For athletes wanting a low-impact cardio machine for their home gym, the best ellipticals can deliver with calorie-burning workouts that can be less taxing on your joints than, say, running on a treadmill or practicing high-intensity plyometrics. (1) Of course, not everyone has the space available to house these rather large pieces of fitness equipment. The best ellipticals for small spaces can support your low-impact training needs while keeping dimensions more approachable and compact.

Naturally, finding an ideal elliptical for tighter training quarters involves more than the product dimensions alone. You’ll also need to account for your machine’s stride length, weight capacity, and available programming. To help guide you through the purchasing process, we’ve gotten hands-on with over 20 top-performing silhouettes and consulted with our in-house team of experts to compile this round-up of our favorite ellipticals for small spaces on the market today.

The 6 Best Ellipticals for Small Spaces in 2024

Best Elliptical for Small Spaces Overall: ProForm Pro HIIT H14

Best Adjustable Elliptical for Small Spaces: NordicTrack FS10i

Best Budget Elliptical for Small Spaces: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3911

Best Elliptical for Small Spaces for HIIT Workouts: Yosuda E9 Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine

Best Foldable Elliptical for Small Spaces: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902SMART

Best Elliptical for Small Spaces for Streaming: BowFlex Max Total 16

How We Tested and Chose the Best Ellipticals for Small Spaces

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To make our list of the best ellipticals for small spaces, we got hands-on with 23 different equipment silhouettes from top brands, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) to determine our top picks. Below are some of the categories and components we looked at to make our list.

For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to read the BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology page.

Product Dimensions: Of course, an elliptical for a small space should feature a more compact design. We compared elliptical dimensions to that of your standard loveseat — any machine with a footprint smaller than 15.31 square feet was considered for this guide. (2)

Dynamic Programming: Having dynamic programming available on your cardio machine — whether through preset modules or digital streaming services — can help maintain motivation throughout your fitness journey. We made note of which ellipticals were compatible with online training platforms, and highlighted silhouettes that at least featured a device holder for a DIY streaming setup.

Stride Length: We’ve found that the standard stride length for most commercial ellipticals ranges between 16 and 20 inches, so we did our best to feature profiles that fit within that range. For ellipticals with shorter stride length, we made sure that they featured a vertical orientation — this not only saves space overall but can also help keep shorter steps more comfortable.

Weight Capacity: Your elliptical’s weight capacity can be a good indication of its durability. As such, all ellipticals included in this round-up are rated to support at least 220 pounds, with some more high-end models capable of withstanding loads up to 400 pounds.

Portability: If you’re already working around less floor space, it can help to have an elliptical that can be moved in and out of position in an effort to keep your training area as useable as possible outside of training. All of these ellipticals for small spaces either feature lighter frames that can be easily toted from one area to the next, or front transport wheels that can help take the strain out of rearranging your living area for a dedicated workout.

Best Elliptical for Small Spaces Overall: ProForm Pro HIIT H14

If you’re looking for a low-impact workout that’s low on floor space, we recommend the Pro HIIT H14 from ProForm. Thanks to its vertical orientation, this cardio machine resembles a hybrid motion plane that’s closer to a stair stepper than your traditional rear-drive elliptical. As such, the total footprint of this cross trainer comes in at 10.47 square feet, which is less than a typical loveseat sofa that can take up 15.31 square feet of space. (2)

Aside from the space-saving profile, we also enjoyed the in-training experience of this elliptical trainer. Our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor, rated the ergonomics at 4 out of 5, highlighting the easy-to-grip handlebars and approachable foot pedals. “ProForm claims the pedals are oversized and cushioned, but I didn’t get that sensation in training. They’re fine by my standards, but not something to write home about,” they stated.

Like other ProForm cardio machines, the Pro HIIT H14 is compatible with the iFIT training platform, which we’ve previously ranked as one of the best fitness apps. You can stream the library of over 16,000 live and on-demand workout programs across the 14-inch HD touchscreen which provides excellent picture quality. 

Plus, the iFIT integration brings AutoAdjust functionality to your machine — rather than toggling through the 26 levels of resistance on your own, the Pro HIIT H14 will automatically adjust your settings in-tune to your trainer-led courses.

Our tester adjusting the controls on the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 Elliptical.

While we rated the dynamic programming available via iFIT at 5 out of 5, we did score the available tech slightly lower at 4 out of 5. This is due to the lack of streaming versatility across the front console — you cannot pair entertainment streaming services like Netflix or Hulu to the machine.

Finally, the Pro HIIT H14 is a sturdy machine, but that doesn’t come without a little elbow grease. Be prepared to spend a whole day assembling this unit. We rated the overall setup at 2 out of 5, and recommend you have a helping set of hands at the ready to assist with getting everything together.

