Best Cross Trainers
Latest Update: 18 December 2024
Cross training has become an integral component of modern workouts. Ensuring a well-balanced as well as grounded fitness level throughout, cross training is best carried out with the help of a dedicated cross training machine or elliptical trainer by your side.
If you intend on working out from the comfort of your home, cross trainers can help provide an effective as well as a low-impact form of exercise. This can be kinder on your joints compared to other forms of exercise, meaning it should be sustainable over long periods of time.
The best cross trainers will provide you with a robust, all-body workout and the very best make it a pretty enjoyable experience – especially if you like a bit of friendly competition.
If you are a newbie or even a more experienced user who wants to work out from your home, then this guide is designed to spotlight the best cross trainers available with a range of budgets in mind.
Cross trainers help in building the core strength of your body as they cause your torso to twist slightly – allowing your body to burn more calories and offering more engagement of your core muscles.
If you wish to improve the overall cardiovascular fitness of your body, a cross trainer is probably one of the best long-term forms of cardio training you can partake in.
With a wide range of cross trainers available it can be tough to decide which is the best for you, so we have taken the hard work out of the equation. Here are our top choices.
Best Cross Trainer – Quick Verdict
Top 10 Cross Trainers UK
Since its inception in 1995 by a famous US-based company named “Precor,” the elliptical or cross trainer has gained huge momentum across the globe. Today, they are pretty much a staple form of cardio in any respectable commercial gym.
The introduction of these cross trainers sparked the advent of the low-impact exercise era, and has seen the dominance that treadmills used to hold start to decline.
Ellipticals or cross trainers feature two large platforms that allow you to stand while rolling your feet from the heels to toe – whether you are running or walking.
As you are not leaving the platforms, it causes zero to minimal impact on the joints while giving a good workout to your muscles. Unlike an exercise bike or a treadmill, the cross trainer also works on the upper body with the help of two handles as you push and pull them – with varying degrees of resistance available to push your strength and cardio fitness to the max.
In this best cross trainer guide, we will help you choose from some of the top models available in the UK today.
NordicTrack FS14i Cross Trainer
NordicTrack are without a doubt one of the more premium providers of home cardio equipment in the UK, often in fierce competition with the likes of giants Peloton.
Previously, we absolutely loved their FS10i cross trainer, but like most things in gym equipment, this has since been upgraded to the beauty that is FS14i.
Now this piece of kit isn’t the cheapest. But it’s a beast, and worth every penny.
It looks menacing yet smooth; bulky yet neat. I probably shouldn’t dive into the aesthetics first; but the screen on this machine really is standout.
At a whopping 14”, this screen is touchscreen, and HD.
It looks stunning, and really engrosses you into all the incredible, trainer-led workout programs you get with iFit. You also have 30W sound from here, and the touchscreen buttons are neat and easy to operate whilst working out.
The screen tilts, so you can perfect your viewpoint, and it has a very effective AutoBreeze™ workout fan.
The iFit deserves a review of its own, but to summarise it’s absolutely amazing. It takes you all around the world with recommended workouts every day, you can track your stats in detail with it, and your virtual trainer can take care of the controls for you so you don’t have to alter recline etc.
Now to the actual mechanisms – there are a catalogue of selling points for the FS14i. First off, it has a massive 9kg flywheel with central drive (as opposed to the front and back), which keeps the whole piece of equipment solid and stable.
The SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance keeps your workout as quiet as possible, which is a deciding factor for a lot of us trying to work out in a home space.
You’ve got 26 effective levels of resistance which can be adjusted digitally, plus you can decline as low as 10% and incline as high as 10% – which is a huge range to play with.
The actual build of the machinery is commercial solid steel, so it’s not really fit for temporary placement – once it’s in situ, you’re going to struggle to move it. Because it’s so solid, it can easily cope with up to 170kg.
I absolutely loved using this piece of kit. The motion in my joints felt flowing and supported. Whilst I could challenge myself further, I felt comfortable. Even the handlebars are awesome.
From top to bottom, the FS14i is a sensational cross trainer. Yes, you’re going to have to fork out for it; but it really is worth it if finances allow. I found myself wanting to get back on it and challenge myself even further – which is never a bad thing with exercise.
JTX Tri-Fit Cross Trainer
If you are looking for a high-quality incline cross trainer that doesn’t break the bank, this model by JTX is the perfect option.
The JTX Tri-fit trainer is an ideal choice for beginners as it is easy to use, but it also has enough challenge to provide a stern test for more advanced users and is perfect for those individuals who wish to target the core muscles of the body, along with focusing on the upper thighs.
The JTX Tri-fit model features as many as 3 different levels of an adjustable incline along with providing full control over the respective incline adjustments of the machine.
