girl working out on an elliptical machine

This is our review of the best folding ellipticals in .

Don’t have enough space to setup a home gym?

Having a foldable elliptical trainer at home will save the day. It doesn’t take up much space and helps you maintain an active routine. 

After researching 25 of the best ellipticals in the market, we can confidently recommend the Nordictrack Spacesaver SE7I. It has a compact foldable design and all the features of a high-end elliptical.

However, you can consider a few other excellent options if you have specific needs. Take a look at the products below before you make a decision.

Best Folding Elliptical – Overall Nordictrack Spacesaver SE7I
Best Folding Elliptical – Runner-upHorizon Fitness Evolve 3
Best Folding Elliptical – High-techNordictrakck Spacesaver SE9I
Best Folding Elliptical – Walker Gazelle Freestyle Folding Elliptical Trainer
Best Folding Elliptical – BudgetSunny – SF-E902

But how do you choose from these? What features should you be looking for? We will touch on all these points in our buying guide below. But before that, let’s first look into these best at home movable ellipticals one by one. 

5 Best Folding Elliptical Trainers Reviewed 

All these options of the fold-up elliptical are reviewed based on their features, performance, and user feedback. However, always consult a physician if you have any medical conditions.

NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7I – Best Folding Elliptical (Overall)

Product Dimension (open): 80″L x 32″W x 67″H

Product Weight: 215lbs

Transport Wheels: Yes 

Incline: 10%, Power-adjustable 

Resistance: 22 Levels 

User Weight Capacity: 325lbs

Warranty:

  • Frame – 10 years
  • Parts – 2 years
  • Labor – 1 year

The NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7I is a dream-come-true for the fitness freaks who love working out at home. With a feature-packed design and easy folding mechanism, this elliptical trainer is our top choice in the folding elliptical category. 

It offers 22 digital resistance levels and a power incline, making sure you are progressing along your fitness journey.

The 18″ adjustable stride length lets you adjust the pedal movement as per your height, ensuring that you are comfortable during the workout. And the heavy 18lbs flywheel gives you silky smooth pedaling motion.

The 325lbs user weight capacity is the best in the foldable elliptical category. This makes it a good option if you have multiple users of different sizes in your household.

It also comes with a 30-day iFIT membership, including on-demand workout sessions and trainer interaction. Thus ensuring you don’t get bored and have enough workout options.

With this elliptical, you get a 5-inches backlit display that helps you keep track of your workout metrics. 

The equipment offers a space-saver design, making it ideal for homes. With great design, several features, and a good warranty, this is one of the best folding ellipticals.

Why we love itWhat you need to consider
iFIT with numerous workout programs and automatic trainer controls Folds horizontally, keeping the same footprint
Bluetooth enabledHeavy to move  
Incline
Warranty

Summary of customer review:

This NordicTrack folding elliptical is easy to assemble and good for home use. Though the elliptical is huge, it can be stored easily. While most users love it, there are complaints about the elliptical making noises and delayed customer support. Also, you need to set up the iFit account to use this machine, which requires updating your credit card details.


Horizon Fitness Evolve 3 – Best Folding Elliptical (Runner-up)

Product Dimension (open): 69″L x 28″W x 69″H

Product Dimension (folded): 41″L x 28″W x 69″H

Product Weight: 175lbs

Transport Wheels: Not Available 

Incline: Not Available 

Resistance:  20 levels  

User Weight Capacity: 300lbs

Warranty:

  • Frame – Lifetime
  • Brakes – 3 years
  • Parts – 3 years
  • Labor – 1 year

The Horizon Fitness Evolve 3 gets its name from the three-step easy assembly it offers. The brand claims that you can get the elliptical out of the box and start working out within minutes. 

Along with simple assembly, the elliptical also offers easy storage. It has a patented FeatherLight hydraulic folding system that is super easy to use. It will help you fold and tuck your elliptical away, saving a lot of space. 

With an ergonomic design and 20” stride length, your workout will be comfortable. And the 18lbs flywheel makes the ride very smooth.

Its integration with ViaFit helps keep track of your fitness stats by sharing your data to connected apps and devices. And with 32 workout programs, you can tap into the versatility of this machine and keep challenging your fitness levels.

Why we love itWhat you need to consider
Easy to assembleNo incline  
WarrantyNo transport wheels
30-day refund policy

Summary of customer review:

Horizon Fitness Evolve 3 is an easy-to-use and handy elliptical trainer. The elliptical trainer can be stored easily with its foldable hydraulic design. While some users had a good experience with the elliptical, others faced some hiccups getting through customer support.


