Ellipticals and treadmills are the two most popular cardio machines for the home, and they suit different people. An elliptical gives a smooth, low-impact workout that works both arms and legs and is easier on joints. A treadmill lets you walk and run naturally, which burns more calories at higher speeds and builds running fitness.
The right choice depends on your goals, joints and space. Ellipticals tend to be quieter and cheaper at the entry level, while treadmills offer incline and a more natural stride. We compared popular Amazon ellipticals and treadmills on footprint, weight rating, stride length, resistance, noise and price.
Below are our top picks, a comparison table, detailed reviews and a buying guide. For more, see the best elliptical machines, best treadmills and ellipticals for low-impact workouts.
Top 3 Machines for This Comparison
- 16-inch stride, quiet magnetic resistance
- 550 lb max user, 74 lb
- 44″L x 24″W x 63″H
- Folds; 3 pedal angles
Horizon T202 Folding Treadmill
- 60 in. deck, 12% incline
- Up to 12 mph
- Hydraulic FeatherLight folding
- Bluetooth speakers, 325 lb max user
Niceday CT11S Compact Elliptical
- 15.5-inch stride, 16 magnetic levels
- 400 lb max user, about 100 lb
- 39″L x 21″W x 60″H
- 16 lb flywheel, LCD monitor
Elliptical vs Treadmill Comparison
| Machine | Best For | Key Specs | Amazon Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. ANCHEER Foldable Elliptical | Best Folding Elliptical | 16-inch stride, quiet magnetic resistance; 550 lb max user, 74 lb; 44″L x 24″W x 63″H | 4.5/5 | Check Price |
| 2. Horizon T202 Folding Treadmill | Best Treadmill | 60 in. deck, 12% incline; Up to 12 mph; Hydraulic FeatherLight folding | 3.8/5 | Check Price |
| 3. Niceday CT11S Compact Elliptical | Best Compact Elliptical | 15.5-inch stride, 16 magnetic levels; 400 lb max user, about 100 lb; 39″L x 21″W x 60″H | 4.3/5 | Check Price |
| 4. Sunny Smart Upright Elliptical | Most Reviewed Elliptical | 16 magnetic levels, belt drive; 300 lb max user; 47.2″L x 25.6″W x 58.5″H | 4.1/5 | Check Price |
| 5. YOSUDA E03 Foldable Elliptical | Best Folded Footprint | 15-inch stride, 16 magnetic levels; Folds to about 2 sq ft; 350 lb max user, 66 lb | 4.4/5 | Check Price |
| 6. ANCHEER Magnetic Elliptical | Best Fixed Elliptical | 16-inch stride, magnetic resistance; 500 lb max user; 44″L x 21″W x 61″H | 4.5/5 | Check Price |
| 7. NordicTrack T5 | Best Budget Brand Treadmill | 0-10 mph, 0-10% incline; LCD plus device holder, iFIT compatible; KeyFlex cushioning | 4.3/5 | Check Price |
| 8. ProForm Carbon TLX | Best Folding Treadmill | Folding SpaceSaver frame; 300 lb max user; 74.3″L x 35.1″W | 4.4/5 | Check Price |
1. ANCHEER Foldable Elliptical – Best Folding Elliptical
- 16-inch stride, quiet magnetic resistance
- 550 lb max user, 74 lb
- 44″L x 24″W x 63″H
- Folds; 3 pedal angles
Pros
- ✓ Folds for storage
- ✓ Highest user rating here (550 lb)
- ✓ 4.5 stars on 1,100+ ratings
Cons
- ✗ About $380
- ✗ Wider 24-inch base
- ✗ Basic LCD
The ANCHEER foldable elliptical is our top pick because it combines a 16 inch stride, quiet magnetic resistance and a folding frame with a 550 lb user rating, the highest in this comparison, at about $380 and with more than 1,100 ratings at 4.5 stars.
ANCHEER’s foldable elliptical has a 16 inch stride, quiet magnetic resistance, a 550 lb user rating, three pedal angles and a folding frame that weighs 74 lb.
It folds for storage and has the highest user rating here, with 1,100-plus ratings at 4.5 stars.
It costs about $380 and has a wider 24 inch base.
It offers the low-impact workout that makes ellipticals attractive, and three pedal angles let you vary the feel. It folds for storage, which solves the biggest complaint about ellipticals, their size. The trade-offs are a wider base and a console that keeps things simple. For people with sensitive joints or a small home gym, it is a smart pick.
Best for: Low-impact cardio with a high weight rating
May not fit: Runners wanting natural stride
2. Horizon T202 Folding Treadmill – Best Treadmill
- 60 in. deck, 12% incline
- Up to 12 mph
- Hydraulic FeatherLight folding
- Bluetooth speakers, 325 lb max user
Pros
- ✓ Full 60 in. deck for running
- ✓ No subscription needed
- ✓ Easy hydraulic fold
Cons
- ✗ 3.8 average
- ✗ About $899
- ✗ Basic console
The Horizon T202 has a full 60 inch deck, 12% incline and folding for about $899, with no subscription.
