Best Folding Compact Ellipticals For Small Spaces Reviewed

Compact Ellipticals Compared

Types of Ellipticals For Home Use

Folding

Folding elliptical machines collapse into a smaller unit when they’re not in use. They give you the full elliptical walk/run experience, complete with swinging arms and a decent stride length (with exceptions, some have shorter stride lengths).

Great for small spaces, storage and transporting. Some have resistance, preset programs, and comprehensive screens, while others have resistance and a very basic screen to show time, distance, etc.

Under Desk

Air Walker/Glider

Air walkers/air gliders are similar to elliptical machines, but they are less dense (just a frame with no flywheel). Some have resistance options while others don’t offer resistance. The legs are straighter and move back and forth as opposed to curving up, down and around in an oval shape like on the elliptical.

Air walkers generally have much longer stride limits than ellipticals. Some air walkers/gliders have pedals which can move side to side, allowing you to do side leg raises and other strength-building lower body exercises.

Stand Up/Stand Alone

These are similar to under-desk ellipticals in the sense that they consist only of pedals, and are very small. However, they can be operated both while sitting down and standing up. They work the legs but don’t have a frame or arm pedals. Great for very, very small spaces with barely any room for storage.

5 Benefits of Compact Elliptical trainers

Choosing the Right Compact Elliptical Trainer

Type

Size When Using

It’s ultra-important to measure the space in which you intend to use your compact folding elliptical. You need enough room to get on and off the machine, and move your arms and legs with a full, comfortable range of motion. Note: sometimes a smaller machine means a shorter stride length, which isn't ideal for everyone (i.e., tall people).

Size When Storing

Figure out where you intend to store the machine and measure that space. Be clear on the dimensions of the device when it is folded, so you know you've got storage space for it before you bring it home. 

Weight (of Unit)

If the unit is going to be moved from place to place often, be sure of the weight you’re going to be lifting. If you’re going to be moving the machine on your own, find one with either a lightweight construction or wheels.

User Weight Limitation

Compact elliptical machines have a weight limit, so be sure of that before you make the purchase. The weight limit generally sits around the 220-300lb mark, so find one which accommodates you.

Performance

Safety

Noise Levels

Some machines are louder than others, depending on the quality and weight of the flywheel. If you're in a small apartment, you have a newborn or would prefer not to invite a noisy machine into your home, read reviews to grasp an idea of the noise level. 

Warranty

Many compact ellipticals have different warranties for different parts. Because it's an active, moving machine, a warranty is essential as there's naturally a higher risk of faults or issues. Be sure of the warranty periods and conditions before you hand over any cash.

Extra Features

1. Schwinn 411

This is a top of the range option for people who want all the bells and whistles, as well as the convenience of a compact design. However, it doesn’t fold up, so it’s not the best for transporting or for super small spaces.

It has a comprehensive console showing time, distance, calories and whichever program you have chosen. There are 13 programs, which is great for getting a varied workout. To give you an idea of the programs, some are: "Stream Crossing," "Rolling Hills," and "Ride in the Park."

There are also interval and manual buttons too, for even more variation. The handles have heart rate monitors, which is great for specific fitness and health goals. The console can connect with your other apps through Bluetooth connection.

If you want to vary your workout and make it a little more fun, you could get the RunSocial app which connects to the Schwinn 411 and has a bunch of real-life routes from different places around the world (use your tablet or phone and set it on the provided device holder).

There are 16 resistance levels. On that subject, there are quite a few reviews saying that the lowest resistance is rather high, and gets higher from there. Take that into consideration if you need a super light resistance or don’t mind a challenge from the get-go.

2. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902

Here we have a super affordable air glider, and as you can see, it’s far more slight in frame and size than the model above! (Remember the air glider design means that the legs go back and forth as opposed to a closed oval shape like the elliptical).

This machine has an abdominal pad which gives you a little extra support, but you can leave it off if you want to work the stabilizer muscles a little more. There are no resistance levels or programs, but one user has explained that they add bands/cords to add resistance.

This model really does deliver on the compact, fold-up promise. It folds up like an ironing board so you can lean it against the wall in a garage or large closet. The construction is pretty decent, just keep an eye on all the joining bolts and screws for extra stability. When it’s in action mode, it’s still small and not bulky at all.

If you are over or close to 220 pounds, I would find a different machine, as the weight tolerance on this one isn't as high as others. In terms of exercise level, this is more for general activity and getting the blood flowing as opposed to a hardcore workout. For that reason, it would suit people who are just getting into fitness, the elderly, or anyone who needs something to keep them moving during TV sessions and to keep the lower body and core engaged.

