Inquiries about best folding ellipticals are common because many individuals have limited space in their home gym. Sometimes having a compact elliptical isn’t enough; you also need something that can be folded up after a workout.
Do you have limited space in your home gym and want an elliptical that you can fold and relocate to another location after use? Don’t worry. Fortunately, there are certain full-size ellipticals available that can fold easily and store against a wall or even inside a closet, making them an excellent choice.
Now, you might think that which are the best foldable elliptical and how to pick one for your home gym? Well. We put in a lot of time and effort to find the best folding elliptical for you so you don’t have to.
Keep reading to learn about their features, price, and let’s see which one attracts you the most.
[Top 5] Best Folding Elliptical
If you’re in a hurry, the table below provides a short snapshot of the most popular foldable elliptical available on the market. If you want to deep dive into each model, scroll down below.
Name | Image | Key Features | Price |
NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i (Editor's Choice Best Folding Elliptical) |   |
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Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 Elliptical (Best Value Foldable Elliptical) |   |
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NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i Elliptical |   |
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Horizon Fitness Evolve 3 Elliptical |   |
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ProForm 895 Cse Smart Strider Elliptical (Budget Friendly Best Folding Elliptical ) |   |
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Review of the Best Folding Elliptical
If you are truly committed to purchasing the best folding elliptical attentively read the evaluations and you will be able to choose the best foldable elliptical.
NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i: Editor's Choice Best Folding Elliptical
Quick Snapshot of the Key Features
- 18-inch stride length
- 18 lb. inertia-enhanced flywheel
- 24 resistance levels
- 325 lb. weight holding capacity
- Adjustable incline of up to 10 degrees
- 14-inch smart HD touchscreen (updated on 2022)
- iFit-enabled
- Built-in heart rate sensors and smart chest strap
- 30 workout apps
- Auto breeze workout fan
- Integrated quick touch handle controls
Let me introduce the NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i, most buying foldable elliptical for home gym. It is a multi-function elliptical trainer with a rear-drive system that allows it to fold up when not in use. It has an innovative frame that makes space saving a reality for individuals who live in smaller apartments. It is an upgraded version of the SE7i.
It is made of steel and weighs over 200 pounds when fully assembled. With a stride length of 18 inches and a weight capability of 325 pounds, it is suitable for the majority of users.
The 18-pound effective inertia-enhanced flywheel includes SMRTM silent magnetic resistance so you can get a quiet workout that’s even smoother than ever before. It’s easy to change the resistance level to suit your needs with 24 levels of resistance. The 0 to 10-degree power adjustable incline can help you burn more calories and tone your muscles.
The SE9i features a 7-inch smart HD touchscreen (updated in 2022 with an impressive 14″ touchscreen). It’s also more than just a data display. You can use it to explore the internet and iFit workouts. If you do not want to use the iFit programs, simply press and hold the Bluetooth button for 30 seconds to start using your machine without having to sign up for anything.
The SE9i folds horizontally, with the console folding down over the pedals. It’s unique vertical space-saving design makes it easy and stress-free to store. The transfer wheels make it simple to maneuver around the house and store it in an out-of-the-way location.
Extra features of the SE9i include 30 onboard workouts, a Bluetooth chest strap, auto breeze workout fan, and integrated quick touch handle controls to name just few of the many available options. An iPod-compatible port and a set of 3-inch speakers are integrated with the console.
It has previously received a Best Buy Award and is an excellent choice for anyone wishing to add a high-quality folding elliptical to their fitness routine. Lastly, you may be hesitant to purchase due to the fact that their price is likely to be extremely high but it can be undoubtedly say that you will get value for your money.