Horizon’s T202 has a full 60 inch deck, 12% incline, speeds up to 12 mph, hydraulic FeatherLight folding, Bluetooth speakers and a 325 lb user rating.
It needs no subscription and folds easily, at about $899.
The 3.8-star average and basic console are drawbacks.
On paper, you get 60 in. deck, 12% incline, up to 12 mph, hydraulic featherlight folding. Its biggest strengths are full 60 in. deck for running and easy hydraulic fold; keep in mind 3.8 average before ordering.
Best for: Walkers and joggers wanting a real treadmill
May not fit: Joint-sensitive users
3. Niceday CT11S Compact Elliptical – Best Compact Elliptical
- 15.5-inch stride, 16 magnetic levels
- 400 lb max user, about 100 lb
- 39″L x 21″W x 60″H
- 16 lb flywheel, LCD monitor
Pros
- ✓ Shortest full elliptical here at 39 inches
- ✓ 3,500+ ratings at 4.3 stars
- ✓ 400 lb rating on a compact frame
Cons
- ✗ 15.5-inch stride feels short for taller users
- ✗ Heavy for its size at about 100 lb
- ✗ Basic console
Niceday’s CT11S has a 39 by 21 inch footprint and more than 3,500 ratings.
Niceday’s CT11S is a compact elliptical with a 15.5 inch stride, 16 magnetic levels, a 400 lb user rating and a 39 by 21 inch footprint, weighing about 100 lb.
It is the shortest full elliptical here, with more than 3,500 ratings at 4.3 stars.
The stride feels short for taller users and it is heavy for its size.
The specifications to note are 400 lb max user, about 100 lb, 39″l x 21″w x 60″h, 16 lb flywheel, lcd monitor. In daily use the advantages are 3,500+ ratings at 4.3 stars and 400 lb rating on a compact frame, and the drawbacks are heavy for its size at about 100 lb and basic console.
Best for: Small spaces
May not fit: Tall users
4. Sunny Smart Upright Elliptical – Most Reviewed Elliptical
- 16 magnetic levels, belt drive
- 300 lb max user
- 47.2″L x 25.6″W x 58.5″H
- Free SunnyFit app
Pros
- ✓ 20,000+ ratings, the most here
- ✓ Quiet belt drive
- ✓ App classes with no subscription fees
Cons
- ✗ 300 lb limit
- ✗ Shorter stride than full-size ellipticals
- ✗ 4.1 average
Sunny’s Smart Upright Elliptical has more than 20,000 ratings, a belt drive and free app classes.
Sunny’s Smart Upright Elliptical has 16 magnetic levels, a belt drive, a 300 lb user rating and free SunnyFit app classes.
More than 20,000 ratings and a quiet belt drive make it the most reviewed elliptical here.
The 300 lb limit and shorter stride are drawbacks.
Key details include 16 magnetic levels, belt drive, 300 lb max user, 47.2″l x 25.6″w x 58.5″h. Buyers most often praise that it is 20,000+ ratings, the most here and quiet belt drive, while the main trade-offs to weigh are 300 lb limit and shorter stride than full-size ellipticals.
Best for: Quiet daily workouts
May not fit: Heavy users over 300 lb
5. YOSUDA E03 Foldable Elliptical – Best Folded Footprint
- 15-inch stride, 16 magnetic levels
- Folds to about 2 sq ft
- 350 lb max user, 66 lb
- 47.6″L x 22.7″W
Pros
- ✓ Folds to about 2 sq ft against a wall
- ✓ Light 66 lb frame is easy to move
- ✓ About $265
Cons
- ✗ Designed for users up to about 5’9″
- ✗ Only about 81 ratings
- ✗ Short stride
YOSUDA’s E03 folds to about 2 square feet.
YOSUDA’s E03 foldable elliptical has a 15 inch stride, 16 magnetic levels, a 350 lb user rating and folds to about 2 square feet, weighing 66 lb.
It stores against a wall and is easy to move for about $265.
It is designed for users up to about 5 foot 9 and has about 81 ratings.
On paper, you get 15-inch stride, 16 magnetic levels, folds to about 2 sq ft, 350 lb max user, 66 lb. Its biggest strengths are folds to about 2 sq ft against a wall and about $265; keep in mind designed for users up to about 5’9″ before ordering.
Best for: Storing against a wall
May not fit: Taller users
6. ANCHEER Magnetic Elliptical – Best Fixed Elliptical
- 16-inch stride, magnetic resistance
- 500 lb max user
- 44″L x 21″W x 61″H
- LCD with heart-rate tracking
Pros
- ✓ 4.5 stars on 1,000+ ratings
- ✓ 500 lb rating for about $260
- ✓ Quiet magnetic drive
Cons
- ✗ Not foldable
- ✗ Simple console
- ✗ Lighter frame than premium models
ANCHEER’s fixed elliptical has a 500 lb rating for about $260.
ANCHEER’s magnetic elliptical has a 16 inch stride, magnetic resistance, a 500 lb user rating, a 44 by 21 inch footprint and an LCD with heart-rate tracking.
It has more than 1,000 ratings at 4.5 stars and a 500 lb rating for about $260.
