Ellipticals are many people’s go-to piece of gym equipment, but it’s not the most convenient to have at home.
Fortunately, there are some elliptical machines that can fit in the smallest spaces nowadays. They may be compact, but they promise an INTENSE workout.
Check out the seven best folding ellipticals you can buy to get you started on your fitness journey.
The 7 Best Foldable Ellipticals
Foldable ellipticals are easier to move and take up less floor space, which makes them perfect for home cardio or strength training.
With so many options out there, which is the best folding elliptical? Check out the list below to find the right one for you.
1: ProForm HIIT H14 – Best Overall
Specifications:
- Dimensions (Open): 66” H x 29” W x 52” L
- Product Weight: 149 lbs
- User Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
- Resistance: 26 Levels
- Warranty: Lifetime frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty
Pros
- Interactive workouts
- Great for HIIT training
- Large weight capacity
- Includes extras (e.g., cooling fan, water bottle holder, etc.)
Cons
- Limited stride
- More strenuous to use
ProForm HIIT H14 elliptical is the best overall option when it comes to features, versatility, and performance.
This elliptical trainer is designed with a 5-inch horizontal and a 10-inch vertical stride length for a natural, even motion.
Because of its unique upright form, the HIIT H14 is more compact than other folding elliptical trainers.
It offers an immersive training experience with a 14-inch HD touchscreen that lets you access several iFIT programs.
With iFIT enabled, you can choose from the best personal trainers to work you through high-powered workouts.
This elliptical pulls you in because it adjusts the resistance level according to the terrain viewed on the screen.
ProForm HIIT H14 offers the best cutting-edge workout to MOTIVATE you further and faster than ever!
2: Bowflex M6 – Best Value
Specifications:
- Dimensions (Open): 64.2” H x 26” W x 46” L
- Product Weight: 148 lbs
- User Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Resistance: 16 Levels
- Warranty: 2-year frame warranty
Pros
- Small footprint
- Targets more muscles
- Preset workout programs
- Includes extra features (e.g., USB port, magnetic media rack, water bottle holder, etc.)
Cons
- Expensive
- More strenuous compared to the average elliptical machine
If you want a killer upper body and lower body workout in one piece of fitness equipment, then the Bowflex M6 is the way to go.
This foldable elliptical combines the motion of an elliptical trainer and a stair stepper to intensify your home workouts.
Whether you want high-intensity interval training or a regular session, the Bowflex M6 has 16 resistance levels that can test even the most dedicated fitness buff.
The Bowflex M6 elliptical has a unique burn rate display that shows how many calories you burn per minute as you exercise.
The padded, multi-grip handles and cushioned pedals make for a comfortable operating experience even as you work to the limit.
This elliptical is also enabled with the JRNY app, which functions like a personal trainer: it monitors your fitness level and workouts to customize the ideal training for you.
At half the size of a traditional elliptical machine, the Bowflex M6 offers a POWERFUL workout for your home gym.
3: NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Elliptical – Best Hybrid
Specifications:
- Dimensions (Open): 74” H x 29.5” W x 58.5” L
- Product Weight: 284 lbs
- User Weight Capacity: 375 lbs
- Resistance: 24 Levels
- Warranty: 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty
Pros
- Small footprint
- Hybrid machine
- Long stride length
- Comes with several pre-programmed workouts
- Integrated with iFIT interactive workouts
Cons
- Monthly subscription cost for iFIT
- 20-lbs. flywheel may be too light
Looking for a great mid-range option that can give you a comfortable, low-impact workout? Try the NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Elliptical!
It has a compact footprint that you can easily fit into your home workout room, placing it on par with any folding model.
What sets it apart is how it combines an elliptical, a treadmill, and a step machine into one, so you can switch up your workout whenever you want.
NordicTrack FS10i spans a 32-inch auto-adjustable stride length to accommodate a broad range of users.
With a center drive design, you can push harder without worrying about balance. Grab the moving handlebars to get a full-body workout.
This elliptical trainer goes up to a 10% power incline with 24 adjustable resistance levels! It’s like hiking uphill for an extra challenging workout.
With an ergonomic design packed with some of NordicTrack’s best features, this elliptical machine can go toe-to-toe with premium models.
4: Bowflex Max Trainer M9 – Best Premium
Specifications:
- Dimensions (Open): 50” H x 76” W x 31” L
- Product Weight: 148.8 lbs
- User Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Resistance: 20 Levels
- Warranty: 3-year frame warranty, 3-year parts warranty, and 90-day labor warranty
Pros
- Hybrid elliptical
- Compact but versatile design
- 10-inch JRNY-enabled interactive touchscreen
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Integrated tablet holder
Cons
- Expensive
- Noisy when used rigorously
- Limited warranty
Bowflex Max Trainer M9 is a high-end elliptical machine with all the impressive features the brand offers in a compact model.
Weighing in at only 148 lbs., this elliptical can give you a high-intensity cardio workout in your home!
The Bowflex M9 is a hybrid elliptical that integrates the motion of an elliptical AND a stepper.
What distinguishes this elliptical model is the 10-inch HD touchscreen enabled with JRNY for access to elite workout programs and streaming your favorite shows.