PROS
- Foldable frame to help you maximize your living space
- Takes approximately 15 minutes to assemble
- Promotes posterior muscle activation
- Compatible with iFit for unlimited workouts (1-year free included)
- Easier to use than front drive ellipticals
- Adjustable pedals for good ergonomics and comfortable exercise
- Includes a very good warranty compared to competitors
CONS
- Stride length of 18-inch is not perfect for taller users
- There is a fee for iFit every month after the first year
Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 Elliptical Trainer: Best Value Foldable Elliptical
Quick Snapshot of the Key Features
- 20-inch stride length
- 23 lb. flywheel
- 20 levels of resistance
- 300 lb. max weight capacity
- 37 built-in workout programs
- 6.25″ blue backlit LCD
- SixStar and feather light folding frame
- Built-in speakers
- Tablet rack, and water bottle holder
- Passport ready
- ViaFit connectivity
Horizon currently offers only four different elliptical machines in their current product line. The Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 Elliptical Trainer is their most expensive model, and it is an upgraded version of the Evolve 3. It is an excellent folding elliptical for people (including taller person) who has space limitation.
It features a larger flywheel than the majority of home ellipticals. The 23-pound flywheel makes it ideal for people who want to work out with a lot of resistance but don’t want to hear a lot of whirring noise. It offers 20 electronically adjustable resistance levels that can be adjusted with the push of a button.
This 20 inch stride elliptical is a pretty standard among most industry machines at this price range and fares well for most users up to about 6’6”. In addition, the user weight capacity of 300 pounds should also be enough for most people. As a result, it should be suitable for the majority of your family members.
The 6.25″ blue backlit LCD screen provides statistics such as the time, distance traveled, speed, calories burned, heart rate, resistance, watts, RPM, and cardio compass.
This console comes with an impressive range of 37 workout programs, including: 10 distance programs, 10 step workouts, 9 calorie-goal workouts, 4 performance programs, 3 interval workouts, 2 custom workouts, and a manual based workout option.
This hydraulic folding technology makes it simple to turn your living room into your own personal gym. It’s perfect for those of you who want to make the most of your limited storage space between exercises.
The Horizon Evolve 5 elliptical trainer’s ViaFit connectivity technology allows you to sync your workout to your favorite fitness apps and share your fitness progress online. In addition, passport player features lets you travel the world without leaving your workout console. This function requires wifi.
In order to have a real-world experience while working out, you sync your own TV with your movements. This makes it look like you’re walking through a charming French village or strolling along the sparkling coasts of Greece.
The Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 Elliptical Trainer is not just one of the best folding elliptical, it’s one of the best home elliptical overall. Really an incredible product with a sales price under 2000$.
PROS
- Ergonomic design and longer stride for a comfortable workout
- Facilitates easy storage between workouts
- Keep track of your calories with ViaFit
- Offer clear visual representation of workout data
- Allow to shares workouts with your favorite fitness apps and devices
- Easy assembly (only 3 steps)
- Good warranty
CONS
- No adjustable incline settings
- Not compatible with chest strap monitors
NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i
Quick Snapshot of the Key Features
- 18-inch stride length
- 18 lb. inertia-enhanced flywheel
- 22 digital resistance levels
- 325 lb. weight holding capacity
- Adjustable incline of up to 8 degrees
- 5-inch backlit display
- iFit compatible
- Built-in EKG heart rate monitor
- Water bottle holder
- Integrated tablet holder
- Auto breeze workout fan
- Transport wheels
Are you looking for a new elliptical machine but aren’t sure where it would fit in your home? The NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i is the entry-level model in NordicTrack’s rear-drive series for 2021 but comes with a lot of features and capabilities.
Spacesaver SE7i is built with heavier grade components including a steel frame and 18 pound flywheel to give you more of a stable, solid feel. The machine is smooth and silent, and the rear drive mechanism puts you in a more upright position than a front drive. It also has 18-inch stride length which is perfect for regular height trainer and 325-lb weight holding capacity.
Unlike many other elliptical machines, which take a long time to assemble, the SE7i can be put together in only three stages. This means you don’t have to deal with a complicated assembly guide and a million different spare parts to figure out which ones go together.
