The 6 Best Ellipticals for Low Impact, High Calorie Burning Cardio

The elliptical is the cardio machine equivalent of a really good mattress: it’s kind to your joints, quietly improves your life,
and makes you wonder why you ever tried to “tough it out” on something that hurts.
Done right, an elliptical workout can torch calories, build endurance, and spare your knees the emotional damage of high-impact pounding.

But ellipticals aren’t all the same. Some feel smooth and “gym-grade.” Others feel like you’re pedaling through wet cement while steering a shopping cart
with one wobbly wheel. So let’s skip the regret and go straight to six standout machines that combine joint-friendly motion with serious calorie-burning potential.

How we picked these ellipticals

We focused on what actually matters when your goal is low-impact, high-output cardio:
stability (no rocking), comfortable biomechanics (stride and pedal feel), resistance range (so you can progress),
incline options (for bigger calorie demand and muscle variety), durability/warranty, and training features that help you show up consistently.

The 6 best ellipticals

1) NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Best overall for guided workouts + incline/decline

Best for

People who want an immersive, coached experience and love the idea of hill work without the “real hill” part.

Why it stands out

The AirGlide 14i is built for variety: incline/decline changes your muscle emphasis, and a broad resistance range helps you turn a “light cardio day”
into “why are my glutes negotiating with me?” territory. It’s also designed around connected traininggreat if motivation improves when a trainer tells you
to keep going (and you obey like it’s a lawful order).

Watch-outs

Smart features often shine brightest with a subscription. If you hate ongoing fees on principle, you’ll want to confirm what you can do without one
and whether the console experience still feels worth the price.

What to look for when comparing

• Incline/decline range (adds challenge without impact)
• Console/training ecosystem (great if it keeps you consistent)
• Footprint (it’s not tinymeasure your space)

2) Sole E95 Best heavy-duty, super-stable “buy it once” pick

Best for

Shoppers who prioritize rock-solid build, smooth feel, and long-term durabilityespecially if you want a sturdy machine for frequent use.

Why it stands out

The Sole E95 has a reputation for being a tank (the good kind). Stability matters because a wobbly machine wastes effort and confidence,
and it’s harder to push intensity when you’re also doing balance corrections. The E95 is the kind of elliptical that says,
“Go aheadsweat. I’m not going anywhere.”

Watch-outs

Big, sturdy machines are… big. Delivery, assembly, and placement take planning. If you live upstairs or have tight turns, measure and strategize like
you’re moving a small piano.

What to look for when comparing

• User weight rating and frame warranty (signals build intent)
• Pedal comfort and spacing (important for knees/hips)
• Incline + resistance range (so it doesn’t become “easy forever”)

3) Horizon 7.0 AE Best budget-friendly elliptical that still feels legit

Best for

People who want strong performance per dollar: a comfortable stride, good resistance, and incline options without paying luxury pricing.

Why it stands out

The 7.0 AE is often praised for smooth operation, a stride length that fits most users comfortably, and the kind of feature set that makes workouts feel
“gym-like” at homeespecially with incline levels that help you create hill intervals. It’s a smart choice when you want calorie burn and progression
but you’re not trying to finance a machine like it’s a used car.

Watch-outs

“Budget” doesn’t always mean “light.” It still has meaningful weight and size. Assembly can be a project, so plan for time, tools, and patience.
(Patience is the most expensive tool, and it’s always sold out.)

What to look for when comparing

• Stride length and pedal feel (smoothness matters for low impact)
• Incline levels (more variety, more challenge)
• Warranty coverage (helps separate “deal” from “oops”)

4) Bowflex Max Trainer M9 Best for HIIT-style calorie burn in less time (compact powerhouse)

Best for

People who want intense, time-efficient workouts and don’t mind a motion that feels more like an elliptical-meets-stepper hybrid.

Why it stands out

If your goal is “high calorie burn” and you like intervals, the Max Trainer style is made for that. The movement encourages a powerful rhythm,
and the resistance range supports brutal (but joint-friendly) HIIT sessions. It’s also more compact than many full-length ellipticals, which matters
when your “home gym” is also your laundry room / office / existential crisis corner.

