Best Folding Elliptical 

Introduction

 When trying to get in shape or stay in shape, cardio is an important part of any balanced workout to help maintain good heart and pulmonary health as well as build endurance. However, running-- even on a treadmill-- puts unnecessary strain on your joints without working the rest of your body.

 That is why we put together a list of the 10 best folding elliptical reviews of 2020, highlighting what each one does best. We also provide a helpful buyer’s guide, so you can find the right folding elliptical to fit all your space and workout needs.

Best Folding Elliptical: The Reviews

Gazelle Supreme Glide Folding Elliptical

 Tony Little built a veritable fitness infomercial empire on the Gazelle that has been a major player in the cardio workout market for over 2 decades. Not only is this the first glider elliptical on our list but it is the most successful glider elliptical of all time, and the Gazelle Supreme is the flagship model.

 It is worth noting that glider folding ellipticals work very differently than other types of folding ellipticals with the absence of a flywheel being one of the most notable differences. That said, the Gazelle Supreme folding elliptical bucks most gliding elliptical trends by offering a stage of resistance with Power Pistons.

 On top of that, this might be the best folding elliptical for small spaces that we encountered thanks to its compact profile of 44” x 31 ½” x 54” unfolded and 66” x 29 ½” x 13” when folded. Even better, you do not have to worry about struggling to get the Gazelle Supreme folding elliptical out as it only weighs 57 ½ lbs.

 One thing to consider with this model, and glider folding ellipticals in general, is the absence of high-end extra features that you might find on commercial-grade ellipticals. That said, the Gazelle Supreme folding elliptical comes with a couple of different extra features like a heart rate grip, cup holder, and display that tracks your progress. 

 In terms of general specs, this folding elliptical provides one of the longest strides on our list at 28” which works great for taller people and allows for a better cardio workout. To make sure larger people do not have to worry, the Gazelle Supreme folding elliptical users 2” steel tubes that provide a weight capacity of 300 lbs.

Pros

• Is more compact
• Is easier to move
• Offers multiple configurations
• Is less expensive

Cons

• Not a “true” elliptical
• Has few extra features

NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i Folding Elliptical

 When it comes to at-home gym equipment, few companies can boast the kind of reputation and consistent performance that Nordictrack does. Though the company may have started with an at-home ski machine, its more than 40 years of experience makes for a great flagship folding elliptical.

 That said, the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i folding elliptical offers a bit more in terms of connectivity and extra features than it does base specs. For instance, you will not have to worry about challenging yourself as this folding elliptical comes with 24 different resistance settings and offers a maximum incline of 10°.

 On top of that, you can customize your workout more with the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i folding elliptical than many of its competitors thanks to the included 30 different programs. Of course, if you want even more program options, you should look to this folding elliptical’s iFit compatibility.

 Still, the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i folding elliptical is an expensive option, though that likely comes from the brand name as well as the extra features. Likely a big part of this folding elliptical’s price tag comes from the 7” HD touchscreen display that can also pair with your tablet held on its tablet rack.

 The NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i folding elliptical also comes with dual handles that can read your heart rate, but also comes with a chest strap for more accurate readings. Finally, you do not have to worry about the creature comforts with this folding elliptical which comes with 2” speakers, a cup holder, and an Autobreeze fan.

Pros

• Has 24 resistance settings
• Has 30 different programs
• Has numerous extra features
• Has a 7” touchscreen display

Cons

• Is more expensive
• Harder to move

Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 Folding Elliptical

 Horizon Fitness may not be the most well-known company, but they have every bit as much experience as their more prestigious competitors with more than 40 years under their belt. On top of that, Horizon Fitness positions itself as a mid-tier option that comes with most of the bells and whistles found on the high-end, commercial-grade options.

 For starters, the Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 folding elliptical tops our list with a whopping 37 different programs to choose from. Of course, if you cannot find the right workout for you among those options, this folding elliptical also connects to Via Fit or Passport for even more workout possibilities.

 On the other hand, the actual workout potential of the Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 folding elliptical is a bit hit or miss as it comes with a respectable 20 different resistance settings but offers no incline options. Still, this folding elliptical should work for every size person thanks to a 20” stride and a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs.

