Itâs never been easier to work out on your own terms. Whether youâre running, lifting, rowing or walking, home fitness equipment is designed to help you reach your goals and cater to your preferences. And even though equipment has evolved, ellipticals and treadmills remain two of the most popular options because theyâre easy to use, widely accessible and can be compact enough for many spaces. This guide explores the elliptical vs. treadmill debate to help you choose the right machine for your needs, with tips and advice based on our years of experience testing exercise equipment.
Below, we dive into the details you need to know before investing in an elliptical vs. a treadmill for your home. First, weâll break down how these machines work before talking through the workout experience each provides. Then, weâll look into the most important practical considerations, like space constraints, pricing and whether or not you need to perform any routine maintenance. And finally, weâll examine each machine as it relates to your goals and needs.
Elliptical Vs. Treadmill: How These Machines Work
Ellipticals and treadmills are both cardio machines, but they operate differently and thus require your body to move in different ways.
Ellipticals
Ellipticals are upright machines that guide your feet through an oval-shaped motion to mimic walking, running or climbing stairs. Your feet are planted on the pedals the entire time, which helps take the strain off your lower back, hips and knees, and the workout is low-impact, so itâs easy on your body overall. Many ellipticals also feature handlebars that engage your upper body as well.
They feature easy-to-use controls so you can adjust the machinesâ resistance to make the workout easier or harder. They provide great low-impact exercise for those seeking an alternative to running.
Treadmills
Treadmills, on the other hand, are one of the more simple pieces of cardio equipmentâ they allow you to walk or run on a moving belt. What makes a treadmill so effective is how it mimics real-world movement, with the ability to change speed and incline based on your goals.
While itâs a great choice for building cardio, burning calories or performing structured workouts like HIIT (high-intensity interval training), treadmills also put more stress and strain on your joints over time, especially if youâre running. With that said, many premium models feature shock-absorbing belts designed to boost cushioning and absorb repetitive impacts.
Elliptical Vs. Treadmill: Key Considerations
As tempting as it may be to buy the first treadmill or elliptical that catches your eye, first consider such factors as storage space, maintenance and your budget. Hereâs what to think about as you choose between these two popular designs.
Space
Ellipticals are upright machines that typically measure around 6 feet long by 5 feet tall. As full-size exercise equipment, they take up a significant amount of space, and because most models donât fold, they require a dedicated area for use and storage.
Unlike a treadmill, an ellipticalâs foot pedals move in a back-and-forth pendulum-like motion. Because of this, itâs important to have room not just for the machine itself, but a bit of extra clearance to safely use it as well.
Full-size treadmills are also about 6 feet long by 5 feet tall, so they take up a similar footprint. With that said, only the belt moves during use, so they require less additional space. Plus, treadmills come in a variety sizes, and there are a lot of great folding models to choose from, making them easier to fit into your space and tuck away when not in use.
Maintenance
For as much use as they get, ellipticals and treadmills require little to no maintenance. But some treadmill manufacturers do recommend occasional belt lubrication to keep it running smoothlyâa process that takes maybe five to ten minutes and doesnât involve any disassembly. We recommend wiping down your machine after each use to keep it hygienic and operating smoothly for years to come.
Price
Price is often the biggest factor when choosing between ellipticals and treadmills, as your budget directly impacts which model is right for you. While prices vary depending on the brand, machine and features, ellipticals are generally less expensive than treadmills, especially when youâre looking at mid- to high-end options.
For instance, NordicTrackâs top-tier X16 Elliptical includes a 16-inch touchscreen, built-in speakers, incline and decline settings, and access to on-demand classes, all for $2,499. Meanwhile, the brandâs premium X24 Treadmill features a 24-inch touchscreen, up to a 40% incline and a cushioned running deck, priced at $3,999. Even the X16 Treadmill, with comparable specs to the X16 Elliptical, costs $3,499âan additional $1,000. And while this is just one example, these price differences are pretty common across brands.
Fortunately, you can find quality ellipticals and treadmills for just about any budget. Whether youâre looking for a machine under $1,000 or a feature-packed model, there are plenty of options to meet your needs. We recommend considering the features that matter most to you, setting a budget and finding machines that meet those specific criteria.
Elliptical Vs. Treadmill: Which One Is Right For You?
Deciding between an elliptical and a treadmill comes down to your goals, preferences and any physical considerations you might have.
If you prefer walking or running, a treadmill is going to meet your needs, especially if youâre training for a race or tackling HIIT workouts. Treadmills are great for building speed, endurance and lower-body strength, and they help you quickly burn calories to boot. Theyâre also designed to mimic real-world conditions, with incline and decline settings that make them more versatile.
Ellipticals, meanwhile, are a lot easier on your joints thanks to a smooth, gliding motion that offers a full-body, low-impact workout. If youâre managing back, hip or knee issues, this form of exercise is probably better for you than running on a treadmill. And unlike a treadmill, ellipticals allow you to engage your upper body, so while the workout may not be as intense as running, itâs still effective and controlled.
Ultimately, the right machine for you is the one youâll actually use. Itâs not uncommon for expensive workout equipment to collect dust in a corner and serve as a rack for your clothes, but you can avoid that by thinking about the kind of movement you enjoy, how intense youâd like your workouts to be and any limitations you need to consider. Both machines have their unique strengths, and either one would be a great addition to your home gym.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The gear team at Forbes Vetted spends each day testing, evaluating and reviewing products, including at-home fitness equipment. Over the years, weâve covered not only ellipticals and treadmills, but also rowing machines, walking pads and exercise bikes.
- Forbes Vetted gear editor and author of this guide, Cam Vigliotta, has covered the health and wellness industry for years. He holds a degree in kinesiology and relies on his educational background to evaluate products that help you stay active. As a runner, heâs logged thousands of miles on treadmills, and grew up using them when harsh New England winters made it all but impossible to run outside.
- Commerce editor Christine Colby has been focused on writing and editing authoritative and informative product reviews and guides for five years. She recently covered the best elliptical machines, the best robotic pool cleaners and spearheaded an intensive test to find the best patio umbrellas for Forbes Vetted.
- We reevaluate this guide regularly to ensure the information we provide is up to date, so you have the most current and relevant tools you need to decide between a treadmill and elliptical. This guide was published in June 2025.
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