Best cross-trainers and elliptical machines to buy in 2023
Love working out in the comfort of your home? This budget-friendly elliptical has been praised for “getting results”.
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With many of us discovering the beauty of being able to workout at home in the past few years, investing in quality training equipment has become more important.
Cross trainers or elliptical machines as they are also known are a great option if you’re looking to improve your overall health.
The machines work both the upper and lower body, as you use your arms to push while your legs power the elliptical section of the machine.
Which one is better a cross trainer or a treadmill?
This is a common question people ask when deciding which piece of fitness equipment to buy.
A 2010 study found the energy expenditure across treadmills and elliptical machines were the same, which is great news if you aren’t a fan of running on a treadmill.
Below you’ll find our top picks for elliptical and cross trainer machines, from hi-tech options to budget-friendly models.
SHOP BY CATEGORY
- Best overall cross trainers and elliptical machines
- Most affordable cross trainer and elliptical machine
- Best back friendly cross trainers and elliptical machines
- Best premium cross trainer and elliptical machines
BEST OVERALL CROSS TRAINERS & ELLIPTICAL MACHINES
Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Bike, $568.15 at Amazon
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
The Magnetic Elliptical bike is designed to give you the ultimate aerobic and cardiovascular routine without straining and impacting your joints.
The machine also features a LCD Monitor that tracks time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse, which is useful if you’re keen to track your fitness over time.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
With over 9,990 five-star reviews, this is a trainer that you won’t regret buying. Reviewers love that it is fairly small and recommend it for people looking to save space. “It doesn’t take up much room, and can easily be pushed around so you can put it out of the way after each use with not a lot of effort,” wrote one five-star review.
Another said, “The resistance style allows me to do a quick 3 miles and burn enough calories to feel accomplished. Would recommend to anyone trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle not to go crazy and kill it like you’re at the gym.” Similarly, one happy customer summed it up by saying, “Simple, compact, effective. Highly recommend if you want to stay healthy on a budget and get results.”
NordicTrack Freestride FS10I Trainer, $3499 at Rebel Sport
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
One of the most expensive cross trainers on this list but easily one of the best, this offering from NordicTrack takes a spot in our best of list because of the sheer volume of options at your fingertips. Think 24 levels of resistance, digital one touch incline from 0-10 per cent, 26 preloaded workouts designed by fitness professionals that automatically adjust incline and resistance, and even a built-in cooling fan.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
This cross trainer has some mixed reviews on Google but one happy customer who gave five stars said, “The mechanical side of this machine is very good, I’m impressed with how quiet and smooth and sturdy it is – it really feels like a gym machine.”
They continued, “The interactive training side is excellent too – the videos have helped me to keep going when I know that if I was working out old school style, I would have quit quite a few workouts and told myself that I’ve done enough.”
Proflex Elliptical Cross Trainer Exercise Home Gym Fitness Equipment Xtr4 II, $224 at eBay
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
If you’re after an elliptical machine that does what it says without all the bells and whistles, then this is for you. Featuring a magnetic flywheel for a smooth ride as well as pulse sensors on the handlebars, this machine is an easy buy. The LCD display also monitors heart rate, calories, time and distance.
WHAT REVIEWS SAY
“It is exactly as described and does the job perfectly for what I need,” says one five-star review. Another says, “this product is great it’s quiet and works efficiently, and is also great value for money.”
While most of the reviews on Google do love the functionality of this machine, many do note that you have to put this one together yourself. If this doesn’t sound like you, make sure you have a handy friend around.
MOST AFFORDABLE CROSS TRAINER & ELLIPTICAL MACHINE
FILA Fitness Cross Trainer, $249 at MyDeal
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
This sleek and compact cross trainer features eight levels of resistance, an LCD display measuring speed, time, distance, calories, your pulse, and a hand pulse sensor. That’s a lot of tech for a small price.
Everfit Elliptical Cross Trainer, $422.95 (down from $469.95) at Myer
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
This unique cross training machine features a standing bike option or the traditional walking mode, so you can mix up your workout and keep things interesting. With eight levels of resistance, a pulse sensor and LCD display, this has everything you need to get fit at home.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
This machine offers a 4.1 out of 5 rating on Google. “The cross trainer is brilliant. Great value and works well.” one reviewer raved. Another wrote, “This bike is perfect for living in a unit as it is foldable and very quiet.”
BEST BACK FRIENDLY CROSS TRAINERS AND ELLIPTICAL MACHINES
FreeStep LT-1 Recumbent Cross Trainer, $1599 (down from $1799) at rebel
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
This seated version of a cross trainer is an option for people who struggle with back aches. It is designed to take pressure off the lower back and transfer it to your arms and legs and the adjustable seat allows you to set the right height and positioning to ensure your back doesn’t take all the pressure. But of course, always seek medical advice on exercise programs if you have back issues.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
The FreeStep Crosstrainer has accumulated an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 from an overwhelming 200 plus five-star reviews.
One five-star rating customer said the machine is “easy on joints”, while another said it was “easy to assemble … quiet and sturdy … amazing to use for anyone who needs their back supported while exercising.”
BEST PREMIUM CROSS TRAINER & ELLIPTICAL MACHINES
PowerTrain Elliptical Cross Trainer, $729 at Myer
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
This cross trainer has everything – a weight twist disc and two sets of dumbbells to further tone your arms, back and core. Resistance bands that come with the machine can also help you level up your workouts, plus the unique design allows you to stand or sit, working an array of muscles.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
Reviews on Google csay it is “simple but effective” and a “solid workhorse.” One five-star review wrote, “I bought this elliptical bike a few weeks ago and absolutely love it. Was relatively easy to put together and it definitely gives the workout I was looking for. Love the moving arms and the fact that you can reverse cycle too.”
Lifespan Fitness X-41 Cross Trainer, $1,079 at Amazon Australia
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
We think this machine takes the title of most stylish cross training machine. Its sleek lines and minimalist appearance means you won’t mind it being left set up in your home office or living area, plus it’s quiet – so you won’t annoy anyone when you become obsessed with cross training.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
The Lifespan Cross Trainer has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 on the Catch website. Happy five-star rating customers have said it’s “really easy to set up”, an “excellent product” and “brilliant for the home”.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CROSS TRAINER AND AN ELLIPTICAL?
More Coverage
Cross trainer machines are the same as ellipticals, they are both terms for machines that allow you to climb, walk or run without the pressure on your joints the real-life versions may bring. They are low impact exercise machines that make them perfect for those looking to avoid impact injuries.
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