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The best cross trainers and ellipticals for effective full-body workouts at home, tested
Including editors' picks starting from just £100
Tested by Kim HawleyHealth and Fitness Tester
Investing in the best home gym equipment can revolutionise your fitness routine. You don’t need to schlep to the gym after work or worry about the unpredictable British weather – you can simply roll out of bed and squeeze in 20 minutes before getting on with your day.
Recovery is just as important as the workout itself, and quality sleep plays a huge role in muscle repair and overall performance. The Eight Sleep Pod 4 review explores how this high-tech mattress topper helps regulate temperature for deeper, more restorative sleep—perfect for anyone looking to maximise their fitness gains.
If you want a full body workout, we recommend considering one of our experts' best cross trainers. This underrated piece of kit provides an effective, full-body workout that’s low impact and not too taxing on your joints.
To help you find your new at-home fitness buddy, our Good Housekeeping Institute experts have put the best cross trainers on the market to the test – see their top picks below. And if our tried and tested options are out of your price range, don't panic, as our editors have also highlighted some of their favourite budget-friendly models below.
Looking to kit out your home gym/study/garage? We've also tested the best treadmills, the best exercise bikes and the best rowing machines.
The best cross trainers for 2025
Here’s our pick of the best cross trainers and ellipticals for all budgets and needs at a glance but scroll on for full reviews, plus everything you need to know about the humble elliptical machine.
What is a cross trainer?
You may have come across the cross trainer in your local gym. But what exactly is it, and how does it work?
“The cross trainer is piece of stationary fitness equipment that allows you to work the upper and lower body simultaneously,” says Anne Chinoy, personal trainer, Athletics England qualified running coach and Active IQ ambassador. “It has two foot plates and two handlebars, which you push and pull as your legs move back and forth, delivering a full-body cardio workout.”
She explains that while the terms ‘cross trainer’ and ‘elliptical’ are often used interchangeably, the cross trainer is a particular type of elliptical machine. “While standard elliptical machines have fixed arms and only target the lower body, the cross trainer stands out for its moveable handles,” she says.
Are cross trainers worth it?
That’s a resounding yes. According to Chinoy, it's one of the most versatile machines out there. Here, she breaks down some of the main benefits.
Low impact: Unlike running on a treadmill, a cross trainer doesn’t tax your joints, as your feet stay in contact with the plates at all times. So, you can work on your cardiovascular fitness, without putting your muscles and joints under stress. There’s also less risk of injury and it’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Cardiovascular benefits: Despite the reduced load, don’t be deceived – the cross trainer still offers an effective cardiovascular workout. “You can still achieve all the benefits of running, such as increased lung capacity, heart strength, reduced blood pressure and weight loss,” points out Chinoy.
Versatile: The cross trainer allows you to work out at the intensity that’s right for you. You can opt for an easy, continuous pace to develop your aerobic capacity, or try challenging interval sessions that will really boost your fitness.
Unobtrusive: The cross trainer is one of the quietest bits of kit available and it generally has a smaller footprint than a treadmill or rowing machine, making it a good choice if you haven’t got your own dedicated home gym.
What is the correct way to use a cross trainer?
It’s important that you maintain the correct form for safety and to get the most out of your workout. Here are Chinoy’s top tips.
- Stand tall (imagine a piece of string pulling you up from the crown of your head towards the ceiling) and look out in front of you.
- Keep your shoulders relaxed and ensure your feet stay in contact with the plate at all times.
- Try to avoid lifting your heels as you pedal. Keep your knees and elbows relaxed and engage your core – thinking about pulling the belly button in towards the spine can help with this.
- If you find your posture slackens, do a full body scan from head to toe every five minutes to check to your form. You can then reset your body position as needed.
How we test
Our Good Housekeeping Institute experts trialled the top cross trainers on the market, judging them on instructions, ease of use, design and, most importantly, performance.
They considered how easy the machines were to set up, whether they took up significant floor space, how smooth and stable they were, and whether adjusting the resistance was a faff-free process
Overall scores were awarded, with only the ellipticals that met our exacting standards receiving the GHI Approved seal of approval.
The remaining products have been hand-picked by our fitness editors, who have used workout machines extensively.