It offers up to 8 degrees of power incline. The incline’s biggest feature is that it allows you to keep an elliptical motion even as you raise it. It is designed to resemble your natural stride pattern. People who use other machines usually have to put a lot of stress and strain on their joints when they raise the angle. An elliptical trainer with this feature is usually very expensive and only found in gyms.
The machine features 22 resistance levels, which can be modified at the press of a button. It also has 24 workout apps including 12 calorie based and 12 performance based workouts. CardioGrip sensors are built into the handlebars, which continuously measure your heart rate throughout the workout.
The 5-inch backlit displays allow you to keep track of your time, distance, calories burned, resistance level, and other details required to track the progress of your workout. It’s a nice readout with everything you need visible.
As the name implies, the SE7i is made to save space. You can effortlessly fold and store it after your workout, and you can easily unfold it when you’re ready to start again.
The machine is iFit compatible. Based on your personal profile, you can choose a workout plan that has been made by professional fitness trainers for you. The training plan you select will controls the machine’s incline and resistance level. This function not only makes your workouts more fun, but it also keeps you motivated and helps you achieve your goals faster.
Apart from that, there are other additional features such as transport wheels, an integrated water bottle holder, a cooling fan, and an amazingly good speaker system.
The majority of buyers who purchased this foldable elliptical leave a positive evaluation with an estimated rating of over 73%. You will find exercising more enjoyable and exciting when you use this excellent elliptical. But, price is not affordable for everyone but it is a worthwhile investment.
PROS
- Commercial grade ergonomic features
- Hassle free assembly
- Easily folds upright for storage
- Free 30-day iFit subscription
- Impressive warrenty period
CONS
- 18-inch stride is short for taller person but perfect for regular height
- Comparatively smaller LCD display than the SE9i
Horizon Fitness Evolve 3 Elliptical
Quick Snapshot of the Key Features
- 20-inch stride length
- 18 lb. flywheel
- 20 electronically adjustable resistance
- 300 lb. max weight capacity
- 5.5-inch yellow-green LCD
- 32 built-in workout programs
- SixStar and featherlight folding frame
- Built-in speakers
- Tablet rack, and water bottle holder
- Passport ready
- ViaFit connectivity
- Contact grips heart rate monitor
Horizon Fitness Evolve 3 Elliptical folding elliptical is reasonably priced and offers some great features. The stride length is 20 inches, which is ideal for even the tallest of users and 18 lb flywheel is heavy enough to provide a smooth ride. It has a max user weight of 300 lbs (136 kg).
It comes with 20 different levels of resistance, which is enough to make you work hard, no matter how fit you are now. On top of that, there are 30 pre-programmed workouts (include: manual, 6 calorie, 10 distance, 10 step, 3 interval and 2 performance) that can be started at the press of a button.
Its three-step setup makes it extremely simple for anyone, even alone, to assemble. This is the elliptical that is the most simple to fold also. If you live alone or are likely to fold and move this by yourself, the one-step FeatherLight folding makes it simple and safe. When folded its dimensions are 41 inches (104 cm) long, 28 inches (71 cm) wide and 69 inches (175 cm) tall.
A 5.5″ yellow-green LCD console comes with an array of one-touch buttons. You’ll be able to track all the basic stats, along with heart rate, watts, and RPM. The stationary handles come equipped with a grip heart rate monitor that you can use to monitor your heart rate if desired.
The integrated ViaFit technology lets you to track your exercises and store your data online. You can join the communities if you wish to share victories or motivate one another. Additionally, you can link it to Passport Player, which enables you to connect your elliptical to your television and work out in some beautiful locations on a large screen.
It’s more affordable than other models on the market that offer virtually the same features. If you’re wanting to add a heavy-duty elliptical to your indoor training program, the Horizon Fitness Evolve 3 elliptical is a worthwhile investment.