 While not the largest, the Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 folding elliptical also comes with a 6 ¼” LCD display, though it is a bit underwhelming when you consider the price tag. Thankfully, this folding elliptical is exceptionally durable with a Six-Star frame and is easier to move with a hydraulic FeatherLight folding system.

Pros

• Has a 23 lb flywheel
• Has 37 different programs
• Works with multiple apps
• Has a 6 ¼” LCD display

Cons

• Is more expensive
• Does not have incline settings

Bowflex Max Trainer M8 Folding Elliptical

 Bowflex might have earned its name as an all-in-one at-home gym system, but it continues that trend with the Max Trainer M8 folding elliptical. That said, this folding elliptical does not follow the traditional elliptical design and instead meld the elliptical and stepper design into an intriguing hybrid.

 This allows the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 folding elliptical to offer a significantly more difficult workout that burns more calories than most of the other options we reviewed. On the other hand, that also means that you should not expect this folding elliptical to provide any sort of incline as that would be unsafe.

 Thankfully, that does not preclude the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 folding elliptical from pushing you to the limit thanks to 20 different resistance settings. Unfortunately, Bowflex only provides 7 different programs with this folding elliptical, though it offers 4 different user profiles making it perfect for a multi-user home.

 However, part of the reason that the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 folding elliptical comes with so few programs is due to the included apps. For starters, this folding elliptical is compatible with the solid JRNY app but it also features Bowflex’s patented Max Intelligence artificial intelligence system.

 The Max Intelligence system tracks your workouts and progress, learning your limits and offering customized programs to push you further during your workouts. Of course, neither artificial intelligence nor the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 folding elliptical come at a low cost made only higher due to subscription fees.

Pros

• Has 20 resistance settings
• Learns as you use it
• Works with multiple apps
• Is a better workout

Cons

• Is more expensive
• Not a “true” elliptical

ProForm 895 Cse Smart Strider Folding Elliptical

 ProForm makes another appearance on our list with a newer model that is not a flagship option which puts it in a bit of a middle-ground compared to some of the competition. That said, the ProForm 895 Cse Smart Strider folding elliptical comes with plenty of high-end features of its own.

 While you are more than welcome to use a smart device, this folding elliptical comes with a robust 7” HD touchscreen display. Of course, if you do want to use your smart device, the ProForm 895 Cse Smart Strider folding elliptical works with both the iFit app and iOS applications.

 However, you may not need to worry about that as this folding elliptical comes with 32 different onboard programs, tied for the most on our list. As if that were not enough, you can get some of the best workouts with the ProForm 895 Cse Smart Strider folding elliptical thanks to its 24 different resistance settings and a maximum incline of 10°.

 This folding elliptical also comes with a litany of extra features like ProForm’s CoolAire fan, dual 2” speakers, a water bottle holder, and a tablet rack. On top of that, the ProForm 895 Cse Smart Strider folding elliptical keeps excellent track of your progress with dual heart rate handles and an included chest strap.

 Unfortunately, without even being the flagship model, all of the extra features on this entry push its price higher than you might like. It is also worth noting that while it folds into a reasonably compact profile, the ProForm 895 Cse Smart Strider folding elliptical weighs 190 lbs which makes it more difficult to move than some of the other options.

Pros

• Has 24 resistance settings
• Has 32 different programs
• Has numerous extra features
• Has a 7” touchscreen display

Cons

• Is more expensive
• Harder to move

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Folding Elliptical

 Sunny Health & Fitness is not the most prestigious company on our list and at just over a decade and a half, not the most experienced either. However, Sunny Health & Fitness fills the true consumer-grade void left by most other larger, more reputable companies with the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk.

 Unlike most of the other models on our list, this folding elliptical is not a “true” elliptical in the traditional sense and is instead a glider. This provides some drawbacks in a lack of features but is much better for single users who have to worry about a lack of space compared to traditional ellipticals.

 For instance, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk folding elliptical has the smallest footprint on our list with an unfolded profile of 25” x 19” x 57” and a folded profile of 15” x 19” x 61 ½”. Even better, a single person should have no issue setting this option up or putting it away as it only weighs 35 lbs.

