7 Best Compact Ellipticals: Reviews of Small & Folding Models

Compact Elliptical Machines Compared

Benefits Of Buying A Compact Elliptical Machine

Why buy a compact rather than a full-sized elliptical machine? Compact ellipticals come with all the benefits of a larger model, including:

However, compact ellipticals come with the following advantages:

Compact ellipticals are perfect for apartment living and people looking to get fit on a budget in the comfort of their home.

Choosing The Right Compact Elliptical Trainer For Home Gyms

Elliptical Size Vs. Space at Home

Before picking up an elliptical of any size, you need to consider how much space you have available for the model. Measure out your desired workout space and find a model with a suitable footprint. Consider how much storage you have available and whether you need a compact, folding, or standard size elliptical.

Performance Features

User Weight Limits

Machines like ellipticals have a user weight limit to prevent them from breaking under unnecessary strain and causing injuries. Who will be using this treadmill? What is everyone's rough weight? Knowing these things in advance can help you find a compact elliptical with the right user weight limit for you.

Durability

What an elliptical's build is made of will help determine how long it will last. Read the product reviews carefully to see how long other customers have had your desired model and how it fares over time. This will help you avoid any potentially dangerous or poorly made models.

Safety Features

Ellipticals usually have a variety of safety features to protect you while you work out. Does your model have effective floor stabilizers? Is the elliptical easy to move? Are the pedals textured and oversized? Are the grips ergonomic? Is this model suitable for the elderly or those with injuries?

Extra Features

Price & Warranty

In terms of price, compact ellipticals are often cheaper than their standard-size counterparts. Still, they can also be found on sale or with coupon codes. Define your budget before looking and find one either on sale or within that budget to get the best value for money.

Most ellipticals are covered by at least two warranties that can last between 90 days and a lifetime, depending on what is covered. Read the fine print carefully to ensure that you have a model with a decent warranty.

1. Schwinn 411

Best Compact Elliptical

The best compact elliptical under $500 on this list, the Schwinn 411 compact elliptical is a great Amazon's Choice for beginners and pros. This elliptical model has a large 18 -inch stride and 16 levels of resistance, which is excellent for long term variety. The 5.5 -inch console easily tracks and displays time, speed, distance, calories, and heart rate.

There are both moving and fixed handlebars available, with the stationary ones having heart rate monitoring tech built-in. Having two types of handlebars allows you to have either full body or lower body workout options. A media rack and a water bottle holder are built-into the Schwinn 411 elliptical for your convenience.

Bluetooth is available to connect to both the Explore The World app and your devices' health apps. The Explore The World app lets you explore three real-world courses for free and a wide range of them with a paid subscription.

In terms of warranties, the frame is covered for ten years, the parts for two years, electronics for one year, and labor for 90 days; these warranties are decent for compact ellipticals. Schwinn compact elliptical reviews note that there is no built-in fan and that some very tall people were a little restricted by the stride.

2. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902

Most Affordable Compact Elliptical That Folds

The best folding elliptical for people on a budget, the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E902 is an airwalk style of elliptical that can shake up your routine. An adjustable abdominal pad and the cushioned handlebars keep you upright and in control throughout your workout. 

The LCD monitor easily tracks time, total distance, calories, and count to keep you on the goal path. The US-based in-house testing team at Sunny Health and Fitness ensured that the SF-E902 is a smooth and quiet machine with a considerable stride length of 30 -inches. Non-slip foot pedals keep you secure no matter how hard you work out.

While we love the foldable and affordable nature of the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E902, it is essential to note that there is no resistance or heart rate monitoring system. We do not believe that this is a problem, but it may be a dealbreaker for some customers. Nonetheless, the SF-E902 has a solid build that will help you achieve your goals in a fun and natural way.

When it comes time to store your elliptical away, the folding system cuts down on the elliptical's footprint, and its lightweight nature makes this model relatively easy to move around.

3. EFITMENT E005

Best Compact Elliptical For Home Use

The best compact elliptical machine for those looking for home workouts, the EFITMENT E005, is a handy and affordable option. The belt-driven flywheel makes for a smooth and quiet experience while giving you eight different levels of resistance to choose from. 

The LCD monitor tracks your time, speed, calories, distance, pulse rate and has a scan feature. Heart rate sensors can be found on the comfortable handlebars, while the oversized and textured non-slip footplates keep you secure no matter how fast you move. Adjustable leg stabilizers are available for maximum safety, while transportation wheels make storage and movement a breeze.

A phone or tablet holder is built-in to the E005 but makes the LCD hard to read when in use. The 11 -inch stride makes this elliptical not the best option for taller people. It also does not fold but still has a very compact and sleek design to fit into your space.

We love this simple and affordable model from EFITMENT. Nonetheless, we do wish that the LCD and media rack design was a little more intuitive. If the EFITMENT E005 elliptical sounds right for you, give it a try and see if it suits your fitness routine.

4. Cubii Pro

Best Small Under Desk Elliptical Machine

While mini ellipticals are small in size, they can have a significant impact on your health. This simple to use under desk machine is the best small under desk elliptical machine on this list and is on Amazon's Choice list.

Available in multiple color options, the Cubii Pro has eight different resistance levels and a weight capacity of 250 pounds while sitting; it is not meant for standing use.