PROS
- Ergonomically designed frame
- Very comfortable feeling, even with multiple uses
- Long stride for users of all heights
- Super easy to set up
- Best in class lifetime frame warranty
CONS
- No inclination feature
- Passport player sold separately
ProForm 895 Cse Smart Strider Elliptical
Quick Snapshot of the Key Features
- 18-inch stride length
- 18 lb. inertia-enhanced flywheel
- 24 magnetic resistance levels
- 325 lb. weight holding capacity
- Adjustable incline of up to 10 degrees
- 32 workout apps
- 7-inch full-color touchscreen display
- iFit compatible
- Built-in EKG HR monitor with wireless chest strap
- iPod-compatible speakers
- Water bottle holder
- Integrated tablet holder
- CoolAire workout fan
- Rear-mounted transport wheels
ProForm 895 Cse Smart Strider Elliptical is our last but not the least alternative. If you’re searching for a budget friendly foldable elliptical, it is unquestionably the finest option. It is a rear-drive home elliptical with a revolutionary folding design that allows you to save space.
It is made of commercial-gauge solid steel and can hold up to 325 pounds of user weight. It’s 18-inch stride length, soft grips upper-body workout arms; oversized, and cushioned pedals gives you more comfort during your workout. You can also power-tilt the pedals to up to 10%. It has an 18 lb. flywheel that extends smooth performance between 24 levels of magnetic resistance.
The elliptical has a range of 0 to 10 degrees of incline. The ramp of the incline is power-adjustable, allowing you to alter it directly from the console. Alternatively, this can also be accomplished via the in-handle controls, which are more convenient.
An important feature is its 7 inch full-color touchscreen display with built-in internet to tracks your speed, time, distance, calories burned, heart rate and resistance stat. Additionally, you can swipe through all of the workout metrics, view videos, surf the web, check your social pages and do other things online really helps pass the time.
There are 32 built-in workout apps designed by certified personal trainers to challenge yourself. Additionally, you can connect to iFit via the console and watch real-world trails pass by or simply enjoy the latest Livestream fitness class directly from your elliptical trainer!
The elliptical has an adjustable tablet holder located above the console. This makes it easy for you to place your tablet and use the internet.
On top of that, it comes with incredible iPod-compatible speakers. So, you can listen to your favorite music while exercising. There are two ways (handgrip sensors or the included wireless chest strap) to monitor your heart rate. The cool air fan helps you stay cool.
If you’re seeking for the best folding elliptical at an affordable price, the ProForm 895 Cse Smart Strider Elliptical is an excellent choice. This is an investment you won’t regret with a lifetime frame warranty.
PROS
- Easy to assemble
- Allows you to target different muscle groups for toning
- Can track your progress easily
- Easy transport and storage
- Excellent warranty period
CONS
- Fixed 18-inch stride, not ideal for taller trainees
How to Pick Best Foldable Elliptical
When it comes to selecting the best folding elliptical on the market, there is always a challenge. There are so many products available that choosing the perfect one is almost like solving an equation. But following factors will help you decide which folding elliptical machine is right for you?
Stride Length
The distance between the front pedal and the back pedal is called the stride. This is how far you can go. It is a good indicator to differentiate a high-end elliptical from a lemon.
The simple truth is that better ellipticals have longer strides, and less good ones have shorter strides. Stride lengths ranging from 18 to 20 inches are common. We are suggesting you to go by height to get the best folding elliptical. If you are 6 feet or more, you should consider a stride length of more than 20 inches. This will allow you to exercise in a safer and more comfortable environment.
To learn more about stride length, check out how to find the best stride length for your elliptical article.
Flywheel
When buying an elliptical, you’ll find information about the size of the flywheel. The flywheel on mid-range ellipticals is usually between 15 and 20 pounds.
There are some high-end machines, like our second pick, the Horizon Evolve 5, that have flywheels that weigh more than 20 pounds. The heavier the flywheel, the more steady the machine, and the smoother and quieter it will run.