 However, a gliding folding elliptical does not generally offer resistance or incline options which can limit the workout to pure cardio. It also does not help that the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk folding elliptical has the lowest maximum weight capacity on our list at only 220 lbs, making it a poor choice for heavier individuals.

 Thankfully, the same cannot be said for taller users as this folding elliptical boasts the longest stride that we reviewed at an astounding 30”. While the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk folding elliptical may not come with many high-end features, it provides an abdominal pad and an LCD monitor.

Pros

• Is more compact
• Is easier to move
• Has the longest stride
• Is less expensive

Cons

• Does not have incline settings
• Not a “true” elliptical

NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i Folding Elliptical

 NordicTrack makes another appearance on our list but favors a more value-driven approach instead of the flagship appeal. That said, the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i folding elliptical still delivers in many ways, though it clearly sits in a bit of a middle-ground where a little bit more of a cost can net far more features.

 Thankfully, NordicTrack makes sure that its budget-friendly commercial-grade model still offers plenty of extra features like a water bottle holder, a tablet rack, and the AutoBreeze Workout fan. Unfortunately, you might have to rely on your smart device, as the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i folding elliptical has one of the smallest native displays we reviewed.

 That said, you should not necessarily have to worry about getting a good workout as this model comes with 22 different resistance settings as well as a maximum incline of 10°. Even better, the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i folding elliptical comes with 24 different programs to make sure you get the right workout for you.

 Even better, this folding elliptical is iFit compatible, allowing you to dramatically expand your workout options if the included 24 programs are not enough. Still, you may get more of a workout than you bargained for as the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i folding elliptical is 190 pounds and more difficult to move around when folded than some of the competition.

 One odd quality of this folding elliptical is that it only offers an 18” stride, but is built solidly enough to handle a maximum weight capacity of 325 lbs. Regardless, the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i folding elliptical comes with 2 sets of handles that can read your heart rate as well as an included chest strap.

Pros

• Has 22 resistance settings
• Has 24 different programs
• Has a 10° max incline
• Is less expensive

Cons

• Has a smaller stride
• Harder to move

VISION FITNESS XF40 Touch+ Folding Elliptical

 Vision Fitness is not the most well-known company we reviewed nor is it the most experienced, but that is likely due to its focus on commercial-- rather than consumer-- sales. However, the VISION FITNESS XF40 Touch+ is still a great at-home option for someone who likes to stay connected.

 Specifically, this folding elliptical offers far more connectivity options than any other option we reviewed and is compatible with Polar, Virtual Active, Passport, iOS, and iOS+Nike. As if that were not enough, the VISION FITNESS XF40 Touch+ folding elliptical also comes with a 10” HD touchscreen display.

 Another uncommon feature of this model is the inclusion of a USB port which not only allows you to connect smart devices to your machine but charges the smart device as well. Of course, the VISION FITNESS XF40 Touch+ folding elliptical does not come with all of these advanced features at a low cost.

 Still, this folding elliptical offers a number of other extra features too like a water bottle holder and tablet rack-- though it does not come with a fan. That said, the 20” stride combined with a weight capacity of 325 lbs means that no one is too large to use the VISION FITNESS XF40 Touch+ folding elliptical.

 It is also worth noting that this entry offers some of the best workout options we encountered with 20 different resistance settings and a list-leading 23-lb flywheel. Unfortunately, you have to rely on the superior specs to get all of your workouts as the VISION FITNESS XF40 Touch+ folding elliptical does not incline and only comes with 17 programs.

Pros

• Has a 23 lb flywheel
• Has 20 resistance settings
• Has numerous extra features
• Works with multiple apps

Cons

• Is more expensive
• Does not have incline settings

Proform 990 CSE Smart Strider Folding Elliptical

 Proform makes another appearance on our list, but this time it features the flagship model of a previous generation. This makes the Proform 990 CSE Smart Strider folding elliptical better than its predecessor in some ways but a bit outdated by comparison in other respects.