As such, the machine offers the freedom to its users to independently change the overall stride length conveniently. The incline model by JTX is combined with the provision of a 17kg flywheel along with 16 levels of the revolutionary electromagnetic resistance and an impressive 20 inch maximum stride length for improved performance – but this is adjustable so you can switch between 16 and 20 inches to create the perfect stride length. With the JTX Tri-fit, you can be assured of having a complete suite of full body workout sessions at your disposal whenever you need it.
The JTX Tri-fit cross trainer features bluetooth connectivity and allows you to sync to the iConsole which provides some added functionality. This serves to be immensely useful in motivating thanks to its visual training as you continue to achieve your desired milestones.
All in all, the Tri-Fit is a great option that mixes affordability with high quality, offers a smooth ride and has a more than adequate stride length that will suit all manner of users – on top of that it can accomodate users up to 150kg in weight. A top buy from us.
JTX Strider X8
An upgrade to the Strider X7, the X8 has made some improvements to make an already very good cross trainer (at a great price) even better. That is, if you’re looking for something compact.
This machine is a punchy machine, but it is smaller and can only accommodate people to a height of no more than 5’ 9”. That’s a lot of us unable to use this machine, then.
However, I did add it to this list because it is a good piece of kit for those 5’ 9” and under, and comes with the benefit of having a smaller footprint in your home.
The 7kg flywheel gives a smooth motion, and is really quite quiet, too. You’re given a 16-inch stride length (which is fine for this height range), and 16 resistance levels to challenge yourself with.
I was quite impressed with the console that comes with it, and its 18 workout programs. With the heart rate programs thrown in too (and it’s compatible with Polar), you get a lot for the price tag.
I found it really easy to transport the X8 around, too – so if space is a problem and you want something a little more mobile, this one’s a good choice.
Reebok Unisex Adult A4.0 Elliptical
The Reebok A4.0 is probably the most budget-friendly on the list – it’s really good for the money.
You will substitute a few luxuries here, such as the 6kg flywheel, which is less powerful than the standard 7-8kg (and even the 9kg from NordicTrack).
And obviously, you don’t get all the singing and dancing monitors. But that’s OK, because this little number does a very good job at everything else.
You don’t need mains to plug it into, which makes it an awful lot easier to position at home. Yet, it still has a display that tells you all you need to know, and even has 8 magnetic resistance levels and 20 workout programs.
Because it’s a lighter build, it’s understandable that it can’t hold as much weight as some others; its max weight is 120kg.
But if you’re a small size and want something that just gets on with it without the fancy luxuries and reflecting price tag, then this one from Reebok is a really good option. It’s also received some very good feedback from other users (nothing less than 4 stars) for exactly these reasons.
Bowflex Max Trainer M5
(Edit: This machine is now the M6, with the same details as below but with a free app trial and a Burn Rate display to show you how many calories you’re getting through. The link will take you directly to the M6.)
If you are looking for a high-end model, this cross trainer is a good option.
The Bowflex M5 Max Trainer is a bit of a hybrid machine combining stair-climbing as well as elliptical benefits.
It offers you the opportunity to engage in an intense workout and is as well built as they come.
The 14-minute workout on this cross trainer helps in burning as much as 2.5 times more calories than any other standard model thanks to its multi-functional nature.
Additionally, the M5 elliptical trainer can also be integrated with your smartphone with the help of Bluetooth. Typically, this implies that you can sync the workouts – serving to be a vital function for those who wish to make use of the fitness apps while recording their exercise routines.
The M5 offers as many as 16 resistance levels that are controlled by a computer system. Moreover, it also sports an interactive console featuring a blue-backlit LCD display for time, speed, distance, and others.
Its maximum user weight is a decent 136kg, and overall this design is a stable, well-built, yet compact machine that gives you the best of both worlds in terms of build and practicality at home.
NordicTrack AirGlide LE Elliptical
Here’s another gem from NordicTrack. I guess you could say the AirGlide LE is a downgrade to the FS14i, but then so is the price tag.
For a lot less, you still get a really decent piece of kit – and it’s certainly not on the cheap side.
You get a very good monitor with the AirGlide LE. It’s smaller at 5”, but it’s still a very nice feature to the machine and connects to iFit and other apps, and has the same design fan, too.
The flywheel is a decent 7kg, and this chunky machine has a maximum capacity of 136kg.
You get 22 resistance levels, again controlled digitally, which is just a few less than the FS14i. Where the AirGlide LE excels is in incline – it goes right up to 15%. That’s the highest in this list, so if incline is your main goal, this could be the best option for you.
The actual design and build of this machine is very similar to its sibling here in terms of quality – everything is smooth and comfortable and quiet about it.
The drive is at the front, so the FS14i is more stable and heavier; but if you want the same kind of NordicTrack class with a sweeter price and more incline, then you’ll absolutely love the AirGlide SE.
Proform Carbon EL
Gym equipment from ProForm is always good quality, and their new Carbon EL is no exception.