Pros
- Fuss-free set-up process
- Great for all levels and experiences
- Compact, foldable design
Cons
- Expensive
- Adjusting the resistance is a manual process
Score: 90/100
One of the best things about this premium Technogym model is that you don’t have to faff around with screws and bolts – installation is included with your purchase. The team that delivers your new cross trainer also provides a tutorial and will help you get set up on the app, so you can start working out straight away. The design is also compact and foldable, making it a smart choice if you’re short on space.
Our tester found it a pleasure to use, praising the simple display for monitoring your progress and the extensive Technogym app, which gives you access to a variety of set workouts to help you reach your goals. They also rated the mix of handlebars – there are two moving ones to target the arms and a central handle for focusing on the lower body – and the conveniently placed water bottle holder for sipping when things get sweaty. With a mega 25 levels of resistance to play with, there’s something to suit all experience levels, too.
Unlike some of the other ellipticals we've tested, you can’t change the resistance at the touch of a button – you have to manually push the lever to reach your desired setting. Overall, though, it’s a top-spec piece of kit and, as you can see from our score, a standout performer on test.
Pros
- Compact design good for small spaces
- Sturdy, well-made product
- Offers a comprehensive workout
Cons
- Set-up instructions could have been clearer
- Requires two people to fold
Score: 78/100
If you’re short on space and are after something that won’t take over your entire home gym/corner of your living room, this JTX pick, which can be partially folded, is a good shout. It also features built-in wheels, so you can cart it around the house. Just note – folding it away and transporting it is probably a two-person job.
Our expert found the set-up instructions and diagrams a little confusing to follow but, once built, the design felt robust, and the machine was a pleasure to use. Though there are no pre-set sessions, you can connect to the Kinomap training app and the Pace-F6 provides 15 levels of resistance. According to our tester, even the lower levels provide a challenging workout, so you’re sure to see improvements to your fitness after consistent use. It may not be the right choice if you’re a total beginner, though.
The console is a good size, with all the post-workout stats you need (time, speed, RPM and distance and heart rate) to track your progress. What’s more, it’s self-powered so you can train anywhere in the house, without an unsightly extension cable running across the room.
The 10kg flywheel offer a smooth elliptical experience and the 18-inch stride length should accommodate most heights and abilities, however our petite tester found they had to stretch across when manoeuvring the handles. There is a water bottle holder, but it’s positioned below the gear controls which means there’s only room for a small one.
Pros
- 40 resistance levels to suit all fitness levels
- Built-in fan to keep you cool
- No need to set up near a plug socket
Cons
- Best for choice of resistance levels
Score: 77/100
Primal's Pro Series Elliptical is made from high-strength steel and it’s a sturdy bit of kit, yet the sleek design means it won’t look out of place in the corner of your living room.
It has a weighty 13kg flywheel for a smooth, stable ride, along with a whopping 40 levels of resistance for all levels, and it comes with an impressive selection of pre-set programmes to keep you motivated. These include HIIT, fat burn, cardio, strength and intervals, along with a series of fitness tests. Our expert particularly liked that you can customise these to suit your own individual needs.
The LED display shows your progress, including calories burned, distance, speed and heart rate, and we loved the built-in turbo fan to keep you cool, calm and collected when things get sweaty. Best of all, it’s self-powered, so you don’t need to set it up near a plug socket and it won’t add to your energy bill.
We would have liked a water bottle holder, and we found the buttons unresponsive at times. It’s also worth noting that there isn’t anywhere to put your tablet or phone, but that may or may not bother you. There’s no getting around the hefty price tag, but it's a premium build.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Compact design ideal for small spaces
- Quick to set up and easy to use
Cons
- Not suitable for those over 5"9
Score: 71/100
The second JTX machine in this round-up, this one is a little cheaper, but still offers an impressive range of features. This includes 16 levels of resistance, 18 built-in workout programmes to keep you motivated and Bluetooth connectivity, so you can connect to your training apps like Kinomap for a more interactive experience.
Our pro was impressed with how easy the machine was to set up. The instructions were clear, the process wasn’t fiddly, and it was ready to use in a matter of minutes. It’s also an excellent choice if you don’t have heaps of space – the machine is compact, so you can tuck it away in the corner without attracting unwanted attention.
Once up and running, it’s intuitive to use, with a clear, computer console that reveals all your in- and post-workout data, including distance, time, speed and pulse rate. It's also extremely quiet, so you don't have to worry about disturbing the rest of the family during your early morning workouts.
According to JTX, the max height is 5’9, so look to one of our other options if you’re on the taller side.