Watch-outs

The motion is different from a traditional long-stride elliptical. Some people love it immediately; others prefer the more “walking/running-like” feel.
If possible, try a similar machine in person before committing.

What to look for when comparing

• Resistance range (intervals need meaningful top-end challenge)
• Console + workout coaching options (useful for HIIT structure)
• Footprint (big performance in a smaller space)

5) Schwinn 470 Best midrange pick for features without the “smart gym tax”

Best for

Anyone who wants a strong set of training featureslike lots of resistance levels and inclinewithout turning the console into a second streaming subscription.

Why it stands out

The Schwinn 470 is a classic “value-with-muscle” option: enough resistance and incline to keep you progressing, plus connectivity features that can make training
less boring. It’s a good fit for households where different people want different intensities and you need a machine that can flex with everyone.

Watch-outs

Availability can vary by retailer and season. Also, midrange machines sometimes land in the “good at many things, perfect at none” category
which is fine if your priorities are balanced and you want a dependable all-rounder.

What to look for when comparing

• Number of resistance levels and incline capability (progression is king)
• Display readability (you should see metrics without squinting)
• Noise level (quiet machines get used more)

6) ProForm Carbon EL Best affordable elliptical for quiet workouts + BYO screen

Best for

Budget shoppers who want a stable, quiet machine and prefer using their own tablet/TV for entertainment or guided workouts.

Why it stands out

The Carbon EL is a strong entry point if you want joint-friendly cardio without spending premium money. It’s often described as surprisingly quiet and stable
for the price, and it supports connected training through your device. Translation: you can follow a coach, stream a show, or do “stare into the middle distance”
cardiowhatever helps you show up.

Watch-outs

Lower-priced ellipticals can be a little simpler: smaller displays, fewer bells and whistles, and sometimes less “gym-like” stride feel.
But if you’re consistent and use resistance strategically, it can absolutely deliver high-calorie workouts.

What to look for when comparing

• Stability (no shake at higher effort)
• Comfort features (pedal size, handle options)
• Device holder placement (tiny detail, big daily impact)

What makes an elliptical “low impact” but still high calorie?

Low impact mainly means your feet stay connected to the pedals, which reduces pounding forces compared with running.
But “low impact” doesn’t mean “low effort.” Calorie burn is driven by intensityresistance, incline, cadence, and how much total muscle you recruit.

Key features that boost calorie burn (without wrecking your joints)

• Incline/decline: Hill-style work raises demand fast and shifts emphasis to glutes/hamstrings.
• Wide resistance range: You want enough top-end resistance to keep progressing as you get fitter.
• Comfortable stride + pedal ergonomics: Smooth mechanics help you sustain harder work longer.
• Stability: A steady frame lets you drive power instead of managing wobble.
• Moving handles (optional but useful): Using the upper body can increase effortif you push/pull actively.

How to burn more calories on an elliptical (without turning it into punishment)

1) Use intervals, not just “steady forever”

Intervals are the cheat code for calorie burn because they let you spend time at higher effort without having to hold that intensity continuously.
A simple starter session:

• 5 minutes easy warm-up
• 10 rounds: 30 seconds hard + 60 seconds easy
• 5 minutes cool-down

“Hard” should feel like you can speak only in short phrases. “Easy” should feel truly recoverable.

2) Add resistance before you add speed

Many people crank speed and call it intensity. But if your form turns into bouncing and shoulder shrugging, you’re not “training harder,” you’re just auditioning
for a role as a slightly panicked metronome. Increase resistance so the work comes from your legs and hips, not from flailing.

3) Treat incline like a strength tool

Incline makes the same pace feel harderoften with better muscle engagement. Try hill ladders:
2 minutes moderate incline, 2 minutes higher incline, 2 minutes highest comfortable incline, then step down the same way.

4) Use the handles with intention (or don’t use them at all)

Lightly holding moving handles doesn’t add much. If you want a full-body effect, actively push and pull.
If that feels awkward, use stationary handles and focus on powerful leg drive. Both are validchoose the one that helps you work hardest with good form.

Reality check: how many calories can you burn?

