How to buy the best cross trainer

Cross trainers, also known as elliptical trainers, provide a low impact, full-body workout that puts less strain on your knees than treadmill workouts.

They also target almost every major muscle group, including your arms, core and legs, making them a good all-rounder. 

Discover the benefits of using a cross trainer, the features to look for, prices and where to buy.

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How to buy the best cross trainer for home use

If you're a regular gym-goer, you'll probably know broadly what to expect from a cross trainer. But ones for home use may be a bit different, so newbies and experienced users alike should do their research before buying.

Our guide outlines the different types and their pros and cons, as well as typical costs.

If you're just starting out you might not need lots of fancy extras. Always check the model dimensions to make sure you have enough floor space and to allow for any clearance needed around the machine. 

Cross trainer benefits

Buying a home cross trainer could complement, or even replace, a monthly gym membership. Other benefits include:

• Tone up and reduce fat – a cross trainer can help you lose weight, especially if paired with a healthy diet.
• Work arms and legs at the same time – most cross trainers have arm handles that move in tandem with the pedals.
• Low impact training – if you don't want to put too much strain on your knees when exercising, a cross trainer is a good option.
• Loosen up – used correctly, time on a cross trainer can help to release tension in your lower back.
• Good for those with poor balance – your feet never leave the pedals, so you'll feel more stable than you would on a treadmill.

Popular types of cross trainer

Manual vs electric

A manual cross trainer is powered by your movement. As a result, there are no buttons on a display to let you change resistance levels quickly and easily. Instead, there's typically a manual resistance dial that you'll need to turn until you find a level you're happy with. Because they're fairly basic and light on features, manual cross trainers tend to be cheaper than electric machines.

Electric cross trainers let you change resistance levels at the tap of a button on the display, so you're less likely to break the flow of your workout.

Front-drive cross trainer

A cross trainer with a front drive setup will have the flywheel positioned at the front of the machine, ahead of the pedals. They're fairly compact and likely to be a good pick for a small home gym or exercise space.

The bulk of the machine's weight – and thus its centre of gravity – is in line with the console, so you might find it easier to balance on compared with a rear-drive machine.

The stride on a front-drive cross trainer feels like you are climbing stairs.

Rear-drive cross trainer

These machines have the flywheel positioned behind the pedals. They're usually pricier and bulkier than front-drive machines.

Most rear-drive cross trainers will let you adjust the stride length to suit your height and preference.

The stride on a rear-drive model feels more like you're jogging or walking.

2-in-1 cross trainer/exercise bike

With a 2-in-1 cross trainer, you can lower the height of the seat to transform it into an exercise bike. 

As well as offering variety in the exercise you can do, it's also likely to be cheaper than buying two separate pieces of equipment.

For more details on the benefits of using an exercise bike, see our exercise bike buying guide.

How much does a cross trainer cost?

Cheap cross trainers - £100-£300

These entry-level models skip the non-essential features, which means many don't have an information console, smartphone connectivity or incline support.

If you buy a cross trainer without a screen, you can still track your workout using a fitness tracker. Discover the best around with our reviews of the best fitness trackers. 

Mid-range cross trainers - £300-£800

Cross trainers in this price range may feel more solidly built, and will typically use electronic rather than manual resistance. 

You'll usually also get a decent information display that gives feedback on things like speed, time, distance and calories burned. 

High-end cross trainers - £800+

Expensive cross trainers will often feature a large information console, lots of pre-set programs and allow you to work out at an incline. You'll likely notice the difference in build quality and stability too.

How much space do you need for a cross trainer at home?

The average cross trainer in your home gym or exercise space will take a similar amount of space to a treadmill.

In other words, expect a length of around 1.2 metres to just over two metres. Some cross trainers fold up when they're not in use, and could be a good option for a busy room.

To keep yourself safe when using the equipment, clear some space either side of you and behind the cross trainer. We recommend leaving double the width of your cross trainer, and leaving at least one metre behind you.

Finally, if you have low ceilings in places, position your cross trainer with care. As the pedals on your cross trainer turn, you'll rise higher. Make sure you're leaving enough room above your equipment.

Cross trainer features to look for

Resistance levels

Just like an exercise bike, a cross trainer is available with varying levels of resistance. The higher you set the resistance level, the harder you'll have to work to keep the machine moving.

