The best cardio machine for home is not just beneficial for the heart and its cardiovascular components, but it also strengthens the respiratory and muscular systems. We know, not everyone loves cardio. Even some people we know who regularly hit the gym actually dread it. And it’s most probably because we haven’t found the right machine that actually makes the workout more engaging and enjoyable.
We’re stepping in to round up some of the best cardio machines available today that works for every user and every fitness goal. Our hit-on-the-spot favorite is NordicTrack S22i Commercial Studio Cycle. This exercise bike offers iFit workouts that are easy-to-follow regardless of your fitness level. Its interactive design and console do bring the cycling studio right to your home and the immersive 22” screen lets you pump away the miles enjoyably.
Our top 12 picks will surely get you motivated and on track with your fitness goals. Let’s get to the review.
Best Cardio Machines at a Glance
Thanks to its 22-inch interactive HD touchscreen display, the NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle will surely give you a great cardio workout. This cardio equipment also offers automatic trainer control, with up to 20% live incline matching technology.”
This rowing machine is a must-have as it provides low impact workouts that target different muscles groups. The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine also separates into two pieces for easy storage.”
The ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill offers a total body workout but doesn’t break the bank. This treadmill machine has 0 to 12% digital quick incline controls, 20’ x 50” tread belt, and 300-pound weight capacity.”
NordicTrack S22i Commercial Studio Cycle – Best Overall
What we like
- Includes three-pound dumbbells for entire body workouts
- 22-inch swivel touch screen performance monitor
- iFit coach enabled for interactive workout programs
What we don’t like
- Expensive
- Customer service can be improved
The features of the NordicTrack S22i Commercial Studio Cycle are reasons enough why this gym equipment tops our list. To begin, the NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle automatically inclines﹘a feature that’s usually available in treadmills. This feature will undoubtedly enhance your strength training and ability to burn fat.
Another feature we love about the NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle is its high-quality bike build. This machine is made from the highest grade commercial steel and can support a user weighing 350 pounds. These indicate the overall durability of this exercise bike.
The price point of the NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle is a deal-breaker for us. With a high starting price point, it may be expensive for buyers who are not ready to commit to a high-end cardio machine.
Concept2 Model D PM5 Indoor Rowing Machine – Best Rowing Machine
What we like
- Even resistance without jerking even when pulled vigorously
- Sleek design with a high-quality finish and build and with a comfortable seat
- Memory cards to store your own workouts and previous performance
What we don’t like
- The air resistance feature can be a bit noisy at times
- The seat might not be able to support heavier users
One of the best features we love about the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine is its robust build. Nothing about this indoor rower looks and feels cheap. It’s a commercial-grade rower, which means it can withstand frequent use with minimal maintenance.
Don’t let the appearance of the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine deceive you. Yes, this rowing machine is large but is actually very easy to set up. Simply install the front legs using eight screws (all of these tools are included in the purchase), and you’re good to go. Some users even reported that it only took them 30 minutes to assemble this rowing machine.
The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine would be perfect if only it could match the NordicTrack’s S22i’s display monitor for a more interactive or engaging display.
Echelon Stride Treadmill – Best Treadmill for Compact Home Spaces
What we like
- The fit app offers a wide variety of engaging and challenging classes
- Automatic folding mechanism for fast and easy storage
- Easy assembly and user-friendly
What we don’t like
- Limited incline and has no built-in screen to monitor metrics
- Limited warranty
Although this exercise equipment is the brand’s first entry to treadmills, the Echelon Stride Treadmill is slowly gaining popularity worldwide. This treadmill is ideal for smaller users. When unfolded, the Echelon Stride Treadmill has a dimension of 63.9” x 31” x 49.2” and 63.9” x 31” x 10.25” when folded. You can easily store this treadmill under your bed.
When you buy the Echelon Stride Treadmill, you’ll have access to more than 3,000 fitness classes through the Echelon Fit App. This will make you lose weight faster as the interactive programming feature is like sweating with your very own personal trainer.
While other treadmill brands offer a lifetime frame warranty, the Echelon Stride Treadmill only has a 1-year limited warranty on electronics and parts.
Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine – Best Elliptical Machine
What we like
- 20” stride with 20 incline levels for targeted muscle toning
- Quiet magnetic resistance
- Lifetime frame warranty
- High-quality and sturdy construction
What we don’t like
- Built-in speakers sound quality can be improved
- Low to medium resistance may not be ideal for advanced users
For anyone looking for an elliptical machine to burn calories, we recommend the Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine. This fitness equipment has a built-in user-friendly console where you can choose several built-in workouts that target both your upper and lower body. This console also comes with a holder, which means you can use your own tablet when working out.
The Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine offers plenty of notable features, such as a heart rate chest pump, transport wheels, and handlebar pulse sensors. This elliptical machine also features Bluetooth connectivity and a USB charging port which we think are a great addition to its functionality.
We just wished that the Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine had easier and faster assembly. Most users complained that setting up this machine is time-consuming and stressful. But otherwise, great machine for its price point and surprisingly comprehensive warranty.
Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike – Best Indoor Spin Bike
What we like
- 330 lbs. Maximum weight capacity
- 100 levels of magnetic resistance
- 10-year frame warranty, 3 years on mechanical parts and electronics
- Competitively priced compared to higher-end brands with the same features
What we don’t like
- It doesn’t come with pre-programmed workouts
- It doesn’t have any built-in speakers
You don’t have to put a dent in your bank account just to have the best exercise bike in your home gym. The Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike might be a cheaper alternative to branded spin bikes in the market, but this doesn’t mean that it offers less.
One thing we love about the Schwin IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike is its 100 levels of magnetic resistance. This feature allows you to enjoy several training options in one bike﹘from strength training to resistance training. It can also sync with your own tablet so you can enjoy the best virtual cycling experience in your home gym. IC4 is also compatible with popular workout apps and Bluetooth connectivity.
Although the Schwin IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike has a built-in LCD monitor that tracks your heart rate and distance, many users complained about the accuracy of the readings. This can become an issue if you want to determine how many calories you’re burning when working out.
NordicTrack 1750 Commercial Series – Best Treadmill for Professional Training
What we like
- Foldable options, perfect for compact home gyms
- It comes with workout fans that can help you stay cool when burning calories
- Offers around 50 workout programs made by the best in the industry
What we don’t like
- Hard-to-follow assembly instructions
- Short 2-year warranty on parts and electronics
The NordicTrack 1750 Commercial Series is an excellent option if you want to burn calories indoors. This well-powered treadmill offers a cushioned deck that effectively absorbs impact from walking, running, or jogging. The NordicTrack 1750 Commercial Series also has a functional 10” touchscreen and incline system.
You can certainly take on heart-pumping exercises with the NordicTrack 1750 Commercial Series, as it can reach top speeds of 12 mph. It also allows you to adjust its deck from a 3% decline to a 15% incline.
What can be improved about the NordicTrack 1750 Commercial Series is its short warranty. This exercise equipment only offers a two-year warranty on electronics and parts, which is shorter than its competitors.
Hydrow Rowing Machine – Best Luxury Rowing Machine
What we like
- Offers racing challenges and competitive leaderboards
- Comfortable, quiet, and the electromagnetic resistance does feel like rowing on water
- Sleek and modern design with 22” HD screen for highly-interactive programs
- Supports heart rate monitors
What we don’t like
- Expensive
- Monthly subscription isn’t included in the initial cost
We think that the Hydrow Rower is the best indoor rower today because it offers a full-body workout, perfect for people who are working on losing weight. What makes the Hydrow Rower different from its competitors is its 22-inch HD touchscreen mounted on the front of the machine. This monitor has Hi-Fi speakers, a built-in microphone, and Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities.
The features of the Hydrow Rower don’t end there. This home exercise equipment also has rubberized feet to protect your floors, a low-stress handle grip, more than 500 pre-recorded workout programs, and quiet magnetic resistance that can adjust 240 times every second.
For you to enjoy all of the perks the Hydrow Rower has to offer, you need to spend a lot—at least $2,200 if you’re looking for a ballpark figure. Besides, the Hydrow Rower won’t be considered a luxury rowing machine for nothing, right?
