If you’re a fitness fanatic who tends to find themselves caught between two good options — chocolate or vanilla, The Office or Parks and Rec — we have good news. With an elliptical-bike combo machine, you’ll no longer need to choose between the best exercise bikes or elliptical trainers — you can truly have it all. These hybrid exercise machines combine two forms of low-impact cardio for variety-rich workouts that are easier on the joints than running and HIIT cardio workouts. (1)

Whether you prefer spinning the pedals on an exercise bike or the full-body movement of an elliptical machine, these combo machines offer similar adjustability, conveniences, and preset workouts as their lone-wolf cousins. If you are limited on space or cash, one of these two-in-one machines may be the streamlined option you’ve been dreaming of. Join us as we break down our picks for the best elliptical-bike combo machines.

The 5 Best Elliptical-Bike Combo Machines 

Best Elliptical-Bike Combo Machine Overall: ProForm Hybrid Trainer

Best Smart Elliptical-Bike Combo Machine: Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Recumbent Elliptical Cross Trainer

Best 3-in-1 Elliptical-Bike Combo Machine: Body Power 3-in-1 Home Gym

Best Budget Elliptical-Bike Combo Machine: Plasma Fit Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer

Best Elliptical-Bike Combo Machine with a Screen Holder: Sunny Health & Fitness Essential Interactive Series Seated Elliptical

How We Tested and Chose the Best Elliptical-Bike Combo Machines

The BarBend team of certified personal trainers, cycling enthusiasts, and nutrition coaches have completed thousands of workouts on some of the best ellipticals and exercise bikes on the market. We used our expert perspective and experience to scrutinize these elliptical-bike combo machines and bring you the information you need to make your decision. 

During testing, we used a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across 11 categories, including conveniences, value, customer service, and workout experience. We included machines that offer the low-impact versatility of recumbent bikes, upright bikes, and ellipticals, while keeping the price point top of mind. If you just can’t pick between an elliptical and exercise bike, read on to see which of our picks might just bring you the best of both worlds.

Versatility

When we filled out our list, we made sure that each machine offered the flexibility to function as both an elliptical and an exercise bike. The seat on each model will remind you of either an upright or recumbent bike, but the pedals on these machines are less like bike pedals (with clips or toe cages) than the oversized pedals you’d find on an elliptical. As such, it may take a few workouts to acclimate to using oversized elliptical pedals during a cycling workout.

All these combo machines utilize two (or three) sets of handlebars, but each one features the moving arms that our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, says allow for full-body calorie torching. “In addition to being low-impact, ellipticals (at least the ones with moving arms) provide a whole-body workout, so they’re an excellent option for people who need to maximize their exercise time.” With the versatility to act as an elliptical, upright bike, or recumbent bike, you can get your heart pumping while mitigating some of the stress on joints that even the best treadmills can’t avoid.

Value

If you’re lacking in space (or cash), picking up an elliptical-bike combo is like getting two cardio machines for the price of one. When we made our picks, we went with options ranging from $159.99 to $799.99 in order to accommodate the budgets of as many athletes as possible. When you consider that the average stand-alone elliptical or exercise bike can run anywhere from $600 to $2,000, that’s a solid value.

Conveniences

Sometimes the little things can go a long way, especially during a cardio session. The picks that made our list feature convenient water bottle holders, device holders, and displays that can track metrics like calories burned, time elapsed, and distance. We also prioritized machines with pulse sensors that can help monitor your heart rate for more accurate metrics. 

Best Elliptical-Bike Combo Machine Overall: ProForm Hybrid Trainer

The ProForm Hybrid Trainer was an easy choice for our top spot because it earned at least a 4 out of 5 in 10 of the 13 categories scored by certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial member Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1.  Whether it was its adjustability, iFIT integration, or overall bang for your buck, Meier thought this combo machine hit the spot. “For anyone without the budget or floorspace for two machines, I think the Hybrid Trainer would be a great choice,” she said. 

