Ellipticals are a great investment for a home gym because they offer a full-body workout with minimal impact. That’s the main reason I prefer ellipticals vs. treadmills, but I also love how certain folding models and compact designs can save space. Sure, ellipticals can be expensive, but there are plenty of budget options.
Wait, aren’t ellipticals noisy? Not all of them! In this list, I’ll cover the best quiet ellipticals that deliver the best workouts. A low noise level is one of the most important considerations for parents with young kids. I’ve had many workouts derailed by a toddler who was woken up by the smallest bump on the floor. As they say, silence is golden.
Whether you have young kids or noise-sensitive neighbors, the ellipticals on this list will help you reduce workout noise so you can stay focused on your fitness goals. Let’s dive in!
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The Best Quiet Elliptical - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Quiet Elliptical: Sole E25
- Best Budget Quiet Elliptical: Horizon Fitness EX-59
- Best Quiet Under-Desk Elliptical: Sunny Health Under Desk Elliptical
- Best Quiet Elliptical for Apartments: NordicTrack 9.9 Elliptical
- Best Folding Quiet Elliptical: NordicTrack Space Saver SE9i
Best Overall Quiet Elliptical - Sole E25
SPECS
- Weight: 212 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 350 lbs.
- Dimensions: 71”H x 70”L x 24”W
- Who It’s For: Anyone who wants to get the most out of their elliptical while minimizing noise
Quiet elliptical machines come in all shapes and sizes and have different features depending on their price. If you’re looking for the absolute best, look no further than the Sole E25. This machine offers high-end features at a moderate price.
There is a lot to love about the E25, but some of my favorite features are the 20 lb. flywheel—an essential for minimal noise—Bluetooth compatibility, 10 workout modes, a built-in tablet holder, and the ability to switch the pedals between forward and backward resistance. Whether you’re a parent with young kids, a twentysomething with roommates, or a grandparent with a spouse who likes to nap, the E25 has something for everyone.
What We Like
- Pedal direction can switch from forward to backward
- 10 workout modes
- Large display and built-in tablet holder
What We Don’t Like
- Stride length is not adjustable
- Does not fold
Best Budget Quiet Elliptical - Horizon Fitness EX-59
SPECS
- Weight: 145 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Dimensions: 74"H x 64.5"L x 25"W
- Who It’s For: Anyone who wants an elliptical on a tight budget
If the prices of some exercise equipment make your eyes bug out, you’re not alone. Some people spend thousands and thousands of dollars on high-end products, but if you would never, check out the Horizon EX-59.
This elliptical lacks some of the features you’ll find on more expensive models, but the bang for your buck is unparalleled. Its sturdy construction means there are no loose parts that will clank around while you exercise. It has Bluetooth and multiple resistance levels to make sure you get a good workout. The flywheel is only about 14 lbs., but the elliptical is highly stable.
What We Like
- Ergonomic frame design
- Good quality for the price
- Fast and simple set-up
What We Don’t Like
- Lacks some features of higher-end ellipticals
- Only a 14lb flywheel
Best Quiet Under-Desk Elliptical - Sunny Health Under Desk Elliptical
SPECS
- Weight: 24.2 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 220 lbs.
- Dimensions: 11”H x 24”L x 19”W
- Who It’s For: Anyone who wants to work out while they work or watch TV
Under-desk ellipticals are compact, lightweight machines designed for people who need to sit while pedaling and those who want to work out while they work. If you’re looking for an under-desk elliptical, Sunny Health is a top option.
This elliptical is small and weighs around 24 pounds, but can still hold 220 pounds of user weight. It has eight resistance levels, an easy-adjust knob, and a simple display screen that tracks calories, speed, distance, and time. Ellipticals like this are usually marketed to seniors, but a variety of people can benefit from an under-desk machine.
What We Like
- 8 resistance levels
- No-slip pedals, magnetic tension system
- Displays calories, speed, distance, and time
What We Don’t Like
- Some users found the carry handle hard to use
- Small and light flywheel will wear over time
Best Quiet Elliptical for Apartments - NordicTrack 9.9 Elliptical
SPECS
- Weight: 244 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 350 lbs.
