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Best Rated Compact & Space-Saving Elliptical Trainers 2024 | Comparison & Reviews

January 20, 2024 by  
Filed under Elliptical Trainer



Best Rated Compact & Space-Saving Ellipticals * Comparison & Reviews – This is a roundup, comparison and reviews of the best rated ellipticals that are compact and take up less room than traditional ellipticals. Compact Recumbent Ellipticals take up a smaller footprint, and are under 60 inches in length. Compact Standing Ellipticals are under 70-inches in length. Traditional ellipticals can be greater than 80-inches in length.

A compact elliptical is ideal for smaller spaces, apartments, and townhouses. Elliptical Trainers provide an excellent form of aerobic exercise at home that you can do no matter what the weather is outside. Elliptical machines are easier on your joints than other forms of cardio exercise. These low-impact exercise machines also build arm and leg strength. You can compare each elliptical trainer below by features such as workout programs, reviews, maximum weight capacity, price, and other features. A glossary of terms is available at the bottom of this page.

Best Rated Compact & Space-Saving Elliptical Trainers 2024 – Comparison & Reviews

Bowflex M3 Max Compact Cross-Training Elliptical Bowflex M8 Max Compact Cross-Training Elliptical Teeter FreeStep Compact Cross-Training Elliptical Inspire Fitness CS3.1 Recumbent Elliptical
Bowflex M3 elliptical

Bowflex
M3 Max
Upright Elliptical


Elliptical Trainer

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Smart-Rating: 4.5/5
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Bowflex M8 elliptical

Bowflex
M8 Max
Upright Elliptical


Elliptical Trainer

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Smart-Rating: 4.6/5
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Teeter Freestep LT1

Teeter
FreeStep LT1
Recumbent


Elliptical Trainer

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Smart-Rating: 4.6/5
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Inspire CS 3.1 Recumbent Elliptical

Inspire Cardio
CS 3.1
Recumbent


Elliptical Trainer

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Smart-Rating: 4.6/5
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Upright Elliptical
Magnetic Resistance
8 Resistance Levels
Moving Handlebars
Grip Heart Monitor
Telemetric Transmitter
2 Workout Programs
Upright Elliptical
Backlit LCD Display
Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs.
2 year warranty
49″L x 26″W x 64.7″H
Low Impact Workout
Top Pick
Compact & Space-Saving
Upright Elliptical
Magnetic Resistance
20 Resistance Levels
Moving Handlebars
Grip Heart Monitor
Telemetric Transmitter
11 Workout Programs
Upright Elliptical
Backlit LCD Display
Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs.
3 year warranty
49″L x 30.5″W x 65″H
Low Impact Workout
BEST of 2024
Compact & Space-Saving
Recumbent Elliptical
Magnetic Resistance
Variable Resistance
Moving Handlebars
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Recumbent Elliptical
LCD Display
Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs.
1 year warranty
52.5″ x 54″ x 38″
Low Impact Workout
BEST of 2024
Compact & Space-Saving
Recumbent Elliptical
Magnetic Resistance
40 Resistance Levels
Moving Handlebars
Grip Heart Monitor
Telemetric Transmitter
10 Workout Programs
Recumbent Elliptical
Backlit LCD Display
Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs.
lifetime frame warranty
59″(L) x 34″(W)
Low Impact Workout
BEST of 2024
Compact & Space-Saving

Top 5 Best Compact Elliptical Machines:

  1. Bowflex M3 Max Trainer Compact Elliptical Machine (4.5 stars)
  2. Bowflex M8 Max Trainer Compact Elliptical Machine (4.6 stars)
  3. Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Elliptical (4.6 stars)
  4. Inspire Cardio Strider 3.1 Recumbent Elliptical (4.6 stars)
  5. HCI Physiostep HXT Recumbent Elliptical Cross Trainer (4.6 stars)

Home Elliptical Glossary of Terms

Maximum User Weight = Each elliptical trainer depending on its construction has a maximum user weight limit. More expensive trainers generally can handle more weight. So if the limit is 300 lbs, and you are over 300 lbs., you should not buy this trainer but look for one with a higher weight limit. If you weigh substantially less than the weight limit, this will put less strain on the machine and parts.
Magnetic Brake Resistance = Most Elliptical Machines use magnetic resistance which offers resistance through magnetic fields. One type of magnetic resistance is ECB (described below). Magnetic resistance is more maintainance free than those older technologies that relied on friction pads and belts. Magnetic resistance braking is smoother to use is quieter than other types of resistance mechanisms.
ECB Resistance = ECB Resistance is a high quality form of magnetic brake resistance. ECB = eddy current brake.
Magnetic Resistance Levels = You can adjust the level of magnetic resistance to adjust the intensity of your workout. The more levels of resistance, the more choices you have in how hard a workout that you can select.
Heart Monitor = Most elliptical trainers have a heart monitor (grip or clip on type) which allows you to monitor your heart rate to meet heart rate goals for cardiovascular fitness. Grip monitors are built into the handlebars. The heart rate can be gotten by either a grip pulse monitor, or chest monitor. Most ellipticals have at least the grip monitor, and some have both a grip and a chest monitor.
Telemetry Belt = This is a belt that is worn to monitor your heartrate. This can be used instead of the grip type of heart monitor and is considered more accurate.
Telemetry Enabled = Wireless enabled. A polar type chest strap can be used, but is not included.
Stride Length = This is the distance between your front foot and back foot at full extension on an elliptical trainer. What is the ideal elliptical stride length? If you are tall with long legs, you would want to get a stride that is longer. You should be able to fully extend your legs during each stride and be able to achieve a full range of motion through your hip joints. Also, you don’t want to hyper-extend. Taller users should get an 18-inch stride or longer. Users below 5′ 4″ can use an elliptical stride length of 18 inches or less. Between 5′ 4″ and 5′ 8″ an 18-inch stride should be ideal. If you are 5′ 9″ or taller, an 18-inch or longer stride is recommended. The taller you are a longer stride will be better. Some high end ellipticals have an adjustable stride length.
Variable Strd = This refers to an elliptical machine that has a varible stride. It will list the inches of the stride (example 2 – 26″). This means that you can adjust the stride yourself and is not fixed.
Workout Programs = Almost all ellipticals have a small computer and display where you can run multiple workout programs that vary the resistance. Some examples of programs are: Time, Distance, Calorie, Hills, Weight Loss, Reverse Train.
LED/LCD Display = The elliptical trainer will have a display to give you information (such as time, calorie burn, distance). They can be either LED lit, or use an LCD screen. Many ellipticals have LCD screens that are not backlit, as many run on batteries. If its says “BACKLIT LCD”, then it has a backlight illuminating the screen. LED displays are illuminated screens.
Built-in Fan = Some elliptical trainers have a built-in fan to cool you off during your workout.
Built-in Speakers = Some elliptical trainers have built-in speakers, so you can plug in your ipod or other mp3 player and listen to music without having to wear earphones which could get tangled during your workout.
Power Incline/Incline Ramp = Some Ellipticals have an incline ramp which can allow you to simulate hills and make your workout harder.


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