With two sets of pedals — a smaller set for recumbent rides and a larger set for elliptical workouts — the Hybrid Trainer can operate as two separate machines that share a flywheel. Unlike some other combo machines, you’ll need to stop and step off to transition between the two, giving you a chance to adjust the console.

When she tried it out, Meier rated its tech capabilities a 4 out of 5 because of its basic LCD display, but the machine’s iFIT integration, which you can access by linking up a mobile device, earned its programming a 5 out of 5. Meier also liked how the console is adjustable based on your position. “I could pivot the monitor to meet my eye line whether I was standing or seated, which was a cool feature,” she said.

The recumbent design can benefit users with back or joint pain, as well as those with limited mobility. “Recumbent bikes open up the cycling experience to more people, particularly those with back, hip, or knee issues,” according to Amanda Capritto, CPT. “The reclined position reduces stress on the lumbar spine and does not require as much flexibility in the hip joints.” (2)

Some of the best recumbent bikes can support users up to 350 pounds, but the Hybrid Trainer maxes out just at 250 pounds. Meier rated its durability a 4 out of 5, knocking a point for the low weight capacity and the bit of wobbling she experienced when switching to an elliptical workout. “When I stood to use the elliptical, I did notice it shifted side to side a tad,” she said. 

Best Smart Elliptical-Bike Combo Machine: Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Recumbent Elliptical Cross Trainer

While the “smart” in the Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Recumbent Elliptical Cross Trainer may not mean a fancy HD touchscreen or iFIT integration, its Bluetooth connectivity does allow you to connect your phone or tablet to take on a trainer-led workout with the free SunnyFit app. On the LCD monitor, you can also create up to four user profiles to save your progress over time.

The design of this cross trainer is a true hybrid, as you’ll be sitting in the padded recumbent bike seat but pumping the moving arms like you would on a typical elliptical. In that way, it’s less of a two-in-one machine and more of a seated elliptical.

Users up to 300 pounds — the standard capacity for ellipticals we’ve tested — can slide the padded seat to find a comfortable distance. The inseam range on this combo machine is 30.1 inches to 39.6 inches, so you’ll want to measure the distance from your upper inner thigh down to your ankle to make sure it will offer you a comfortable fit. (3)

[Related: The 9 Best Workout Apps for Women]

Once you find your fit on the machine, beginners and experienced riders can use the 16 resistance levels to change up the intensity as you ride or glide. With 12 preprogrammed workouts and up to four customizable workouts on the LCD monitor, structured training sessions are at your fingertips. 

If you run into some of the durability issues that customers reported on Amazon — a wobbly left pedal seems to be a common complaint — we hope you’ll have better luck with customer care than certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial member Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, who rated Sunny Health & Fitness’ customer service 3 out of 5. “They don’t have a chat function on their site, and I was waiting over a week for an email response,” she said.

Best 3-in-1 Elliptical-Bike Combo Machine: Body Power 3-in-1 Home Gym

The three modes of exercise on the Body Power 3-in-1 Home Gym combine three low-impact cardio machines in just a 9.17-square-foot footprint — just over half the size of your average two-seater sofa. (4) There are also three types of handlebars to accompany each use — a fixed horizontal bar, side handles on the seat, and moving arms. 

Its three functions — recumbent bike, upright bike, and elliptical — utilize two separate sets of pedals. The smaller, angled pedals support the recumbent cycling position that those with back pain or limited mobility may prefer. (2) Meanwhile, for upright cycling and elliptical workouts, your feet will be planted on the oversized pedals reminiscent of a typical elliptical.

Our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, explained how effective the addition of the arms can be for full-body workouts. “In addition to being low-impact, ellipticals (at least the ones with moving arms) provide a whole-body workout, so they’re an excellent option for people who need to maximize their exercise time.”

While you won’t find much by way of technology on this combo machine, the digital monitor displays metrics like time and speed. It also includes pulse sensors on the fixed handlebar. 

