Connected ellipticals pair low-impact cardio with the motivation of live and on-demand coaching, automatic resistance changes, and detailed performance tracking. For home gym owners who want a Peloton-style experience on a machine that is gentle on joints, the connected elliptical category has expanded significantly in 2026. Here are the five best options.
Note: Individual fitness results vary. Consult a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program, particularly if you have existing joint, cardiovascular, or other medical conditions.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Peloton Row (Cross Trainer) | Live classes + auto-resistance | 4.8/5 |
| NordicTrack FS14i FreeStride | Adjustable stride + iFIT classes | 4.6/5 |
| Bowflex Max Trainer M9 | JRNY app + compact footprint | 4.5/5 |
| Sole E95S | Bluetooth + third-party app open | 4.5/5 |
| Schwinn 470 | Budget connectivity + 29 programs | 4.3/5 |
Peloton Elliptical — Best Overall Connected Elliptical
Peloton’s elliptical brings the same instructor-led energy as the brand’s bike to a full-body low-impact trainer. The 24-inch touchscreen streams live and on-demand classes with automatic resistance adjustment synced to the instructor’s cues. The Peloton ecosystem includes scenic rides, bootcamp cross-training, and guided stretching, all accessible from one subscription. The machine tracks output in watts, giving a consistent, equipment-independent fitness metric. The frame is commercial-grade and designed for extended daily use. Atcurrent pricing it is a premium investment, but the class library quality and auto-resistance responsiveness are the best in category.
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NordicTrack FS14i FreeStride — Best Adjustable Stride Elliptical
NordicTrack’s FS14i is unique in that the stride length adjusts automatically from 0 to 38 inches, letting the machine act as an elliptical, treadmill, or stepper depending on your movement. iFIT integration streams live outdoor routes that auto-adjust incline and resistance based on terrain. The 14-inch Smart HD touchscreen is clear and responsive. iFIT’s instructor library is one of the largest in the industry. The 32-level digital resistance and 20-degree incline range give coaches substantial control over workout intensity. This is the best pick for users who want one machine to cover multiple cardio modalities.
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Bowflex Max Trainer M9 — Best Compact Connected Elliptical
The Bowflex Max Trainer uses a stair-climbing elliptical hybrid motion that the brand claims burns more calories in less time than a standard elliptical. The M9 pairs with the JRNY app for personalized workouts, adaptive coaching, and streaming entertainment from Netflix or Hulu. The compact footprint is smaller than a full-stride elliptical, making it a good choice for apartment home gyms. The 16-level magnetic resistance responds to JRNY coach cues automatically. At it is mid-range in price but notably compact in size.
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Sole E95S — Best Open-Platform Connected Elliptical
The Sole E95S stands out for its open Bluetooth connectivity. It pairs with nearly any fitness app including Polar, Fitbit, Apple Health, Google Fit, and Zwift, without requiring a proprietary subscription. The 10-inch touchscreen is basic compared to Peloton but sufficient for session tracking. The 30-pound flywheel and 20-inch stride give a smooth, gym-quality feel. Heart rate monitoring is via contact grips and a chest strap (sold separately). For users who already use a preferred fitness platform and do not want to be locked into a new ecosystem, the E95S is the most flexible smart elliptical available.
Schwinn 470 — Best Budget Connected Elliptical
At the Schwinn 470 delivers Bluetooth connectivity, 29 built-in programs, and compatibility with the Schwinn Connected app and Apple Health at a fraction of the cost of premium options. The 9-inch display is small but functional. The 25-level magnetic resistance and 20-inch stride length suit most users. Bluetooth heart rate monitor compatibility adds training precision. This is not a streaming-class machine, but for users who want smart tracking and solid construction without acurrent pricing-plus price tag, the 470 is the clear budget leader.
How to Choose a Connected Elliptical
Decide on your subscription approach before choosing a machine. Peloton and NordicTrack machines are designed to be used with their respective subscription services. Buying the hardware without subscribing leaves core features unused. If you want flexibility across apps, choose an open-Bluetooth machine like the Sole E95S.
Stride length should match your height. Most adults are comfortable at 18 to 22 inches. Tall users (over 6 feet) benefit from 20 to 24 inches. Adjustable stride machines like the NordicTrack FS14i eliminate this concern entirely.
Consider footprint. Front-drive ellipticals are compact. Rear-drive ellipticals tend to be longer but smoother. Measure your intended space and compare to the machine’s footprint spec before ordering.
For more home gym buying guidance, read our best home gym equipment guide and our best treadmills for home use roundup. Our full evaluation process is outlined on the methodology page.
Frequently asked questions
What connectivity features should I look for in a smart elliptical?+
Look for Bluetooth heart-rate monitor pairing, ANT+ sensor compatibility, and built-in WiFi for streaming classes. Auto-resistance adjustment, where the machine responds to live instructor cues, adds the most training value. App integration with Peloton, iFIT, Ergatta, or Apple Health lets you track long-term progress. A good touchscreen (at least 10 inches) makes class workouts more engaging and easier to navigate.
Do connected ellipticals require a monthly subscription?+
Most connected ellipticals require a subscription for live and on-demand classes, tocurrent pricing per month per household. Without a subscription, most machines still work as standalone trainers with manual resistance control and basic console stats. If you plan to use instructor-led content regularly, factor the subscription cost into your total budget. Some brands like NordicTrack include a 30-day trial subscription.