Cubii Pro models are whisper quiet and portable, making them perfect for the office and throughout your home. Batteries are included to power the LCD monitor, which tracks your distance and calories burned.

Using Bluetooth, the Cubii Pro can connect to the Cubii mobile app and sync with your preferred health and fitness tracking apps. Not only that, but it can sync to Fitbit health bands and other devices. Live workout classes are available to give you an added challenge, while the online community is there to help you stay motivated.

While we love the Cubii Pro, it is vital to bear in mind that it is on the heavy side at 32 pounds and is covered by comparatively short warranties. These are not dealbreakers for many customers but are worth noting before purchase.

5. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905

Best Compact Elliptical Under $200

Our top pick in the best compact elliptical under $200 category, the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E905, is an affordable option for those looking to get a good workout without shelling out. An Amazon's Choice product, the E905 features a magnetic tension system that provides smooth, even, and quiet operation and eight resistance levels. 

Stationary and moving handlebars are available to choose from, with heart rate sensors included in the comfortable handles. The digital monitor tracks your time, speed, distance, calories burned, and pulse for easy progress tracking. Transport wheels are available to make moving this 60-pound machine easier.

Floor stabilizers keep you safe and secure throughout your workout, no matter how intense it may get. While we love the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E905's price tag and easy to use features, we do think that the warranties are on the short side. The frame is covered for three years while the parts are only covered for 180 days – this is much shorter than other competitors on the market.

For some, the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E905 compact elliptical may be on the basic side, but we believe that this elliptical can get the job done and help you reach your goals.

6. Aceshin Elliptical Machine

Best Rated Compact Elliptical

The best-rated compact elliptical on this list, the Aceshin Elliptical Machine, has many great features. It is available in various color options for the design-conscious. This model has a broad base and floor stabilizers for added safety.

Stationary and moving handlebars with heart rate monitors are available and built-in elbow mounts for added comfort. The v-belt drive provides smooth and quiet operation and eight levels of resistance for an increased challenge. Constructed with a steel build, the Aceshin has comfortable grips and large ridged pedals for your safety and comfort.

The LCD monitor tracks your distance, calories, time, speed, heart rate, and a scan function for your convenience. The large user weight limit of 330 pounds makes it an excellent option for larger folks or households with multiple members. While this model is made of steel, it is only 35.8 pounds in weight and is easy to move using the wheels.

The 13-inch stride length could be more considerable but not as small as other models. It is worth noting that the Aceshin Elliptical Machine can wobble a little during intense workouts but not enough to be dangerous for the user. Give the Aceshin Elliptical Machine a try for yourself to see if it suits your lifestyle.

7. Stamina InMotion E1000

Best Portable Small Elliptical

Our top pick in the best portable small elliptical category, the Stamina InMotion E100 is another Amazon's Choice entrant with a lot to offer. This quiet and portable small elliptical is available to use in both a seated and standing position. It can accommodate both backward and forward motion.

Available in a variety of color options, the InMotion E100 is a low impact machine that is perfect for home use. It tracks your time, calories, number of strides per minute, and total strides each session using the LCD monitor. Textured pedals help keep you safe throughout your workout and suit various shoe sizes. The weight capacity is a little small at 250 pounds, making it not the best choice for all body types.

This lightweight model sits at an easy to carry 24 pounds, making it easy to cart around the home or office. The warranty is short; the material and labor are covered for 90 days while the frame is covered for one year. The resistance is adjustable, but it is not clear by how many levels.

Suppose the Stamina InMotion E100 sounds like the right choice for you. In that case, we recommend picking one up for yourself and experiencing it in the comfort of your home.

Elliptical Type Vs. Individual Needs

Treadmill Vs. Elliptical: Which Is Better For Limited Space?

Whether a treadmill or an elliptical is better for limited space depends on the amount of space you have, your budget, your body, and your fitness goals. Treadmills often take up more space than ellipticals but can often fold flat or upright for easy storage.

On the other hand, ellipticals are more versatile, compact, and low impact than treadmills are. Standard size treadmills and ellipticals are often at similar price and lifespan ranges as well. Consider your preferences and make the best decision for your health goals.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is 30 minutes a day on the elliptical enough to lose weight?

With consistent effort and a healthy diet, it is possible to lose weight.

Does elliptical tone buttocks?

Ellipticals do target the glutes among other muscles, meaning they do target your buttocks and entire body.

Should your feet stay flat on an elliptical? What are some key tips for working out on an elliptical?

Yes, your feet should stay flat on the elliptical for optimal results and safety. You can find elliptical workout tips here.

How much clearance do I need for a compact elliptical?

That depends on the model's footprint and stride length of your elliptical. Read the product description and manual carefully.

How to prevent floor from scratching under an elliptical?

What do I need to think about when maintaining compact elliptical machines?

Where is the best place to buy these compact models reviewed?

We recommend purchasing your compact elliptical from Amazon thanks to its range of product reviews, range of options, regular sales, and quick delivery.

Conclusion

It is easy to reach your fitness goals in a small living space with a compact elliptical. While we love all of the models on our list, we would recommend the Schwinn 411 overall. 

It came out on top thanks to its quality features, affordable price, and customer reviews. Are you looking for more home gym options? You can find more recommendations on our website.