Read our full ProForm Pro HIIT H14 Review.

Best Adjustable Elliptical for Small Spaces: NordicTrack FS10i

Having an elliptical with an adjustable stride length can be great for keeping your cardio workouts as comfortable as possible without feeling cramped atop your machine. The FS10i from NordicTrack features a stride range up to 32 inches long and automatically adjusts to your gait and movement plane, which can be ideal when trying to take advantage of the FS10i’s step, glide, or run functionalities.

Our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor, rated these customizations at 5 out of 5, stating, “While switching up motions between stepping and elliptical gliding was a learned skill set, I could quickly master it after just a few workouts. Regardless, I always felt like I had enough room for comfortable steps.”

The FS10i also features iFIT compatibility, which can provide high-quality workout modules to keep every session fresh and engaging. We also liked the SmartAdjust technology that automatically toggles your magnetic resistance settings to the instructions from your trainer-led courses.

BarBend lead video reviewer Jake Herod on the NordicTrack FS10i.

There are also quick toggle buttons along the sides of the display for incline and resistance jumps, but our tester commented that the haptics require a firm press for them to actually work. “You definitely need to press hard on each button — a light tap won’t suffice,” they added.

In terms of durability, we scored the FS10i at 5 out of 5 thanks to sturdy construction that showed no swaying or jostling during workouts at varying intensities. We also recommend this NordicTrack offering as one of the best ellipticals for heavy people given the 375-pound weight capacity.

However, the brawn and stability of the FS10i does compromise its portability, which we scored at 3.75 out of 5. Our tester said moving the machine into place can be a workout in itself, even despite the front transport wheels intended to help with maneuverability. It can be wise to have some assistance when looking to rearrange this otherwise impressive cardio machine.

Read our full NordicTrack FS10i Review.

Best Budget Elliptical for Small Spaces: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3911

Finding a compact elliptical to fit your tight training quarters doesn’t necessarily mean stretching your finances. After all, most ellipticals for small spaces will cost roughly $1,250, on average. That said, a budget-friendly cardio machine can be beneficial for some athletes and, in our opinion, the SF-E3911 from Sunny Health and Fitness is the best of the bunch.

Coming in at roughly $380, this petite piece of fitness equipment falls well below the average price. I rated the value at 4 out of 5 given the savings at play, as well as the floor space needed to house the machine itself. The SF-E3911 carries a footprint of just 6.71 square feet, which is even smaller than some of the best exercise bikes on the market. We attribute this space-saving quality to the SF-E3911’s vertical orientation and front flywheel design.

However, this smaller frame does have its limitations in terms of durability. For one, the weight rating is just 220 pounds, which may be too low for some athletes. I’ve also used this elliptical in the past and have noticed some wobbling and sway during workouts, particularly when trying to up the intensity. As such, I scored the durability at 3.5 out of 5.

The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E3911 also features an LCD display that can help you keep track of metrics like time, speed, distance, and potential calories burned. There are no preset training programs to choose from across the monitor, but I do like how the brand includes a small media shelf for streaming purposes.

In the end, though, you can’t really expect a sub-$400 elliptical to come with the latest digital features. Thankfully, if you like taking in your low-impact workouts with some form of entertainment, the SF-E3911 is lightweight at just 69.3 pounds, meaning you can easily set up for a session in front of your television. I scored the portability at 4.5 out of 5, too, thanks to the convenient front transport wheels.

[Related: Sunny Health and Fitness Exercise Bike Review]

Best Elliptical for Small Spaces for HIIT Workouts: Yosuda E9 Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine

Granted, the low-impact workouts ellipticals offer are typically viewed as more leisurely than challenging. However, you can still achieve an intense workout with these machines — even those with more compact footprints. For high-intensity elliptical training, we recommend the Yosuda E9 profile thanks to a sturdy frame that can support weights up to 300 pounds, as well as its wide range of 16 magnetic resistance levels.

I’ve used this Yosuda elliptical in the past and have enjoyed how stable the frame is when pacing through tougher sessions. Plus, I like how the E9 doesn’t need electricity to operate smoothly, meaning there are fewer components that could run amok through extended wear. Overall, I rated the durability at 4.5 out of 5.

The footprint of the E9 measures 5.54 square feet, making it one of the smallest ellipticals we’ve tested. That said, I do feel this smaller design compromises the usability somewhat, namely in the stride length. Taller athletes may feel cramped across the vertical and horizontal motion plane, so I scored the ergonomics at 4 out of 5. There are better ellipticals for tall people out there, but for the right athlete, I still hold the Yosuda in high regard.