Because this machine costs under $300 — well under the average range for exercise bikes — we would expect to see a few areas that don’t meet the standards we typically seek out. That’s the case with its three resistance levels — many cardio machines have between 16 and 32 — and its 250-pound weight capacity, which falls 50 pounds short of what we like to see on ellipticals and exercise bikes for heavy people. 

If you scour customer reviews on Amazon you’ll notice a few themes. Multiple users reported that over time they encountered a couple durability concerns, like screws that seem to come loose during use and excessive noise.

Best Budget Elliptical-Bike Combo Machine: Plasma Fit Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer

If you search for ellipticals or exercise bikes, you’ll find options ranging anywhere from around $600 to $2,000, which makes the $159.99 price tag on the Plasma Fit Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer plenty enticing. It also occupies just 5.3 square feet of floor space, making its footprint less than a third the size of a typical two-seater sofa. (4)

[Related: The 12 Best Budget Home Gym Equipment]

Whether you’re seated on the wide cycling seat or standing for an elliptical workout, you’ll be using a set of oversized pedals, much like you’d find on a standard elliptical. Transitioning between the two modes is as easy as sitting or standing, then switching between the moving arms or fixed handlebars.

Its small footprint means it can be parked in more places in your home. Also, at just 64 pounds, most people should be able to use the transport wheels to maneuver it through door frames and hallways. 

The LCD display shows the number of calories you’ve burned, time elapsed, and heart rate, which the machine reads via sensors in the fixed handlebars. To sweat along to virtual workouts or entertainment, you may need to position it in front of a TV, as there is no built-in device holder or media shelf.

While we love this machine as a budget-friendly option, the shorter-than-average — by 4 to 7 inches — 11-inch stride length and low 220-pound weight capacity may limit the number of athletes who can safely use it. (5) Even among the best budget exercise bikes and ellipticals, we prefer to see a 300-pound user capacity.

Best Elliptical-Bike Combo Machine with a Screen Holder: Sunny Health & Fitness Essential Interactive Series Seated Elliptical

Whether you prefer zoning out with Netflix or zoning in with a virtual workout, the screen holder on the Sunny Health & Fitness Essential Interactive Series Seated Elliptical provides a dedicated space to secure your tablet or phone while you power through your cardio. The SunnyFit app provides free access to trainer-led classes, but since you are supplying the device, nothing’s stopping you from firing up workouts from some of the best fitness apps like Peloton or iFIT.

For both cycling or elliptical workouts, you’ll be pumping a pair of pedals not unlike those you’d see on an elliptical. The moving arms can help you burn a few extra calories when it’s being used as an elliptical, but you can switch to the fixed vertical handlebars for a more comfortable cycling position.

Those upright handles include integrated pulse sensors, which relay your current heart rate — along with your elapsed time, distance, and calories burned — to the digital monitor so you can keep track of your metrics in real time.

When you saddle up for a ride, the seat adjusts forward and backward, as well as vertically and horizontally so users with an inseam measurement — the distance from your upper inner thigh to your ankle — between 24.4 and 35.2 inches can comfortably spin the pedals. We were disappointed to see just a 220-pound maximum user weight. That’s 80 pounds short of the average for both ellipticals and exercise bikes, which limits its accessibility.

Also standard on exercise bikes we tend to recommend is a flywheel around 30 pounds, so the 11-pounder on this machine is well short of that mark. The 8 levels of resistance provides a decent range to vary the intensity of your workouts, but with a light flywheel, you may not experience the smooth transitions of heavier ones.

What to Consider Before Buying an Elliptical-Bike Combo Machine

Before investing in a best-of-both-worlds combo machine, consider whether it aligns with your fitness goals. Also, think about how it might fit in your home or gym, not to mention your budget. These are a few considerations to keep in mind while you peruse our list.

