As the new year inspires fresh fitness ambitions, many are turning to home gym equipment to achieve their goals. For those seeking an effective, joint-friendly cardio session, cross trainers and elliptical machines offer an ideal solution. These low-impact devices provide a full-body workout without the harsh strain on knees and ankles associated with running on treadmills.
Putting the Top Models to the Test
Our reviewer, a dedicated fitness enthusiast with experience in strength training, kickboxing, and testing gear for major publications, rigorously evaluated eight of the latest and most popular models. The testing process involved hands-on sessions in specialist boutiques and customer experience centres, with some machines even being trialled in a domestic garage setting.
Key factors assessed included noise levels (measured with a decibel reader), build quality, ease of use, connected app features, and overall dimensions. The reviewer also tested transport wheels to gauge how easy each machine would be to manoeuvre in a home environment.
Our Top Picks for Cross Trainers and Ellipticals
After extensive sweat sessions, five machines stood out from the crowd, each excelling in different categories to suit varying budgets, spaces, and workout preferences.
Best Cross Trainer Overall: BowFlex Max Trainer M6
Priced from £1,149.99, the BowFlex Max Trainer M6 blends the motion of a stair-stepper with a traditional elliptical. Its compact design (66 x 117 x 163cm) and 16 resistance levels deliver a punishing lower-body workout that will leave your glutes and quads burning. It connects seamlessly to the BowFlex Jrny app for interactive, video-based workouts. However, its upper-body workout is limited, and the stride length is not adjustable.
Best Value Elliptical Trainer: Horizon EX-59
For those seeking robust quality without a premium price tag, the Horizon EX-59 is the top value pick at £699.99. It features a smooth, front-mounted flywheel with 10 resistance levels and a generous 46cm stride length that mimics gym-quality machines. It works with the free @Zone app for on-demand classes. Drawbacks include a basic display, slow-to-react resistance adjustments, and poor-quality built-in Bluetooth speakers.
Best Premium & Foldable Elliptical: Technogym Elliptical
If budget is no constraint, the foldable Technogym Elliptical (£3,940) offers class-leading design and near-silent operation. It folds upright to minimise its footprint and provides 25 difficulty levels with up to 600W of resistance. To access Technogym's excellent interactive classes, you will need to use your own tablet or smartphone, and the associated monthly subscription is expensive.
Best Compact Cross Trainer: JTX Strider-X8
For tight spaces, the JTX Strider-X8 is a standout compact option at just £399. At 130cm long, it offers a 41cm stride length, 16 resistance levels, and compatibility with apps like Zwift. Compromises include a maximum user height of around 5ft 9in, a basic console, and small footplates that may not suit larger feet. It comes with a two-year at-home warranty.
Best Full-Body Trainer: Schwinn 590 Elliptical
The Schwinn 590 Elliptical (£1,499) delivers one of the most comprehensive full-body workouts tested. Its key feature is electronically adjustable footplates that simulate gradients from -5% to 15%, targeting different leg muscles. Multiple grip positions on the moving handles effectively work the back, shoulders, and arms. While its built-in speakers are mediocre, it boasts a 7-inch display and 25 resistance levels.
Key Considerations Before You Buy
Understanding the difference between an elliptical and a cross trainer is crucial. Traditionally, ellipticals have fixed handles for a lower-body focused cardio workout, while cross trainers have moving handles for a full-body engagement. However, modern home machines often blend these features.
Stride length is a critical factor for comfort and effectiveness; taller users generally need 50cm or more, while shorter strides around 40-45cm may suffice for others. Always measure your available space, as these machines require a significant footprint and ceiling clearance. Entry-level models start around £400, but spending over £1,000 typically yields better build quality, smoother motion, and more features like app integration and adjustable incline.
Fortunately, ellipticals and cross trainers are relatively low-maintenance, especially models with magnetic resistance systems which require no lubrication. Always check the manufacturer's warranty for peace of mind.