As far as tech and dynamic programming, you shouldn’t expect much from the E9. Yes, there are pulse sensors across the center handlebars for heart rate monitoring, but we’ve often found that these palm-centric sensors can be shoddy in terms of accuracy. The LCD monitor features clear readouts, too, but there are no preset programs to choose from.

I scored the available tech at 3 out of 5, too, given the placement of the media shelf across the center console. I do appreciate the inclusion, which can allow for a DIY streaming setup, but the holder is placed behind the center handlebars. Your view could be compromised, especially if you’re using a larger tablet. 

Best Foldable Elliptical for Small Spaces: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902SMART

The best folding ellipticals can be excellent options for athletes in smaller spaces, as they can be folded down and stowed away when not in use. The SF-E902SMART from Sunny Health and Fitness features a convenient foldable frame that, when stored, takes up just 2.74 square feet. Also, despite the compact profile, this elliptical still offers adjustable resistance, Bluetooth connectivity, and a device holder for streaming your favorite online workout programs.

Admittedly, we’ve spent more time with the original SF-E902, which forgoes the Bluetooth connectivity and adjustable resistance bands. Still, though, the designs are the same across the lightweight frame, LCD monitor, and non-slip pedals.

We scored the portability of this Sunny Health and Fitness profile at 5 out of 5 thanks to its easily maneuverable silhouette. Setting up for a workout is similar to bringing out an ironing board for laundry day. “The foldable perk makes it a clear standout amongst ellipticals, and it really adds some benefit to the exercise equipment’s already small stature,” added our tester.

While the tech can be underwhelming across the basic LCD monitor — which tracks time, count, and potential calories burned — the SF-E902SMART does come with a convenient device holder for creating your own streaming setup. Also, the ‘SMART’ callout means this foldable elliptical can pair via Bluetooth to your devices for following along to workouts through the Sunny Health and Fitness app.

There are resistance bands that clip from the frame to the pedals, and the multiple anchor points allow you to toggle the intensity to your liking. However, we scored the adjustability at 3.5 out of 5, as there are only five true settings to choose from, and the bands can begin to compromise your stride length.

Finally, we do want to note the one-year frame warranty for the SF-E902SMART, as well as the 180-day coverage for other parts and components. This is a much shorter warranty than other ellipticals out there, leading to our 3.75 out of 5 value rating. At less than $220, though, can you really expect much more?

Best Elliptical for Small Spaces for Streaming: BowFlex Max Total 16

While trainer-led workouts and interactive modules can be fun and engaging, there are times when burning some calories to the tune of your favorite movie or TV series can be enjoyable, too. While the BowFlex Max Total 16 features trainer-led sessions through the integrated JRNY app, the service is also compatible with popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, giving you options when it comes to on-screen entertainment.

The BowFlex Max Trainer series uses a vertical orientation, giving your workouts a hybrid elliptical-stepper motion

The Max Total 16 is similar to other ellipticals in the BowFlex Max Trainer family, featuring a vertical orientation that blends the motion of an elliptical with that of a stair climber. What separates this particular profile apart, though, is its larger 16-inch HD touchscreen.

[Related: Elliptical Vs. Stair Climber]

While we have yet to actually take in a home workout with the Max Total 16, we do have experience with other Max Trainers from BowFlex, such as the M9 that features a similar, albeit smaller, HD touchscreen. Given the haptics of that component, as well as the crisp visuals and streaming variety, we rated the Max Total 16’s available tech at 5 out of 5.

I’ve also built one of these Max Total 16s for a family friend, so I can speak to the hardware and portability of the profile. While the 155-pound frame is sturdy, moving the cardio machine around your space is a breeze thanks to the front transport wheels. You just need to lift the back base to the balance point, and the wheels do the heavy lifting. I scored the portability at 4 out of 5 and feel most home gym enthusiasts could get this Max Total 16 into position without many issues.

Assembling this BowFlex home gym equipment, though, is a more involved task. The instructions are clear, but there are a number of parts, bolts, and wires that can take up a good chunk of your afternoon. I scored the assembly process at a conservative 3.75 out of 5 — you can do it on your own, but I recommend taking your time to ensure everything goes together smoothly.

Read our full BowFlex Max Total 16 Review.

Benefits of Ellipticals for Small Spaces

Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, states, “People interested in an elliptical for home use will be pleased to find that ellipticals come in a wide range of sizes and styles, with many different options to suit different needs and budgets.” 

As such, the best ellipticals for small spaces can still provide promising workout potential despite their smaller footprints. Below are a handful of our favorite perks associated with low-impact cardio machines.