Preferred Training

All of our picks can help you cash in on the benefits of regular cardio — like lower risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, improved mental health — but before you click add to cart, it’s important to make sure the machine you choose can support your preferred mode of training. (1)(2) 

What BarBend editorial member Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1 said of the ProForm Hybrid Trainer holds true for other combo machines like these. Expect light to moderate cardio instead of pulse-pounding intensity. “This is a good option to get your heart going, but not if you’re looking for some high-intensity training,” she said. “If you were preparing for a cycling event or something, you’d want a true exercise bike.”

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Also, while some of these machines are compatible with fitness apps like iFIT or include preset workout programs, others are more utilitarian units that provide just a bare-bones digital display. As such, you’ll want to consider whether you prefer sweating with a training program or just hopping on and pedaling to the beat of your own drum. 

Budget

As with any large purchase, check in with your bank account to make sure your elliptical-bike combo machine won’t make you miss your rent this month. Our picks range from $159.99 to $799.99, so consider the kind of dedicated exercise bike or elliptical you could get for the same price. 

The best budget exercise bikes fall into a similar range as these combo machines, but you’ll find more durable builds and heavier flywheels that can support more intense rides. If you sprung for an elliptical, you’d need to spend anywhere from $500 to $1,800, but similarly, you could ramp up the intensity or follow virtual workouts on built-in touchscreens. Just one of our picks offer integration with a subscription-based fitness app — the ProForm Hybrid Trainer — so whether you plan to use iFIT or another paid option, make sure you factor in that cost, as well.

If you are looking at a higher-end model, ensure you have the higher-end funds to bring it home. Even the options closer to $159.99 are more in line with your situation, we think they bring a lot to the table in terms of value.

Available Space

These combo machines pack in the capabilities of two (or three) cardio machines, but are still relatively compact compared with typical exercise bikes and ellipticals. Our picks range from 5.3 square feet to 16.58 square feet, so when compared to the average footprints of exercise bikes (7 to 8.5 square feet) and ellipticals (11 to 13 square feet), most will likely take up more floor space than one machine on its own. However, if you consider that these machines offer the functionality of two of the best cardio machines, they can save you a bit of space.

As BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, laid out, your first move should be measuring the space you plan on parking your new machine. “This is a good place to start, because you’ll be really frustrated if you buy a [machine] that doesn’t fit in your intended space or, if you need to be flexible with your space, isn’t easy to move.”

How Much Do the Best Elliptical-Bike Combo Machines Cost?

A major draw for these combo machines is that they combine the functionality of two expensive machines into a single purchase. This can not only save you space, but also some cash. While home gym essentials like ellipticals and exercise bikes can come in anywhere from $600 to $2,000 on their own, our top picks range from just $159.99 to $799.99.

While all of these elliptical-bike combos feature the dual-functionality of an elliptical and either a recumbent or upright exercise bike, the displays, resistance levels, and conveniences vary. For instance, the ProForm Hybrid Trainer comes integrated with iFIT and the automatic resistance adjustments its classes can offer. 

Elliptical-bike combo machines don’t typically feature the robust steel frames of more expensive ellipticals or exercise bikes, so although they offer both modes of exercise, they tend to be more affordable. At $589.10, the steel frame on Hybrid Trainer, however, earned a 4 out of 5 for durability from Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, but she still cautioned, “If you’re just looking for some casual cardio, it’s going to be fine. For a heart-pounding elliptical workout though, you’d need a heftier machine.”

Similar to the best budget exercise bikes and ellipticals, combo options like the Plasma Fit Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer may be considered “bare bones.” However, for a lot of users, a simple metric display, water bottle holder, and adjustable seat are all that’s needed to get their cardio in. 

Benefits of the Best Elliptical-Bike Combo Machines

While ellipticals are well-known for full-body workouts that torch calories, our picks also operate as exercise bikes — recumbent, upright, or both — giving you multiple options for low-impact cardio. (1) If you can’t decide between cycling and elliptical-ing, you won’t have to with an elliptical-bike combo machine. From being space-friendly to budget-conscious, check out how these versatile machines can benefit you.