For state-of-the-art cardio training, the Bowflex M9 elliptical comes with a built-in heart rate sensor and a Bluetooth HR armband.
You can adjust between 20 resistance levels of silent magnetic resistance for more significant calorie burn.At $2,000, the Bowflex M9 elliptical can give you a gym-quality workout with a large HD display, four handlebar grips, and other innovative features.
5: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 – Best Budget Pick
Specifications:
- Dimensions (Open): 57” H x 17” W x 28” L
- Product Weight: 60.8 lbs
- User Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
- Resistance: 8 Levels
- Warranty: 3-year frame warranty and 180-day parts warranty
Pros
- Quiet and seamless
- Affordable
- Easy to assemble
- Large non-slip pedals
- User-friendly monitor
Cons
- Short stride length may not suit tall users
- No pre-programmed workouts
You don’t have to break the bank to get a good cardio machine!
This affordable elliptical from Sunny Health & Fitness offers an INTENSE workout with eight levels of magnetic resistance in a simple design.
If you’re worried about the SF-E905’s stability, don’t be! This folding elliptical machine comes with onboard stabilizers so you can perform smooth, even movements every time.
It also has anti-slip pedals for added balance and security. Combine that with its easy folding mechanism, and you have one of the best space-saving ellipticals on the market.
One of its notable features is the hand pulse monitoring system that allows you to monitor your heart rate as you exercise.
You can track your overall workout progress on the digital monitor that displays your pulse, calories burned, speed, and distance.
Not only is it affordable, but it’s also lightweight and easy to move. This foldable elliptical comes with transport wheels for easier storage. No heavy lifting is needed!
Get all the benefits of a compact elliptical machine at an economical price with Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905.
6: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer – Best for Beginners
Specifications:
- Dimensions (Open): 57” H x 19” W x 25” L
- Product Weight: 35 lbs
- User Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
- Resistance: N/A
- Warranty: 1-year frame warranty and 180-day parts warranty
Pros
- Easy to use and versatile
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Long stride length
Cons
- No resistance levels
- Low weight capacity
Following closely behind its Sunny Health & Fitness elliptical sibling is the SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer.
If you’re new to cross trainers and don’t have too much space at home, this folding elliptical might interest you.
The SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer is as easy as it gets while providing a range of aerobic exercises. You can start slow and gradually UP your pace as you increase your fitness level.
It’s really like walking (or running) on air! It’s an excellent option for those who want to minimize joint stress.
This compact elliptical has an adjustable abdominal pad that keeps you secure as you work your abdominal muscles.
It has an easy-to-read LCD monitor that shows your vitals so you can track your workout progress.
This lightweight machine, coming at 35lbs., is one of the MOST compact foldable elliptical trainers. It has a compact footprint that folds into small spaces effortlessly.
7: Sole Fitness E55 – Best High-Weight Capacity
Specifications:
- Dimensions (Open): 71” H x 27” W x 71” L
- Product Weight: 214 lbs
- User Weight Capacity: 375 lbs
- Resistance: N/A
- Warranty: Lifetime frame warranty, 5-year parts warranty, and 2-year labor warranty
Pros
- Heavier flywheel for greater stability
- Adjustable foot pedals
- Extensive incline options
Cons
- Fixed stride length
- Limited workout programs
The Sole Fitness E55 elliptical is the most compact of the Sole elliptical machines but has an impressive 375 lbs user weight limit.
It comes with all of Sole’s performance specs, such as the adjustable LCD backlit display, Bluetooth audio speakers, a wireless chest strap for heart rate monitoring, and more.
One of its most notable features is the 20-degree incline that gives you 20 different elliptical paths for more effective muscle training and toning.
The E55 elliptical sits in the middle of Sole cross trainers with a normative 20lbs flywheel and a 20-inch stride length.
It’s a good choice for novice or intermediate-level users who want a natural-feeling motion to their step.
Combined with adjustable foot pedals, you can modify the angle of your gait to reduce stress on your ankles and knees.
This HEAVY-DUTY elliptical can handle even the broadest of trainers, providing a stable and smooth workout to every user.
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Folding Elliptical
Purchasing any fitness equipment is an investment.
Compact ellipticals can be a great addition to your home gym if you want a low-impact cardio machine but have limited workout space.
You must weigh your options to find the best folding elliptical that suits your needs.
The best folding elliptical for YOU will depend on several factors:
1: Portability and Footprint
If you’re already interested in folding ellipticals, “space-saving” is a key feature you’re presumably looking for.
Unlike treadmills, the motion of elliptical machines means it takes up less space in general. However, non-folding ellipticals will still be larger than compact or mini ellipticals.
A compact elliptical would be around 54″ x 30″ or smaller.
How ellipticals fold is also a consideration. Folding ellipticals that tuck horizontally keep the same footprint, which may not be as compact as machines that fold vertically.
Many turn to rear drive ellipticals for their natural stride and better stability, but they can be quite lengthy. Luckily, there are many folding rear-drive models available today.
Folding ellipticals with transport wheels are a PLUS if you want to move your equipment easily without straining yourself.