It has a small screen which lets you know calories burnt (don't take this as gospel, calories are precise to the person), time and distance. The footplates are nice and large, with non-slip coverings, which is great for safety.

3. NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i

Next up is a much pricier option with a much larger footprint. The NordicTrack is “compact” for large spaces, as it still does take up a pretty large chunk of room when it’s in working mode. It does fold up, so it can be tucked into the corner of a garage or home gym, but it’s not indiscreet or lightweight by any means.

This is a machine to invest in if you're serious about your at-home exercise and want every feature you can find, all in one. It has speakers, fan, tablet holder, heart rate monitor, 8 incline levels, 5-inch backlit screen, 22 resistance levels, and a drink bottle holder. 

You can sign up to the NordicTrack iFit app to access thousands of scenic workout routes and class-style workouts with a trainer. Set your tablet on the tablet holder and choose what route/workout you want. This is a cool feature for anyone wishing to use this regularly and change things up with some pretty impressive visuals. The workout possibilities are great as you can go light and low or really ramp the incline and resistance and work the body hard.

If you’ve got enough space to accommodate this machine in both user and storage modes, and you’re strong enough to move it, then it could be great. Also, if your budget can stretch to the price, and you’re keen to work out hard, then put this on your shortlist.

They do also note that it’s rather large, so absolutely measure your space first!

4. EFITMENT

The Efitment Compact Magnetic Elliptical Machine Trainer is an affordable option with a compact construction. However, the compact frame does mean that the stride is a very short 11 inches. This means that your range of motion is limited, especially if you're tall.

One user described the motion as more of a "stair climber" feel as opposed to a realistic run stride. The wheels make for easy moving as you can tilt and roll the unit back and forth from storage and workout space.

Do note that this machine has a weight limit of 220 pounds, a good deal less than the standard 300 pounds. It would be best for people on the lighter, shorter side of life!

There are no programs, but there are 8 resistance levels, which means you can customize your routine manually. The digital display screen shows you: calories burned, distance, time, speed, heart rate (there are heart rate monitors on the fixed short handles). A manual dial adjusts the resistance.

This is an excellent choice for you if you are on the shorter side or have a small budget. It's also great if you don't require program functions, but need resistance for a harder workout.

5. Sunny Health & Fitness - SF-E905

This model is pretty similar to the model above, in terms of price, stride (both 11 inches) and features. It has 8 resistance levels, heart rate monitors on the fixed handles, wheels for transporting, and a 220 lb weight limit.

The small screen displays the time, speed, distance, and heart rate, and the resistance is adjusted with a manual dial. The foot platforms are textured for non-slip safety and have high sides to keep your feet where they should be.

 It would suit someone who lives in a small space and needs a low-profile, quiet machine. If you’re tall, rethink this one as the stride length is only 11 inches. It’s affordable, so it could be ideal for a college student in a dorm who wants to keep up their fitness without paying for a gym membership, or braving the elements outside.

6. EFITMENT Air Walker - E020

The Efitment Air Walker is a prime example of an affordable glider which folds away for discreet storage. This particular model is a little more versatile than others in the sense that the foot pedals move side to side and in a 180-degree circle as well as back and forth. This is great if you want to tone and strengthen the lower body (especially the glutes, inner thighs, quads, etc.).

It's a glider, so it doesn't have programs or resistance, (but you can ramp your workout up by going faster and engaging the muscles more). Use the swinging arm handles for whole-body movement, or grip the fixed, short handles to focus on the lower body.

It's lightweight (only 39.5 pounds), and it has wheels, so it's effortless to move, and you won't need to get the help of someone else to shift it from storage to workout space. The small screen shows the time, distance, and calories burned.

This would be great for you if you: have a small budget, need a super compact machine, want toning and strengthening options, don’t require resistance or programs, have a long stride, and don’t exceed 220 lbs in weight. It could be perfect for apartment dwellers and students.

7. Cubii Pro Under Desk

Now for something different. The Cubii is the best compact under-desk elliptical, but it's not exactly cheap. This tiny unit sits under your desk (or at your feet as you watch TV) as you pedal away.  It's marketed as being designed to keep the core, hip flexors, glutes, hamstrings, quads and calves in action as you sit. This is entirely possible if you engage the muscles and make use of the 8 resistance levels.

You can link the Cubii up to your phone (or other gadgets such as FitBit) and keep a record of distance covered, calories burned and steps taken. This is great for reaching a particular step or calorie-based goal as you work. Due to the office-centric intention of the design, it’s really quiet.