When it comes to resistance levels, the flywheel is also crucial. The larger your flywheel, the better the resistance. Personally, I’d aim for a flywheel weighing between 18 and 20 pounds to give a reasonably pleasant ride while yet providing lots of resistance to work with. Flywheels on folding ellipticals are often lighter, presumably to make them easier to fold and transport.
Incline
Elliptical machines with inclination settings are an excellent option for increasing the level of difficulty for your workouts. Your training will be more intense if you use the incline features. Changing the incline makes it easier to shorten your stride, which in turn strengthens your core. Most of the foldable elliptical has adjustable incline of up to 10 degrees.
Resistance
The resistance of an elliptical machine determines the intensity of your workout. Consider an elliptical with a wide range of resistance settings for a well-rounded exercise routine. Flexibility in resistance lets you adapt your workouts to what you need.
Low resistance is similar to a slow walk, while higher resistance engages your core and is similar to a complete run. When shopping for an elliptical, consider the importance of intensity to your workout. Select a machine that enables you to achieve that level of intensity.
If your elliptical doesn’t have an inclination option, you can still get similar results by increasing the resistance.
Additional Features
We’ve talked about the most important parts of elliptical machines now. But if you can afford something on the more expensive side, then you’ll enjoy the extra features that come with it, even if they cost more.
Some of these features are built-in speakers, a fan to keep you cool, or a USB port for charging. As we said, they aren’t very important, but they do make working out a lot more fun.
Conclusion: Best Folding Elliptical
After reading hundreds of customer reviews on e-commerce platforms, and spending hours researching elliptical features and folding capability, we have made a list of top 5 best folding elliptical. We also looked at its durability (how long it last), how comfortable it is to workout, the programs it offer, the value for money (pricing), and the quality of the used materials while reviewing it.
We have tried to offer you honest guides and unbiased reviews (based on customer and expert reviews), including pros & cons, and features to assist you in making the best decision possible. This ellipticals are popular not only due to their foldable design but also to their excellent performance and build quality.
In our opinion, the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i Elliptical is the best choice among the various options available. The Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 Elliptical Trainer is the best value folding elliptical. You can also consider the ProForm 895 Cse Smart Strider Elliptical, which offers great value and features at a very reasonable price point. Finally, we are confident that if you choose any of them, your investment will be worth it.
FAQs: Best Folding Elliptical Machine
Does an elliptical fold?
Some ellipticals fold while others do not. The majority of larger ellipticals found in gyms do not have the ability to fold. There is a small, limited class of ellipticals that can be folded to save floor space, but they are difficult to find. And there are several various ways in which their fold might be achieved.
In order to make such a machine fold, the designers used smart hinges and springs to achieve the desired result. With a best foldable elliptical, you can enjoy a full-body gym workout at home. You can fold and store the best folding elliptical trainer when you’re done exercising and free up all of your floor space.
How much space does an elliptical require?
If you want to buy a best folding elliptical from the list above, you will need very little space to store it. A good rule of thumb is that most traditional ellipticals need a space that is 4 feet by 8 feet. When you fold an elliptical, some of the best ones might fit in a smaller space.
The foldable elliptical machine’s height is an important consideration. Some machines are small in size but taller than most people’s ceilings. As a result, when you first try to store your foldable elliptical machine, you may encounter difficulties.
Are folding ellipticals as good as big ones?
Yes, and in some ways even more so. They are more effective since they take up less space.
What is the best folding elliptical for home use?
If you are searching for the best foldable elliptical, you can choose one from below-
- Editor’s Choice Best Folding Elliptical: NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i
- Best Value Folding Elliptical: Horizon Evolve 5 Elliptical
- Best Budget-Friendly Foldable Elliptical: ProForm 895 Cse Smart
We are suggesting you to read our review article on best folding elliptical to find out your desired elliptical to achieve your fitness goals.
Where can I get a best folding elliptical?
If you want to purchase a best foldable elliptical, you should think about purchasing it from Amazon. This is a secure site that sells authentic products, including best folding ellipticals.
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