This model comes with a year’s free subscription to iFit, which you’ll need a console to display it on to sit nicely on the holder.
I found this a little fiddly, and didn’t love the screen behind it being covered – but if you’re using iFit then all your stats etc. are on the device anyway (as opposed to the machine’s monitor).
The screen itself (for when you’re not using iFit) is really nifty – LCD with dual 2” speakers, with functions and stats nicely displayed.
You got a whopping 19” of adjustable stride to play with, which is a lot, with a standard 7kg flywheel. It only holds up to 125kg, which surprised me as looking at it, it does seem capable of more.
But when it came to trialling the machine myself, it could tell it was a lighter machine than some of the others. Quite a lot, actually – the NordicTrack FS14i, for example, has a boxed weight of 130kg, whereas this is 91kg.
You can feel the difference between the two when exercising; however, if you’re below 125kg (I’d say 120kg – push the limits and you may find any machine may start to move with you), then it’s a good machine.
Because it’s lighter, it also means you’ll be able to move it around a little easier, especially as it has front-mounted wheels, too.
I like this machine. It’s not as good as the others, to be honest – it’s just not as solid, and the device holder goes over the display. But it’s still a good-value option with the iFit membership thrown in too, and it’s certainly better than a lot of other models out there.
Dripex Magnetic Elliptical Cross Trainer
If some of these price tags are making your eyes water, then you’ll like this one.
For around £240 (currently, Amazon are offering a £40 discount voucher!), you get a brilliant little cross trainer.
I say little, but this machine still can accommodate a height range of between 4’9” and 6’1”. You’ll need to be under 120kg to use it, but I think it’s pretty good considering the price.
The heavy duty frame as made of alloy steel, and it’s not flimsy at all. You’ve got 8 levels of magnetic resistance to play with, operated with the adjustable knob.
It has a 6kg two-way flywheel (two-way meaning you can go backwards as well as forwards), and this machine was surprisingly quiet when I tested it.
Now of course, the display is basic. You’re saving a lot of money here by having less tech. But it tells you everything you need to know, with each stat taking turns to be displayed (or you can easily press the mode button to change what’s showing).
No, it’s not a dashboard with every insight into what you’re body’s doing, with HD trails from across the globe. But not everybody wants all the bells and whistles. The Dripex is a fantastic option if you want a decent cross trainer for a very good price, and that’s easily transportable too.
JLL CT300
If you are in the price range of something below £300, then this model by JLL is a good investment for you.
The model features an on-board computer system with as many as 9 multiple functions. There is the presence of a 5.5kg flywheel as well, along with multiple resistance levels.
The JLL CT300 serves to be an affordable option for those who are not willing to go overboard when it comes to setting up a home-based gym area.
In addition to its impressive specifications, the model is also known to sport a built-in heart rate sensor along with an advanced tablet holder for delivering great convenience as you work out.
When I trialled it for myself, I thought it handled surprisingly smoothly and quietly, too. In the given price range, the model has the absence of any built-in workout programmes for the users. It’s ideal if you just want to get on and go.
Pro XS Sports Trainer
This is yet another budget elliptical trainer and although it lacks some of the features of the other models listed above, it will suffice for beginners or those who are not going to be using it on a daily basis.
The model is available for around £100 and serves to be a great option when it comes to an advanced entry-level machine.
The model is known to feature the technology of adjustable resistance that offers the assurance of adjusting the tension as per your preference – on the basis of whether you are performing a low or high intensity workout.
The resistance of the trainer is controlled with the help of a flywheel driven chain, a tension dial, and an advanced belt resistance – something often found on entry-level trainer models.
One of the major benefits of the revolutionary Pro XS Sports trainer is that it features the cutting-edge 2-in-1 functionality. This implies that this model is available with an adjustable seat. As such, this allows you to utilise the machine in the form of a stationary bike as well, adding to the overall appeal of the trainer.
The trainer also features the advanced LED display functionality, which is used for displaying time, speed, distance traveled, and the number of calories burned at the same time, plus your heart rate.
The 1,500+ reviews with the majority of them being 4-5 stars is testament to this very decent piece of kit for the money.
Conclusion
If you plan to bring home an advanced cross trainer for yourself, it can serve to be a great way in achieving your fitness goals – both cardio and strength based. Right from getting the perfect body shape to being at the peak of your fitness levels, these high-quality elliptical cross trainers are the best choices for a home-based gym.
While it might prove a challenging task to choose the right model of cross trainer when there are so many to choose from, this handy guide has hopefully given you some insights into what’s out there, and which would suit you best.
Consider your fitness goals, current weight, home environment and budget – there’s something in this list to suit everyone.
Latest Updates 18 December 2024: Entire product review update. New products tested and compared. Specs and links checked. Images adjusted. Content reformatted for easier readability. Quick Verdict changed as we had a new top spot winner.