Low-Impact Training: Training atop an elliptical can be less stressful on your joints, as you aren’t placing your knees and hips through harsh impacts that you’d experience in more taxing activities, like running or jogging. (3) “[Ellipticals] provide a way to get the heart rate up without stressing the joints,” adds Capritto.

Full-Body Workouts: Elliptical workouts can also be a unique way to engage your upper body thanks to the extended handles that can be utilized in training. This can be helpful for athletes looking to maximize their training minutes with a more encompassing approach that targets the total body rather than just your legs.

Space-Saving Dimensions: Ellipticals designed for small spaces feature a smaller footprint than the best commercial ellipticals, thus helping you maintain the livability of your home without sacrificing an entire room’s worth of space for training needs. Some ellipticals for small spaces even feature foldable frames for added storage convenience, allowing you to tuck your workout equipment away in-between sessions.

How Much Do Ellipticals for Small Spaces Cost?

The price of ellipticals for small spaces can vary from one exercise machine to the next depending on the amount of tech, adjustment settings, and conveniences featured across the profile. On average, though, most ellipticals for small spaces come in at a median price point of roughly $1,250. Read below to compare the price tags of all elliptical trainers featured in this round-up.

What to Consider Before Buying Ellipticals for Small Spaces

As with any piece of home gym equipment — from recumbent bikes to rowing machines, treadmills, and beyond — you’ll want to think through a few factors before purchasing an elliptical for your smaller training space. Naturally, product dimensions can play a major role in your decision, but here are a few extra considerations worth pondering over before adding a high-quality silhouette to your cart.

Product Dimensions

According to Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, you’ll first want to ensure that your elliptical can actually fit within your home gym. “This is a good place to start, because you’ll be really frustrated if you buy an elliptical that doesn’t fit in your intended space or, if you need to be flexible with your space, isn’t easy to move,” she states. Break out your trusty tape measure and confirm the floor space you have available for your brand-new cardio machine.

Our tester rolling the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 Elliptical.

Ellipticals for small spaces routinely list the product dimensions, but if you’re skeptical about the size in comparison to your floor plan, we recommend comparing your available space to something more digestible, like a piece of furniture. For example, your standard loveseat sofa takes up 15.31 square feet of space. (2) If you can comfortably house a new loveseat, you can likely accommodate an elliptical designed for small spaces. 

Training Preferences

Ellipticals can be a worthwhile exercise tool for a variety of fitness levels, and studies report that the caloric burn from a 30-minute workout can be on par with other, more intense disciplines, like running at a quick pace or vigorous cycling. (4) However, the low-impact nature of this fitness machine isn’t for everybody, so be sure that your training needs and want can be met with an elliptical before adding one to your home gym setup.

It’s also important to ensure your workout preferences align with an elliptical given that ellipticals (even ones for small spaces) feature fewer storage conveniences like foldable frames. This means that the footprint, while small, is constant, so you’ll need to account for the machine day in and day out as you navigate through your abode. If you’re less enthused to use your elliptical, it can quickly become an obstacle as opposed to a worthwhile training tool.

Available Programming

Another way to maintain the motivation to work out is through engaging programming and training sessions. Many ellipticals for small spaces are compatible with some of the best online workout programs, which can provide libraries of intriguing training modules led by some of the industry’s most trusted instructors and coaches. If you’re less enthusiastic about digital training platforms, it can still be wise to search for an elliptical with a handful of preset programs just in case you want to shake up your regular regimen now and again.

NordicTrack FS10i Touchscreen Monitor

Choosing an elliptical with integrated streaming capabilities is up to you, but we do want to note that digital programming often comes with a required subscription cost. These monthly rates can vary between platforms, so be sure to account for this extra investment when looking at the overall price of your elliptical.

Price 

On average, the best ellipticals for small spaces can cost roughly $1,250. As such, there are still a range of price points across the category, which can be ideal for budget-minded athletes or home gym beginners not looking to sink a ton of coin into a singular piece of equipment. The best elliptical for your small space, though, is one that you can comfortably afford. Crunch the numbers and make sure your finances are in order before adding a unit to your shopping list.

Best Ellipticals for Small Spaces FAQs

References

Long, C. (2023, November 8). Elliptical benefits: Advice from an exercise physiologist. Hospital for Special Surgery. https://www.hss.edu/article_elliptical-benefits.asp 

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

Bosch, A. N., Flanagan, K. C., Eken, M. M., Withers, A., Burger, J., & Lamberts, R. P. (2021). Physiological and metabolic responses to exercise on treadmill, elliptical trainer, and Stepper: Practical implications for training. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 31(2), 135–142. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33477112/ 

Calories burned in 30 minutes of leisure and routine activities. Harvard Health. (2021, March 8). https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/calories-burned-in-30-minutes-for-people-of-three-different-weights

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