It does not fold and the console is simple.
The specifications to note are 500 lb max user, 44″l x 21″w x 61″h, lcd with heart-rate tracking. In daily use the advantages are 500 lb rating for about $260 and quiet magnetic drive, and the drawbacks are simple console and lighter frame than premium models.
Best for: Heavy users on a budget
May not fit: Fold-up seekers
7. NordicTrack T5 – Best Budget Brand Treadmill
- 0-10 mph, 0-10% incline
- LCD plus device holder, iFIT compatible
- KeyFlex cushioning
- 300 lb max user, folding frame
Pros
- ✓ Part of a 32,000+ rating listing
- ✓ Trusted brand at about $599
- ✓ Folds for storage
Cons
- ✗ Only 10% incline and 10 mph
- ✗ iFIT costs extra
- ✗ No touchscreen
NordicTrack’s T5 folds and costs about $599.
NordicTrack’s T5 runs 0 to 10 mph with 0 to 10% incline, KeyFlex cushioning and a 300 lb user rating in a folding frame, and is iFIT compatible.
It is a trusted brand at about $599 and folds for storage.
It tops out at 10% incline and 10 mph, and iFIT costs extra.
Key details include 0-10 mph, 0-10% incline, lcd plus device holder, ifit compatible, keyflex cushioning. Buyers most often praise that it is part of a 32,000+ rating listing and trusted brand at about $599, while the main trade-offs to weigh are only 10% incline and 10 mph and ifit costs extra.
Best for: Beginners wanting a known brand
May not fit: Heavy runners
8. ProForm Carbon TLX – Best Folding Treadmill
- Folding SpaceSaver frame
- 300 lb max user
- 74.3″L x 35.1″W
- iFIT compatible
Pros
- ✓ 4.4 stars on about 244 ratings
- ✓ Full running treadmill that folds
- ✓ Known brand
Cons
- ✗ About $999
- ✗ iFIT features need a membership
- ✗ Large when unfolded
The ProForm Carbon TLX folds into a SpaceSaver design.
ProForm’s Carbon TLX is a folding SpaceSaver treadmill rated to 300 lb, measuring 74.3 by 35.1 inches and compatible with iFIT.
It is a full running treadmill that folds, with a 4.4-star average on about 244 ratings.
iFIT features need a membership and it is large when unfolded.
On paper, you get folding spacesaver frame, 300 lb max user, 74.3″l x 35.1″w. Its biggest strengths are 4.4 stars on about 244 ratings and known brand; keep in mind about $999 before ordering.
Best for: Runners with limited space
May not fit: Subscription avoiders
How to Choose Between an Elliptical and a Treadmill
Think about impact on your joints
Ellipticals keep your feet on the pedals, so the motion is smooth and low impact. Treadmills involve foot strike, which loads the knees and hips, especially when running. If you have joint concerns or want gentler cardio, an elliptical is usually the better fit. Walking on a treadmill is also low impact.
Compare calorie burn and intensity
Running on a treadmill generally burns more calories per minute than elliptical training at a comfortable pace. Ellipticals with moving arms engage the upper body and can reach a similar effort. Choose the machine that you will use consistently, because the best workout is the one you actually do.
Look at the movement and muscles
Treadmills mimic walking and running and work the legs and core. Ellipticals use a gliding motion that works quads, glutes and, with arms, the upper body. Running and walking carry over to real-world fitness, while the elliptical’s fixed path is less natural for some.
Check space and storage
Ellipticals are long and tall, and treadmills are long and wide. Many treadmills fold and many compact ellipticals have small footprints. Measure your room and check the folded size, because both can dominate a small space.
Compare noise and price
Magnetic ellipticals are quiet, while treadmills can thump at speed. Price ranges overlap widely, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Spend more for a sturdy frame and smooth motion, and less if you only need light cardio.
Pick based on your goals
Choose a treadmill if you want to run or walk with incline and improve running fitness. Choose an elliptical if you want low-impact cardio, joint-friendly workouts or a full-body motion. If you are unsure, test both at a store or check the return policy.
FAQ
Is an elliptical or a treadmill better for weight loss?
Both work. Treadmills burn more at higher speeds, while ellipticals are easier to sustain, so the best machine is the one you will use.
Is an elliptical easier on the joints?
Yes. Your feet stay on the pedals, which removes the impact of running.
Which burns more calories?
Running on a treadmill usually burns more per minute, though the elliptical’s arm movement closes some of the gap.
Which takes up less space?
Folding models of both help, and compact ellipticals are often shorter than treadmills when open.
Which is quieter?
Magnetic ellipticals are usually quieter than treadmills at running speeds.
Which is better for seniors?
Ellipticals are often more comfortable, but a treadmill with handrails is fine for walking.
Final Verdict
The ANCHEER foldable elliptical is the best pick for low-impact cardio, with a high weight rating and a folding frame. The Horizon T202 is the best treadmill if you want to walk and jog with incline and no subscription.
Choose an elliptical for low impact and joint comfort, and a treadmill for natural running and incline. See ellipticals for home and treadmills for home for more.
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