and great programs built in, it’s perfect for all sorts of training.
-
Performance: 4.5/5
-
Usability: 4.5/5
-
Price: 5/5
-
Quality: 4.5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912SMART Elliptical Cross Trainer
Reviewers are quite happy with the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912SMART Elliptical Cross Trainer. There are enough resistance levels for everyone to find a good starting point yet still have something to work towards, and the preset workout programs add a lot of variety to their sessions. They were quite surprised by how quiet it is, too. It doesn’t interfere with their music or other entertainment.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912SMART Elliptical Cross Trainer Pros and Cons
Buy If…
-
You would love a quiet machine
-
You’re more of a beginner when it comes to exercising
-
You like variety in your workouts
-
You’re looking for a full health experience
Don’t Buy If…
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912SMART Elliptical Cross Trainer Specifications
Our Under-Desk Pick
Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper Review
What We Think of the Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper
The Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper is one of the best options around right now for convenient and low-intensity exercising. Since it’s so lightweight and compact, it can easily fit under any desk, be used at any couch, and even travel with you so you can exercise on the road. No matter how limited your floor space is, this machine can offer you an easy way to work out.
This machine is fully motorized, which means you’ll be able to get your limbs moving and blood pumping without needing to work too hard — that’s why it’s so great for injury recovery and as an option for people with painful joints. Eighteen speeds guarantee you’ll find a setting that works for you. You can even use it as a stand-up stepper with some light dumbbells or resistance bands to get your upper body involved.
The main downside of choosing this option is the compromise you’ll have to make for workout effectiveness. Since it doesn’t offer the same range of motion or variety of resistance levels that come with a standard elliptical, you won’t be able to train very hard with this machine. It’s more for low-intensity movement and injury rehabbing. Just something to keep in mind.
Overall, the Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper is our favourite under-desk option right now. Since it’s easy to use, easy to carry around, and adaptable to different purposes, it’s the perfect companion for low-impact and convenient exercise.
-
Performance: 4/5
-
Usability: 4/5
-
Price: 5/5
-
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper
Reviewers have good things to say about the Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper. People of all ages have been enjoying it (from kids all the way through to seniors) and they’re finding it works well for alleviating joint pain and getting their blood pumping. The adjustability of the speed and pedal height guarantees everyone can be comfortable while using it.
Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper Pros and Cons
Buy If…
-
You want to work out even while working at a desk or sitting on the couch
-
You need a machine that’s easy to store and move around
-
You’re looking to improve your circulation
-
You’re rehabbing or recovering from an injury
Don’t Buy If…
Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper Specifications
Our Compact Pick
Sunny Health & Fitness 2-in-1 Upright Elliptical Full-Body Exerciser Review
What We Think of the Sunny Health & Fitness 2-in-1 Upright Elliptical Full-Body Exerciser
The Sunny Health & Fitness 2-in-1 Upright Elliptical Full-Body Exerciser is one of the smallest, lightest, and most affordable elliptical machines money can buy right now, and that makes it perfect for a ton of people. Especially if you live in a smaller home or you’ve already filled your home gym with a bunch of equipment. This one will squeeze right in.
The wheels on the front and the lightweight design make it an easy one to move around when needed, too. You won’t need a second (or third) set of hands and muscles to help you. Since this machine is also really simple, it’s a great option for beginners who aren’t looking to get into anything too difficult or complex.
Unfortunately, we do have quite a few shortcomings to mention with this one. The resistance levels are quite limited and there’s no incline variability, so the versatility and effectiveness of this machine leave a little something to be desired. The lower weight capacity also excludes a good amount of the population from using it, and the short stride length adds another limitation.
All in all, the Sunny Health & Fitness 2-in-1 Upright Elliptical Full-Body Exerciser is the perfect fit (literally) for folks who just don’t have the room for a bigger machine. It isn’t as effective or versatile as other options, but for the price and the smaller size, it’s still a great option for beginners.
-
Performance: 4.5/5
-
Usability: 4/5
-
Price: 5/5
-
Quality: 4.5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Sunny Health & Fitness 2-in-1 Upright Elliptical Full-Body Exerciser
Reviewers have mostly positive things to say about the Sunny Health & Fitness 2-in-1 Upright Elliptical Full-Body Exerciser. The small footprint of the machine means it fits well into almost any space, and the simpler design makes it really straightforward to use. And they loved the price. Their main concerns are the longevity and the smaller resistance range — it isn’t very effective for people who are fairly fit already.
Sunny Health & Fitness 2-in-1 Upright Elliptical Full-Body Exerciser Pros and Cons
Buy If…
-
You need a machine with a small footprint
-
Affordability is a priority
-
Simplicity appeals to you
-
You’ll need to move the machine around sometimes
Don’t Buy If…
Sunny Health & Fitness 2-in-1 Upright Elliptical Full-Body Exerciser Specifications
How to Properly Choose Your Elliptical Machine
Price
Some elliptical machines are priced as low as $400, but others can exceed $3,500. In general, more expensive elliptical machines will have higher weight capacities and better longevity. They will also offer more resistance levels, incline adjustability, and extras such as bottle and device holders, Bluetooth connectivity, and even sophisticated displays that can be used for workout programs. Some offer other advanced features.
Resistance Levels
Some elliptical machines will only offer eight resistance levels with a fairly light flywheel (so less effective resistance), and other machines can offer as many as 20 resistance levels with a heavier and more effective flywheel. The better the resistance mechanism, the more expensive the machine will be, so it’s up to you to decide on your ideal balance between the two.
Incline Levels
Some elliptical machines don’t offer incline levels at all, but the ones that do typically offer 20 different options to vary your training. Incline adjustability is usually only found on the more expensive machines, but it can do a lot to improve your fitness.
Weight Capacity
Every elliptical machine will be associated with a weight capacity, and you’ll need to be aware of it since exceeding it can be dangerous for you and can potentially cause damage to the machine. Some machines are fairly small and can only support 220 lbs, but more expensive options are a lot more durable and can support up to 300 or even 400 lbs.
Built-In Programs
Many elliptical machines offer built-in programs, but they aren’t all created equal. Some machines will have basic programs for varying resistance levels, but others have in-depth and interactive sessions that are trainer-led. You’ll have to decide your preference here, if you even want programs at all.
Extras
Many elliptical machines offer small but important extras such as bottle holders, device holders, built-in fans, Bluetooth connectivity with speakers, and even screen sharing and wireless charging on the top-of-the-line machines. You might want to prioritize some of these features if you’ll be using your machine a lot.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.