- Dimensions: 68.5"H x 68.25"L x 28.75"W
- Who It’s For: Anyone who is worried about disturbing their neighbors or family members
It's hard to beat NordicTrack for an apartment cardio machine. They make great quality equipment with high-tech features like auto-adjusting resistance, Bluetooth, and 22 resistance levels. NordicTrack is one of the more expensive brands on the list, but many will find it’s worth the cost.
What sets the NordicTrack 9.9 apart is the included iFit membership. iFit is like a virtual personal trainer that takes you around the world to work out. The display screen on the 9.9 is pretty small, but there is a built-in tablet holder if you have a device with a larger screen.
What We Like
- Auto-adjusting resistance
- 25 lb. flywheel means minimal noise
- 22 resistance levels
What We Don’t Like
- Short stride length
- Small display screen
BUY: NordicTrack 9.9 Elliptical
Best Folding Quiet Elliptical - NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i
SPECS
- Weight: 218 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 325 lbs.
- Dimensions: 67"H x 80"L x 32"W
- Who It’s For: Anyone who wants their space back after they’re done working out
If you’re looking for a folding elliptical to help you save space when not in use, I recommend the NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i. All of the features—including iFit—that make NordicTrack products great apply here, but there are some extras.
The SE9i has a huge 14-inch smartscreen display, so you won’t need to use your own device to be able to see. It also has silent magnetic resistance, or SMR. Thanks to SMR, this is one of the quietest machines on the market.
What We Like
- 14-inch smartscreen display
- Folding frame
- Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR)
What We Don’t Like
- Lighter flywheel than other models
- iFit can be expensive after the membership expires
BUY: NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i
What to Look for in a Quiet Elliptical
Flywheel Weight
The flywheel is the source of momentum in your elliptical, and as you pedal, it provides resistance. The weight of the flywheel is a key feature to consider when looking for a quiet elliptical. Generally speaking, the heavier the flywheel, the smoother and quieter the ride.
Noise
Quiet means different things to different people, so it’s best to test the machine before you buy, if you can.
Stability
One of the best ways to get rid of elliptical noise is to make sure it’s stable. Some models are more stable than others, but increased use may compromise stability and create noises that weren’t present at the time of purchase.
A cheap way to ensure elliptical stability is to put a mat underneath your machine. Soft mats like yoga mats are not recommended because the weight of the machine will ruin them. Exercise mats, which are more durable, are a better option.
Footprint
If you’re looking for an elliptical, you’ve probably got a space in mind. Ellipticals are pretty big pieces of equipment, but there are several different styles with different footprints. If you’re tight on space, a folding treadmill is a great option.
Workouts
The amount of workouts available on your elliptical will depend on the brand. Some brands program 10 workout options and are compatible with third-party apps. Others pre-program up to 30 workouts.
In general, iFit is one of the best ways to get the most out of your cardio equipment. It is relatively expensive on its own, but many NordicTrack models have a membership included in the price. So if workout variety is something you value, give them a look.
Benefits of Quiet Ellipticals
Ellipticals are one of the most effective cardio machines you can buy for your home because they are an extremely low-impact way to get a full-body workout. Because they are gentle on your joints, you can push yourself harder with less risk of injury.
Quiet ellipticals allow you to work out without disturbing anyone. They are also great for early-morning workouts or during nap time if you have kids.
FAQs About Quiet Ellipticals
Are Nordictrack ellipticals quiet?
Some NordicTrack ellipticals are quieter than others. The SpaceSaver SE9i, for example, uses silent magnetic resistance (SMR) to keep the noise level to a minimum.
How can I make my elliptical less loud?
One of the easiest ways to make your elliptical quieter is to put an exercise mat underneath it. Other options include tightening all of the bolts and maintaining the moving parts.
Is an elliptical good for losing belly fat?
Ellipticals can be a great, low-impact way to lose belly fat. Finding an elliptical with the right resistance to challenge you is the key to success.
About the Author
Cory is a certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition coach. After spending six years as an educator and coach, Cory joined the ACTIVE team as a staff writer turning his passion for education toward helping ACTIVE readers live their best, healthiest lives.
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