Expensive cross trainers will usually have more levels of resistance than cheap models.

Motion handles and safety handles

Cross trainers feature two sets of handles. The first, known as safety handles, don't move. These handles can offer more stability at higher speeds.

Most safety handles will have sensors built into them to let you monitor your pulse rate.

The other set of handles on cross trainers move, and are known as motion handles. They move in tandem with the pedals and can give your arms a work out at the same time as your legs.

Stride length

Cross trainer brands will often mention stride length on their website or in the product manual. This refers to the range of motion you'll get from the cross trainer.

A longer stride length means a tougher workout. Some machines let you adjust this manually.

Information console

An information console on a cross trainer displays the same information you'd find on a treadmill screen. That typically means feedback on time, speed, distance and calories burned. They also let you adjust speed and resistance, and toggle between pre-set programmes.

Expensive cross trainers have larger, touchscreen displays.

Foldable design

If you plan on using your cross trainer in a small or busy space at home, invest in a machine with a foldable design. When you're finished working out, you can lower the seat and lift up the pedals so the cross trainer takes up less floor space.

Incline settings

Incline support is generally reserved for pricier cross trainers. As you swap from a flat setting to an incline on a cross trainer, the difficulty of the workout will increase. 'Uphill' inclines also work different muscle groups. 

Where to buy a cross trainer

Before choosing which cross trainer to buy and where to buy from, read customer reviews for the cross trainer you're considering and check retailers' returns policies in case of a problem. 

For more details on shopping online safely and arranging refunds for faulty equipment, see our online shopping advice.

Popular retailers that stock cross trainers include:

• Argos – stocks cross trainers from brands including own-brand Opti, as well as ProForm and Reebok. Prices start at around £90 and rise to around £500.
• Decathlon – sells a range of manual and motorised machines, with the majority from its own brand Domyos. Prices start at around £130 and go as high as around £800.
• Fitness Superstore – the retailer has cross trainers that wouldn't look out of place at a swanky gym. Prices range from around £450 to £4,000. Featured cross trainer brands include Body-Solid, Matrix Fitness, NordicTrack and ProForm.
• Powerhouse Fitness – stocks cross trainers from a host of brands including BodyMax, ProForm and Reebok. Prices start at around £300. Its priciest cross trainers can reach £10,000.

Discover the best websites to buy from based on thousands of shoppers' experiences. See our guide to the best online shops.

Where should I put my cross trainer?

You can put your cross trainer pretty much wherever you want, provided there's enough space. Positioning it in sight of the TV may help make the time pass more quickly while you're exercising. 

If you live in a flat, be considerate about the times of day at which you use your cross trainer. They're not as noisy as treadmills, for example, but any downstairs neighbours may still be able to hear you exercising. Putting your cross trainer on a mat may help. 

Can I put my cross trainer in the garage?

An empty garage might seem like an obvious spot for a cross trainer, offering ample space and privacy. But many manufacturers advise against this, as the dampness of a garage can have a negative impact on the inner workings of the cross trainer.

Dirt that's kicked up from the floor of the garage can also get caught in the motor and cause damage. Check the manufacturer's instructions before putting a cross trainer in an unheated garage, as it could invalidate any warranty. 

Tips for using your cross trainer

• Vary your workout - You can target different muscle groups on the cross trainer by mixing up your approach. If you want to focus on your legs, use the central safety handle, lean forward and pedal fast. To work your arms, stand upright and use the motion handles.
• Try interval training - Boost your cardiovascular fitness by repeating short bursts of intense speed. You might appreciate this change in approach if you're bored of working at a steady pace on your cross trainer.
• Pedal backwards - If you want to target different muscles in your thighs, try pedaling in reverse on the cross trainer at a comfortable pace.
• Choose the right resistance level - If your resistance level is set too low, you may find yourself pedalling very fast but not getting much of a workout. Conversely, setting it too high before you're ready could strain your muscles.  

How we selected products, retailers and prices

Retailers and gym equipment chosen based on popular UK search terms and availability; we've only selected models from brands that achieved decent scores in our survey. Prices correct as of August 2023 and obtained from manufacturer's own website where possible. Otherwise, obtained from third-party retailers listed on Google Shopping.