If your budget can reach the price point, and your job/lifestyle is making it hard to clock up enough activity, this could be a worthy investment for you. My opinion is that a chunk of money spent on fitness now will pay off in the long run. Because it's so small, it can be moved from work to home pretty quickly, and won’t clog up your storage space.

8. Stamina In-Motion

Lastly, we have a versatile little compact under-desk elliptical which can be used while both sitting and standing. You can use this machine as you sit (gaming, working, TV watching, reading) and get the blood flowing to the lower body and tone the muscles over time. Or, use it standing up for a workout more similar to a traditional elliptical, but without the arms.

The standing feature is great, as it does require the core to be engaged for proper stability. There is a dial for adjusting the resistance so you can really push the muscles, or simply keep them moving with a lighter load. Some people have commented that they use this when they are working at a stand-up desk.

We like that the pedals can move in reverse, so you can change up the movement to keep the muscles guessing. It’s only 24 pounds so you can easily carry it from room to room, from work to home, or from cupboard to floor.

Price Range of Ellipticals

Treadmill Vs. Ellipticals

Treadmills are great for runners as they can help keep up endurance and proper form when running outside is a no-go. However, they're bulky and heavy and not great for small spaces, storage, or transport.

Treadmills are far higher impact machines than ellipticals because the feet lift then pound onto the belt. Whereas, ellipticals keep the feet in contact with the pedal surface the whole time. Treadmills can tend to be loud,  while ellipticals are often very quiet.

Which one is better?

It depends! For at-home workouts in small spaces with limited storage? The elliptical is the best. For runners who need their running/sprinting fix during difficult weather? A treadmill. For people with knee and hip issues? The elliptical is the best. Cost, weight, and size-wise, the elliptical is the more economical option.

People also Ask (FAQs)

What part of the body does an elliptical target?

Technically, it works the entire body because you are using your upper, lower, and middle sections to operate the machine. However, the lower body is targeted the most, especially the glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves. Your arms and back do get a gentle workout too, as you're pushing and pulling the handles. You can work your core on an elliptical machine also. If you maintain an upright, strong posture and concentrate on bracing the core muscles as you move, you'll definitely feel it. 

Are ellipticals safe to use every day?

We recommend asking your doctor for personalized advice, especially if you have health issues.

However, on a general basis, yes, ellipticals are safe for everyday usage. You can get your heart rate up and achieve cardio exercise to the level that you're comfortable with, whether it's an intense, sweat-inducing workout or a gentle session to get the blood pumping. The elliptical doesn't break down or tear the muscles, so you don't need to rest and repair your muscles between sessions (like with weight training, for example).

What do I need to think about when maintaining these machines?

Do I need to consult a doctor before using an elliptical?

If you are in good health and you don't have any heart conditions or injuries, then it's safe to go ahead. An elliptical is a low-risk machine, and it can be done with high intensity or gentle intensity to suit your needs. However, if you have any health conditions which could be affected by cardiovascular exercise machines, definitely chat with your doctor. Better to be safe than sorry.

Should pregnant women use these to workout?

First of all, ask your doctor about exercising during pregnancy (especially during the later stages). Chances are, they’ll tell you to go ahead and use the elliptical machine as often as you like.

The elliptical is easy on the joints, it doesn’t involve jarring movements, jumping or heavy lifting, so it’s gentle on the body. It’s great for keeping your fitness up and keeping your muscles (especially the lower body) toned, and the blood flowing during pregnancy. This can help to ease sore muscles and cramps. Just be careful not to overdo it and take a break if you start to feel a little woozy. Be careful when getting on and off the machine!

How do I measure and determine my stride length?

Measure out a short distance then count how many steps it takes for you to get from one end to the other. Divide the distance by how many steps, and you'll have an idea of your stride. It's a good idea to walk a good 10 or so steps in the lead-up so that you get into your natural stride.

Are smaller ellipticals worth investing in?

If you want to expand your exercise routine to include at-home cardio workouts, then yes! A folding compact elliptical machine is a smart choice as it allows you to get a great cardio workout while gently toning the whole body.

A fold-away elliptical is ideal if you are time-poor and cannot get to a gym, or your climate makes outside workouts difficult or impossible. Also, if you have knee troubles and need to reduce the impact on your joints, the elliptical is the best cardio option.

Conclusion

Our top pick is the Schwinn 411 because it has great tech features and the option for plenty of different routes and programs. However, you must find the best for your particular needs. First, decide on your requirements in terms of space, storage, safety, noise, stride, weight restriction, and overall fitness goals. Use that information to narrow down on the most fitting model for you.

Good luck and enjoy your at-home workouts and the benefits they’ll bring.