Nordictrack Spacesaver SE9I – Best Folding Elliptical (High-tech)

Product Dimension (open): 80″L x 32″W x 67″H

Product Weight: 218lbs

Transport Wheels: Yes

Incline: 10%, Power-adjustable

Resistance: 24 levels of Magnetic Resistance  

User Weight Capacity: 325lbs

Warranty:

  • Frame – 10 years
  • Parts – 2 years
  • Labor – 1 year

The Nordictrack Spacesaver SE9I is one of the best hi-tech foldable ellipticals available in the market.  

It offers 24 levels of magnetic resistance and 30 programmed workouts. This ensures you keep progressing along your fitness journey and don’t get bored of your workout sessions.

Similar to the Nordictrack SE7I, this also offers the iFit membership providing you with numerous on-demand workout sessions. 

This elliptical also comes with a Bluetooth-connected chest strap with a heart rate sensor, helping you find and maintain a suitable heart rate zone. So, you can effectively achieve your fitness goals. 

The display of the elliptical is a 7” smart HD touchscreen that helps you track your workout stats with ease. 

The 18″ adjustable stride, the 18lbs flywheel, and the ergonomic handle grips make the workout comfortable so you can train longer.  

Additional features like the workout fan and speakers can make the workout session more fun! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e71rlnx4LJQ
Why we love itWhat you need to consider
iFIT with numerous workout programs and automatic trainer controls Folds horizontally, keeping the same footprint
Bluetooth enabled Heavy to move
Chest strap includedExpensive  
Incline
Warranty

Summary of customer review:

While using the Nordictrack Spacesaver SE9I some users faced trouble with the accuracy of the heart rate sensor and Bluetooth connectivity. Some also say that the assembly is a bit tricky and the machine might be a little shaky. Also, you need to set up the iFit account to use this machine, which requires updating your credit card details and most users aren’t happy with sharing this information. 


Gazelle Freestyle Folding Elliptical Trainer – Best Folding Elliptical (Walker)

Product Dimension (open): 44″L x 33.5″W x 53.5″H

Product Dimension (folded): 66″L x 33.5″W x 10.5″H

Product Weight: 46lbs 

Transport Wheels: Not Available 

Incline: Not Available 

Resistance: Not Available  

User Weight Capacity: 300lbs

Warranty: 12 month

The Gazelle Foldable Elliptical Trainer is quite famous among users due to its hassle-free assembly and super compact size. It also weighs only 46lbs and so is very easy to move around.

While the elliptical doesn’t offer high-tech functions, it targets all the major muscle groups, giving you a full-body, low-impact workout.

You can track metrics like time, distance, calories and speed of your workout session. It also tracks heart rate using a built-in pulse monitor at the thumb. 

This elliptical also comes with two DVDs with various workout routines.

All these features makes it one of the best folding elliptical machine under $200.

Why we love itWhat you need to consider
Easy to move and storeNo resistance  
Super compact
Economical

Summary of customer review:

A majority of users love using the Gazelle Freestyle Folding Elliptical Trainer as it is a handy machine compared to other high-tech variants. Although it is easily movable and offers hassle-free storage, some users find it hard to assemble.


Sunny – SF-E902 – Best Folding Elliptical (Budget)

Product Dimension (open): 25”L x 19”W x 57”H

Product Dimension (folded): 15”L x 19”W x 61.5”H

Product Weight: 35lbs

Transport Wheels: Not Available 

Incline: Not Available 

Resistance: Not Available  

User Weight Capacity: 220lbs

Warranty:

  • Frame – 1 years
  • Parts – 180 days

The Sunny – SF-E902 is a glider that provides smooth movement, preventing jerks and jarring impacts to the joints. You can start with a slow walk and then gain the pace as your workout progresses giving you a full-body workout. 

It comes with an LCD monitor that shows time, calorie count, distance, speed, etc. to track your progress. 

Below the monitor is an abdominal pad to support your abdomen while working out and can be adjusted as per your comfort. 

The elliptical can be easily stored with its foldable design, saving you a lot of space.

These features and a very reasonable price make this trainer the best budget buy in the foldable elliptical category.

Why we love itWhat you need to consider
Easy to move and storeNo resistance
Super compactUser weight capacity  
Economical
Stride length

Summary of customer review:

Many users find it useful for aerobic training and it is easy on the knees and other joints. However, some find the quality of this product poor. 


What are the benefits of folding ellipticals?

Now that we have gone through the best portable ellipticals in the market, let’s look into their benefits.

Space 

Space is the most significant limitation for users when buying elliptical trainers for home. It is a heavy machinery that needs a designated area. 

A foldable elliptical can help solve this problem as you can easily store it away after use.

Easy to Move 

As compared to regular elliptical trainers, foldable ones weigh less. Needless to say, this makes them much easier to move. 