Calorie burn depends on your body size, fitness level, and intensity. As a general reference point, moderate elliptical work can land in the
“hundreds of calories per hour” zone, and structured intervals can push that higher. The big win is consistency: the best elliptical is the one you’ll
use four times a week, not the one you’ll admire from across the room like a modern art sculpture.

Quick buying guide: what to prioritize

Stride length and feel

A comfortable stride helps you stay in the workout longer. Most adults do well with a “standard” stride length, but taller users may prefer more room.
If you can, test a machine or check user feedback from people around your height.

Drive type and pedal placement

Front-drive machines often feel compact and stable. Rear-drive machines can feel more “running-like.” Center-drive designs can feel different still.
There’s no single bestwhat matters is that your hips/knees feel natural and you don’t get numb feet or cranky joints after 20 minutes.

Noise and maintenance

Quiet machines get used more. Magnetic resistance is typically quieter than older friction-style systems.
Also check for covered rails and easy cleaningsweat and dust are the unofficial enemies of smooth motion.

Warranty and parts support

Ellipticals are big, moving machines. A strong warranty and reliable parts support reduce stress long after the “new machine smell” wears off.

Conclusion

Ellipticals are one of the best tools for low-impact cardio that still delivers real calorie burnespecially when you combine resistance, incline,
and interval training. Choose a machine that fits your space, your body, and your motivation style. Then build a simple routine you can repeat,
progress, and actually enjoy (or at least tolerate while watching your favorite show).

Real-world experience tips (the stuff nobody tells you until Week 2)

This section is based on common patterns reported by home exercisers, coaches, and reviewersnot superhero genetics or secret NASA treadmills.
If you’re new to ellipticals (or returning after a long break), here’s what “real life” often looks like once the honeymoon phase ends.

Expect the first few workouts to feel weirdespecially for your feet

A lot of people assume an elliptical will feel instantly natural. Sometimes it does. Sometimes your feet go a little numb,
your arches complain, or you notice hotspots you’ve never felt walking. Two easy fixes help most people:
wear stable athletic shoes (not floppy slippers pretending to be sneakers), and adjust your foot position.
Sliding your feet slightly forward or back on the pedals can change how pressure distributes.

“Low impact” doesn’t mean “no soreness”

Ellipticals are kinder to joints, but your muscles still have to workespecially if you add incline or start pushing resistance.
It’s common to feel soreness in glutes, hamstrings, and calves if you’ve mostly been walking or sitting.
The best approach is boring and effective: start with shorter sessions (15–25 minutes), then add time or intensity gradually.
Your future self will thank you. Your current self will still complain, but quietly.

Most people underuse resistance (and overuse speed)

If you’re chasing calorie burn, you’ll get more payoff by adding resistance or incline than by turning your legs into a cartoon blur.
Speed without load can turn into bouncing, which wastes energy and can irritate knees/hips.
A better “effort test” is whether you can keep your torso steady and your hips level while breathing hard.
If your shoulders are creeping toward your ears like they’re trying to hide, lower the speed and raise the resistance.

Entertainment is not cheatingit’s adherence

People love to feel morally superior about “raw-dogging cardio” in silence. Meanwhile, the person watching a sitcom while doing steady Zone 2 cardio
is quietly building a routine they can repeat for months. Use the TV. Use music. Use podcasts. Use guided workouts.
The best motivational tool is the one that gets you back on the machine tomorrow.

Small setup tweaks make a huge difference

Put a fan in front of the machine. Seriously. Cooling lowers perceived effort and makes longer sessions feel doable.
Add a floor mat to reduce vibration and protect flooring. Keep a towel and water within reach so you don’t take “quick breaks”
that mysteriously become 12 minutes of scrolling.

Progress doesn’t have to be dramatic to be real

Many people quit because they expect every workout to be a movie montage. Instead, aim for small, trackable wins:
add one interval, raise resistance one notch, or extend your session by three minutes. Do that consistently and your calorie burn climbs naturally,
because you’re able to sustain harder work with better form.

Bottom line: pick a machine that feels good, build a routine that fits your life, and let consistency do the heavy lifting.
Your joints stay happier, your lungs get stronger, and your cardio confidence levels upwithout the soundtrack of your knees making crunchy noises.