Our editors’ top picks
Don’t fancy splashing out on a top-spec cross trainer? This no-frills option from Neezee is a good choice. Not just a cross trainer, this clever piece of kit doubles up as an exercise bike, so you can enjoy a spot of at-home spinning as well.
The padded seat is comfortable and fully adjustable, the well-placed adjustment knob allows you to tinker with the resistance level and there are built-in heart rate sensors and a neat LCD screen to help you keep track of your progress.
As a bonus, this Neezee option comes with wheels, allowing you to move it around the house easily or stash it in the garage when you need the spare bedroom back.
This simple Dripex design is a good buy if you're on a budget. It has a 6kg flywheel for smooth movements and offers levels of magnetic resistance to suit all members of the family. It also claims to be whisper-quiet, so you can work out without disturbing those around you.
It has a classic LDC monitor so you can keep an eye on your progress, built-in heart rate sensors on the handlebars and an anti-slip surface so you can focus on your session in peace.
If you don't want the hassle of having to put the machine together yourself, you can pay extra for assembly.
Reebok is best known for its sportswear, but the brand also does fitness equipment. With adjustable footplates and handlebars, this cross trainer is ideal for whole family use. You can also make floor-level adjustments, ensuring it’s sturdy and well-balanced on all surfaces.
It has an impressive 32 levels of resistance and 20 varied programmes on the console itself, with the option to create your own workouts based on time, distance and calories. There are built-in sensors on the handlebars for monitoring your pulse measurements, an LCD screen that presents all your key data and a water bottle holder to keep you hydrated as you work up a sweat.
The 9kg flywheel promises a smooth ride and the brand claims the machine runs with minimal noise. Additionally, the Z-Power features wheels, so you can roll it away once you’ve finished your session.
Unlike most cross trainers, which need to be set up near a plug socket, this Domyos machine is self-powered, so you can exercise in your kitchen, garage or even in the garden on a sunny day. It also won’t guzzle lots of energy and there won't be any trailing wires making a mess. Hurrah!
It offers a wide range of resistance levels (15 to be exact), 24 pre-set programmes for all abilities, plus the option to sync up with your favourite fitness app via the smart console. Here, you can also review your distance, speed, calories heart rate and cadence.
The 9kg flywheel makes for a smooth, quiet riding experience, the petite machine should be easy enough to move around and there’s a safety mechanism for children. For peace of mind when investing, it comes with a two-year warranty.
Another two-in-one cross trainer and exercise bike combo, this sleek Opti elliptical is a top choice if you're on a budget or you don’t have space for both pieces of kit in your home.
The fuss-free machine has everything you need to work up a sweat. The seat and handlebars are adjustable to suit all heights and sizes, there’s a small screen for viewing your data, plus a simple dial to increase the tension and wheels for easy transportation.
Granted, it’s not the sturdiest machine on the market, but at this price, it’s hard to complain. It also comes with a one-year warranty.
What is the correct way to use a cross trainer?
It’s important that you maintain the correct form for safety and to get the most out of your workout. Here are Chinoy’s top tips.
- Stand tall (imagine a piece of string pulling you up from the crown of your head towards the ceiling) and look out in front of you.
- Keep your shoulders relaxed and ensure your feet stay in contact with the plate at all times.
- Try to avoid lifting your heels as you pedal. Keep your knees and elbows relaxed and engage your core – thinking about pulling the belly button in towards the spine can help with this.
- If you find your posture slackens, do a full body scan from head to toe every five minutes to check to your form. You can then reset your body position as needed.
The verdict on cross trainers
Though pricey, the Technogym Elliptical foldable cross trainer is easy to set up, a dream to use and compact enough to store away neatly. It's a top-quality piece of kit the whole family can use and will be with you for years to come.
If you're on a tighter budget, consider the two JTX models in our round-up. The JTX Pace-F6: Folding Cross Trainer comes in at under £700 and is brimming with impressive features, while the JTX Strider-X8, which will set you back less than £500, is a simple, beginner-friendly design that will do the job nicely.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
We've been testing products at the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 100 years. In that time, we've learnt a lot about what makes a great piece of exercise equipment for your home. We've also developed rigorous protocols to ensure everything we recommend to you will live up to its claims.
Kim Hawley, our health and wellness tester, and Priyankaa Joshi, our senior health and wellness writer, have also reviewed and written about hundreds of products, so they know exactly what they're look for, whether it's the best greens powders, the best walking poles or the best yoga mats.
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.
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