So, if you are someone who likes to switch places for a workout, go for a foldable elliptical.You can enjoy working out in front of your TV, outdoors by the pool, or even in your bedroom. 

However, you should check whether the folding feature compromises other core functions or the stability of the equipment. If so, this machine will do you no good. In this case, you can check out a compact elliptical instead. 

How to choose a folding elliptical: buying guide 

Below are some key features you should consider when buying a fold-up elliptical.

Design and Folding Features 

The best folding elliptical is the one that has an easy-to-use folding design. It can be hydraulic or manual. But it should be smooth and operable by one person.

Additionally, look for a lightweight machine so it is easy to move and store. Transport wheels can also be a very beneficial feature for mobility.

Space Available 

Though you want to invest in a small elliptical, it will still need setup and storage space. Make sure you have free space to use the elliptical and store it after you use it. While it will get compact after folding, you will still need space to accommodate its height and folded body.  

So, check the dimensions before buying it and seek references from product videos and pictures. You will get an idea of how much space the elliptical will need. 

Stability 

An elliptical needs to be stable to ensure you have an injury-free workout. However, sometimes manufacturers compromise on the design of the equipment to reduce the footprint, making it shaky or wobbly. This can vary for users with different body sizes, so it is crucial to select the right machine for yourself.

Additionally, the stability of an elliptical also depends on how you assemble it. So, if you can’t assemble the elliptical correctly, call customer support or get a professional to assemble it for you.

Flywheel Weight 

The flywheel is the revolving wheel on the elliptical which determines the smoothness and quietness of the equipment.

A heavy flywheel will give you a smoother workout experience. Usually, the expensive ellipticals have a heavier flywheel.

Resistance and Incline 

Resistance and incline on the elliptical ensure that you progress with your fitness. Most ellipticals come with multiple levels of resistance that can help you set the difficulty level of your workout sessions.  

Incline can also increase the difficulty level of workouts. The higher incline means your exercise will get more challenging and vice versa.

Stride Length 

The stride length for an average adult is about 20”, so the range of 18-22” is comfortable for most people. Look for an elliptical with this stride length for maximum comfort while working out. 

Some ellipticals also have adjustable stride lengths. This can be very useful when multiple people are using the same machine. 

Warranty 

Ellipticals are machinery, and they are bound to have breakdowns. So, look for an option that comes with a good warranty.  

Ask the manufacturer or seller beforehand about the warranty of your elliptical.

Other Features 

With the varying price range, you can get an very basic elliptical with no frills or something that offers many fancy features. Here are some of the additional features you can pick basis your needs:

  • Interactive workouts 
  • App connectivity/integration
  • Speakers 
  • Cooling fan 
  • Smartphone / tablet / bottle holder 
  • Heart rate monitor 
  • Display console 

Our Verdict

A foldable elliptical is an excellent option for smaller spaces, may it be your bedroom or your home gym.

The NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i is the best foldable ellipticals with features like an 18″ adjustable stride length, heavy flywheel, good resistance and incline. Additionally, it has the maximum user weight capacity in the foldable category and an excellent warranty.

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the commonly asked questions.

How much space do you need for an elliptical?

The footprint for an elliptical trainer may vary from model to model. However, a foldable elliptical takes less space and can fit in a small, narrow area.

Looking for more equipments that can fit in small apartments? Check out our reviews on the best elliptical for small spaces and the best under-bed treadmill.

Does an elliptical fold?

Not all ellipticals fold. If you are looking for a foldable option, you need to look specifically for such models. 

Does an elliptical burn stomach fat?

Elliptical trainers target all parts of the body including your stomach. An elliptical will help you burn calories. Coupling this with a healthy diet and an active lifestyle, you can lose fat across your body.

Are mini ellipticals effective?

Yes, mini ellipticals are effective.

On average, a regular elliptical helps burn 324 calories per half an hour. However, users burn only 150 calories per hour with a mini elliptical. So, it is effective but the calorie burn is slower. 

Which muscles can you train with an elliptical?

Training with an elliptical helps users target both upper and lower body parts. If you do it right, the elliptical can help you work on the muscles of your hamstrings, chest, glutes, quads, triceps, biceps, back, and core. 

Is it better to go forward or backward on an Elliptical?

Using the elliptical in different directions will help you target different muscle groups. If you go forward, you will work on your hamstrings and glutes. On the other hand, your quads and calves are targeted if you go backward. If you’re looking for ellipticals that offer a more natural walking feel, we recommend you check out our reviews on the best rear-drive ellipticals.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned in the article above is for educational and informational purposes only. It shouldn’t be considered as health or medical advice. Please consult a doctor or a qualified health professional if you have any medical/health conditions or questions.

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