 However, there is no getting around the fact that being an older generation model, this option comes at a lower price while still providing many of the high-end features you want. For instance, the Proform 990 CSE Smart Strider folding elliptical comes with Intermix 2.0 Acoustics, a CoolAire fan system, and a water bottle holder.

 On top of that, this is the only folding elliptical on our list that offers an adjustable stride to suit different user heights with a range of 18” to 20”. As if that were not enough, the Proform 990 CSE Smart Strider folding elliptical can push you further than most of the competition too thanks to a maximum incline of 30°.

 However, you may need to take advantage of these unique features as this folding elliptical only comes with 16 different resistance settings. Even more disappointing, the Proform 990 CSE Smart Strider folding elliptical also only comes with 20 different programs-- though this is more mid-range than anything else.

 Of course, this article focuses on folding ellipticals which is one of the areas where this model suffers the most as its folded dimensions still measure a robust 27” x 66” x 44”. To make matters worse, it is more difficult to move the Proform 990 CSE Smart Strider folding elliptical due to its horizontal folded design and weight of 246 lbs-- the most on our list.

Pros

• Has an adjustable stride
• Has a 30° max incline
• Has numerous extra features
• Is less expensive

Cons

• Not the most compact
• Not the most settings

Horizon Fitness Evolve 3 Folding Elliptical

 Horizon Fitness finds its way onto our list yet again, but this time the company provides one of its more affordable options that still provides plenty of advanced specs and features. That said, whereas the flagship model can hang with the bigger companies, the Horizon Fitness Evolve 3 is definitely a mid-tier option.

 The Horizon Fitness Evolve 3 folding elliptical is a perfect example of this as it comes with compatibility with both Via Fit and Passport apps, allowing you numerous workout options. Of course, you do not need connectivity to get plenty of workout options with this entry as it also ties our list for second-best with 32 different programs.

 While not the most, the 20 different resistance settings also provide plenty of options, though the continued lack of incline limits the upper levels of this entry’s workout. Still, the Horizon Fitness Evolve 3 comes through with comfort and some workout potential thanks to a 20” stride which works well for most heights.

 One thing that is a bit odd for a folding elliptical with so many connectivity options is the absence of Bluetooth, relying on WiFi or direct connection to smart devices instead. However, that “mid-tier” designation shows up in full as the Horizon Fitness Evolve 3 folding elliptical is a reasonably-priced model.

 This folding elliptical also comes with Horizon’s solid build principles including its Six-Star frame for added durability and hydraulic FeatherLight folding. It is also worth noting the extra features on the Horizon Fitness Evolve 3 like the built-in speakers, water bottle holder, and tablet rack-- though it lacks a fan and has a smaller native display.

Pros

• Has 20 resistance settings
• Has 32 different programs
• Has a 20” stride
• Is less expensive

Cons

• Does not have incline settings
• No Bluetooth connectivity

Buyer’s Guide

Type

• Glider - This is less of an elliptical as you might think of it, though gliding ellipticals still perform the same basic motion. However, gliding ellipticals focus far more on cardio than they do anything else and rarely offer any significant resistance. On the plus side, gliding ellipticals often come in a much smaller profile and weigh less than other types of ellipticals.
• Stepper Hybrid - Rather than focus on horizontal movement, stepper hybrids incorporate the vertical axis with the horizontal. This makes stepper hybrid ellipticals some of the best for getting serious workouts that burn more calories and work your muscles better. However, this type of elliptical tends to cost more, weigh more, and is far less compact than other types.
• Traditional - This is your standard type of elliptical, though it can be further broken down into front or rear-drive subcategories. Regardless, this type of folding elliptical covers a wide range of different costs but will usually be heavier than some other types. Thankfully, this type of elliptical also often comes with plenty of extra features as well as a more stable build.

Stride

 This is a sneaky important feature for an elliptical as it determines how comfortable different users are when using the machine based on their height. However, part of what makes it so sneaky is that the difference in stride lengths may only be a couple of inches, but that can make a huge impact.

 A big part of the reason that the stride is so important comes down to how many different muscle groups are activated while using the elliptical. The longer the stride the more muscle groups are activated, and the more muscle groups are activated the better workout you get.