Low-Impact Cardio

The “combo” in combo machines means that you’ll have access to multiple types of cardio exercises, but that’s not the only benefit to having an elliptical or exercise bike within arm’s reach. Adding regular cardio exercise has been shown to improve your overall cardiovascular health, help manage your weight, and reduce your risk of heart disease. (6) Both gliding and pedaling movements also keep your feet placed firmly on the foot pedals, reducing the amount of force taken on by your joints. (1)(6)

When she laid out who can benefit most from having an exercise bike in their home, our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, made clear the value of these machines. “From people who are looking to generally improve their health, individuals who require low-impact cardio exercise, and competitive athletes, indoor stationary bikes provide excellent workout opportunities.”

Reduced Footprint

If you can combine the footprints of two machines into one, you’ll effectively save half the floorspace – isn’t math incredible? Beyond that, combo machines like these are typically rather compact, and ours range from 5.3 square feet to 16.58 square feet. Most, however, will take up an average of 8 to 12 square feet. If you can imagine adding a new loveseat in your living room, the average elliptical-bike combo machine is smaller by roughly 3 to 7 fewer square feet. (4)

Budget-Friendly

In general, many of the top fitness companies — NordicTrack, Peloton, Sole Fitness — don’t offer combo machines like the models on our list. Unlike the best exercise bikes with screens or high-end ellipticals, these combos are usually designed to be affordable, utilitarian cardio machines for those with small spaces and limited budgets. Seeing as dedicated ellipticals and exercise bikes can run anywhere from $600 to $2,000, elliptical-bike combos might be an easier fit in your budget.

Final Word

For anyone with joint, budget, or cardio boredom concerns, the best elliptical-bike combo machines can offer you the best of both worlds. Feel like standing up on the pedals and pumping your arms for a full-body burn? How about leaning back for a recumbent bike-style cruise? Check and check. These options offer the same positive outcomes of other forms of cardio — like reduced risk of heart disease or improved mental health — but in a variety of forms. (7)(8)(9)

The BarBend team has the experience and trained eyes to separate the studs from the duds when it comes to these cardio mash-ups. Whether you need a device holder for your phone, a higher weight capacity, or four-way adjustable seat, we brought you the best options to efficiently and effectively boost your cardio training. So either saddle up or step up and see if one of these elliptical-bike combo machines works for you.

FAQs

References

Elliptical benefits: Advice from an exercise physiologist. Hospital for Special Surgery. (n.d.-b). https://www.hss.edu/article_elliptical-benefits.asp 

Newman, K., Gibson, K., Zeller, H., Carter, S., and Joyce, B. (July 7, 2009). “Recumbent Exercise Bicycle for Low-Impact Rehabilitation of Obese Individuals.” ASME. J. Med. Devices. June 2009; 3(2): 027516.

How to measure your inseam – men & women. Mavi Jeans. (n.d.). https://us.mavi.com/blogs/stories/how-measure-your-inseam 

Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/

Sydney Bueckert. Fitness Trainer. CES. (2021, May 19). What is the ideal elliptical stride length to best fit you?. Sunny Health and Fitness. https://sunnyhealthfitness.com/blogs/products/best-elliptical-stride-length 

Oja, P., Titze, S., Bauman, A., de Geus, B., Krenn, P., Reger-Nash, B., & Kohlberger, T. (2011). Health benefits of cycling: a systematic review. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 21(4), 496–509. 

Nystoriak, M. A., & Bhatnagar, A. (2018). Cardiovascular Effects and Benefits of Exercise. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 5, 135.

Imboden, C., Claussen, M. C., Seifritz, E., & Gerber, M. (2022). Die Bedeutung von körperlicher Aktivität für die psychische Gesundheit [The Importance of Physical Activity for Mental Health]. Praxis, 110(4), 186–191. 

Mahindru, A., Patil, P., & Agrawal, V. (2023). Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review. Cureus, 15(1), e33475.

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