2: Performance
Different ellipticals provide various performance levels to meet all kinds of users.
Generally, you can gauge the performance of an elliptical through the following:
Resistance
The best folding elliptical will have adequate resistance to promote a smooth motion. A smooth resistance means less risk of injury and a longer time before muscle fatigue.
You can look into the flywheel weight to see the resistance performance of a folding elliptical.
Beginners can work with an 18 lbs flywheel, but intermediate or advanced users may benefit more from heavier flywheels.
Incline
An incline helps intensify your workout for greater calorie burn and muscle toning.
Most ellipticals offer powerful inclines with a maximum tilt of 20 degrees, but they can go even steeper for advanced trainers.
Some of the best folding elliptical trainers provide an immersive experience by combining incline training with interactive workouts.
Stride Length
When it comes to ellipticals, the stride length often gets the most attention in terms of performance.
It’s an important factor that determines how comfortable your training will be.
A length that is too short might feel too cramped for taller trainees. It would simply be like stair-stepping or jogging in place.
The universal stride length for most elliptical machines is 20 inches.
The best folding ellipticals would be designed with this length to fit most users, who are around 5’3″ to 6′ in height.
3: Extra Features
If you’re paying upwards of $1,000 for the best ellipticals, you’d want to know that your money is going somewhere.
Some of the finest elliptical machines in the market offer interactive training that combine technologies like scenic visuals and music to immerse you in your workout.
Other ellipticals would have HD displays that allow you to integrate certain workout apps so you can monitor your fitness stats and workouts in sync with your equipment.
4: Warranty
It does not matter how much maintenance is put into them. Ellipticals are still machinery that wears down over time.
Read the specifications CAREFULLY to see which components are under warranty and for how long.
Most companies have various warranty timeframes for different parts of the equipment. Before buying, check which product can give the best warranty coverage.
5: Price
Cost is a defining consideration for many customers.
Folding ellipticals can range from budget-friendly to high-end, but that doesn’t always mean that a pricier machine is better.
If you’re a novice at elliptical training, a budget elliptical can work just as well to give you a productive workout at a comfortable pace.
If you want to take advantage of fitness apps, you’ll also have to account for the monthly subscription cost.
COMPARE product features and their prices to determine which product can give you the best bang for your buck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are commonly asked questions about folding ellipticals that can help you:
Is Using a Folding Elliptical Better Than Walking?
If weight loss is your primary fitness goal, then an elliptical is BETTER.
You burn more calories using an elliptical than you do walking.
A folding elliptical trainer provides an efficient full-body workout that engages several muscle groups, including the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and upper body muscles.
It also puts less strain on the hips and knees.
What Is the Ideal Flywheel Weight for a Folding Elliptical?
It’s important to note that the heavier the flywheel, the smoother the elliptical performs.
Most commercial ellipticals have flywheels weighing 10 to 14 lbs.
When looking for a folding elliptical for home use, you’d want at least a 20 lb. flywheel to give you a seamless and consistent workout.
Are Folding Ellipticals as Effective as Regular Ellipticals?
In terms of functionality, both folding and regular ellipticals work roughly the same.
The only difference is that folding ellipticals take up LESS space.
How Long Should I Use the Elliptical Every Day?
It largely depends on your fitness goals, level, and workout program.
Generally, you should try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity or 15 minutes of high-intensity workout on an elliptical daily.
A Recap of the Top Picks for Best Folding Ellipticals
To summarize, below are our top picks for the best foldable ellipticals on the market today:
Best Budget Pick: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905
Specifications:
- Dimensions (Open): 57” H x 17” W x 28”L
- Product Weight: 60.8 lbs
- User Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
- Resistance: 8 Levels
- Warranty: 3-year frame warranty and 180-day parts warranty
This budget-friendly elliptical provides a smooth, quiet workout with all the bells and whistles crammed into a compact form. It’s the perfect entry-level machine for those new to elliptical workouts.
Best Value for Money: Bowflex M6
Specifications:
- Dimensions (Open): 64.2” H x 26” W x 46” L
- Product Weight: 148 lbs
- User Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Resistance: 16 Levels
- Warranty: 2-year frame warranty
The Bowflex M6 is a powerful hybrid elliptical with robust performance and functionality specs. You’re getting the best deal for an elliptical at this price point.
Best Overall: ProForm HIIT H14
Specifications:
- Dimensions (Open): 66” H x 29” W x 52” L
- Product Weight: 149 lbs
- User Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
- Resistance: 26 Levels
- Warranty: Lifetime frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty
The ProForm HIIT H14 is the best overall option for anyone looking to elevate their cardio or strength training. It’s a feature-packed machine in a compact model that’s most ideal for HIIT workouts.
Conclusion
The best folding elliptical can give you a gym-level workout from the comfort of your own home.
With so many elliptical models available, finding what aligns with your fitness goals can be difficult.
If you want a top-tier workout experience, the ProForm HIIT H14 is the way to go.
The Bowflex M6 and NordicTrack FS10i are hybrid ellipticals that can provide diverse training for experienced users.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 is worth checking out for a budget-friendly elliptical machine.