Incline

 While ellipticals offer a decent cardio workout, sometimes you want to push yourself further and get more out of your exercise than basic cardio. This is where inclines help as they not only push your heart and lungs harder, but they also put more strain on your muscles for toning and strengthening purposes.

 For the most part, your average folding elliptical provides up to 10° for a maximum incline which is good enough to significantly boost the benefits of your workout. It is worth noting that if you use an elliptical because of joint issues, you may not be able to take advantage of steeper inclines without risking injury.

Flywheel

 The flywheel is another factor that may not be easy to gauge from a spec sheet but can make a big impact when actually using the elliptical. The flywheel is what determines how much resistance you feel and how that resistance feels, measured in pounds-- though this can be a bit of a misnomer.

 Part of what makes modern flywheels so tricky is that many high-end ellipticals use magnetic resistance to reduce the noise and increase the durability. Another thing to look for with a flywheel is a drive belt rather than a chain belt, though this is strictly a volume issue for well-made machines.

Dimensions & Portability

 Given that our article covers folding ellipticals the dimensions and portability rate higher for our considerations than they might for a more general elliptical article. The dimensions are important both folded and unfolded as likely part of the reason you want a folding elliptical is so it does not take up too much space.

 In terms of weight, this can be a bit of a double-edged sword as too much weight makes it difficult to fold and unfold the elliptical. However, too little weight can leave the elliptical sliding across a smooth floor and may indicate a lesser build-quality that will not hold up under regular use.

Interface & Display

 Regardless of how many features a folding elliptical offers, none of that matters if you cannot figure out how to select the settings or find yourself too frustrated to bother. This is where a solid interface as well as a robust display can come in handy, especially if you plan on using exercise apps with your elliptical.

 However, some folding ellipticals provide both a solid interface panel as you would expect as well as additional controls on the handles for seamless transitions. Even better, high-end folding ellipticals often provide large, touchscreen displays that allow you to change settings without pressing a million buttons.

Connectivity

 Given that so many social exercise apps exist to provide a sense of community, provide additional workout programs, or just keep you interested, connectivity is important. Granted, you do not necessarily need to look for the most connected folding elliptical so long as you are comfortable with one program or another.

 Just make sure that you consider whether or not the program requires a subscription fee as this should ultimately be included in your cost analysis of the folding elliptical. It is also important to consider how the elliptical connects with WiFi and Bluetooth being common but USB a solid option as well. 

Resistance

 This is likely one of the most important basic specs that a folding elliptical has, but unfortunately, there are no standard forms of measurement. Instead, companies tell you how many different resistance settings their elliptical offers but provide no idea of what any given setting means.

 That said, the highest level of resistance for most folding ellipticals tends to be stiff enough that you get a good workout for multiple muscle groups as well as a solid cardio burn. Just do not think that more resistance settings necessarily means that one model provides more resistance than another.

Build Quality

 Given that you expect to perform vigorous exercise with your folding elliptical, making sure it has a good build quality and will not break is important. Generally, you should look for folding ellipticals that use steel for the frame, but it should not be quite as important that the entire machine is steel or metal.

 Too much metal will make the folding elliptical heavier which then makes it harder to move the machine around when you fold it up. That said, a folding elliptical should still be strong enough to support a weight upwards of 300 pounds outside of gliding ellipticals which are inherently less robust.

Conclusion

 In the end, the best folding elliptical will depend on how much you are willing to spend, what kind of connectivity you want, and how hard you are willing to push yourself. If you do not have a lot of space and just want a cardio workout, the Gazelle Supreme or Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk are solid options.

 Of course, if you want to stay connected to various exercise apps, the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 and VISION FITNESS XF40 Touch+ might be better options. For those who want plenty of features at a mid-tier price, either of the Horizon Fitness ellipticals provide plenty of value.

 For high-end performance, the ProForm 990 CSE Smart Strider offers the toughest workout while the 895 Cse Smart Strider is a great all-around model. The NordicTrack Spacesaver series, both the SE7i and SE9i, come with a complement of high-end features and robust performance.