AssaultFitness Airbike – Best Value Cardio Machine
What we like
- Offers a variety of workout programs, both for the upper body and lower body
- Affordable compared to other air bikes with similar features
- It doesn’t require electricity and can be used even outdoor
- Maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs.
What we don’t like
- Not foldable or compact
- Issues with the saddle over time
The AssaultFitness Airbike should be on top of your to-buy list. This air bike supports a full-body workout as it uses air resistance to encourage you to move your upper body and lower body.
Unlike other air bikes, the AssaultFitness Airbike comes in a heavy-duty structure. It features a 27-inch steel fan, an adjustable saddle, moving handlebars, transport wheels, and an LCD console for metrics. Its powder-coated steel frame will never bend and looks and feels durable.
One thing we’d like the brand to improve on the AssaultFitness Airbike is its saddle. Users pointed out that the saddle of this air bike eventually gets loose after excessive use. The Bluetooth connectivity also comes in handy for Pro and Elite versions.
Sole E25 Elliptical – Best for Low Impact Cardio Exercise
What we like
- Has quiet magnetic resistance design
- 350-pound weight capacity
- Ergonomic inward pedals
What we don’t like
- Doesn’t fold
- Built-in speakers aren’t powerful enough
There are many good things about the Sole E25 Elliptical, which is why we find it essential to include this cardio equipment on our list. For starters, the Sole E25 Elliptical has excellent stride options. Competitors of this brand only offer 18” to 20” strides, while the Sole E25 Elliptical has an adjustable stride of 20” to 22”. This size will accommodate any user.
Another feature we love about the Sole E25 Elliptical is its powered incline with 20 different levels. This will allow you to enjoy a cardio workout from 0 to 30 degrees. The Sole E25 Elliptical also has heart rate monitoring.
This could be an even greater machine if Sole E25 Elliptical would include pre-programmed workout options.
ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill – Best Budget Treadmill
What we like
- With dimensions of 35.2” x 75.5”, this treadmill is more compact than its competitors
- Equipped with a set of two-inch speakers
- The motor is durable and quiet when in use
What we don’t like
- Because it’s a compact model, the running area of this treadmill is fairly small
- It comes with one year warranty on labor and parts
This cardio equipment was built with interactive programming in mind. This machine can expedite your weight loss as it offers interactive classes through its 7” smart HD touchscreen.
The ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill is also a godsend for people with compact or small home gyms as it has a folding design. This means you can easily fold and store this treadmill.
Because of its average motor, the ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill might not be the best option for advanced runners. Its 2.6 CHP motor isn’t powerful enough to support advanced runners’ cardiovascular endurance and preferred speed. Nevertheless, this treadmill does the job well and fits the bill for those looking to start building a home fitness space with the best budget in mind.
ProForm Cardio HIIT Trainer Pro – Best Stair Climber
What we like
- Provides both cardio and strength training features
- Comfortable oversized pedals with 10” climbing path
- Has 26 resistance training settings
- 10-year frame warranty
What we don’t like
- Small console display
- Best with iFit membership program at an additional cost
High-intensity interval training will be more productive when you have the ProForm Cardio Hiit Trainer Pro. Considered as the premium HIIT trainer in the market today, this cardio machine combines a stair climber and elliptical machine that trains your upper body. These features will target more muscle groups and help build muscle mass fast.
We also love the large, HD touch screen console built-in on the ProForm Cardio Hiit Trainer Pro. This will allow you to see your workout stats with ease﹘from information on calorie burn to the number of workout programs you’ve completed.
However, the ProForm Cardio Hiit Trainer Pro doesn’t have built-in HIIT training workouts. You’ll need to pay for membership to access iFit workouts on your console.
Concept2 Skierg – Best Challenging Cardio for Full-Body Workout
What we like
- An excellent alternative to rowing machines
- Supports high-intensity workouts with accurate performance tracking
- Ideal for people with lower leg injuries as it’s easy on the knees and ankles
- Can be connected to external devices like smartphones
What we don’t like
- Relatively large, which can be a problem for people with smaller home gyms
- Base plate must be bought separately
- Regular maintenance needed
Who says you need to freeze outdoors to enjoy the health benefits of skiing? By investing in the Concept2 Skierg, you can mimic the movements of Nordic skiing at home and enjoy the health benefits of this activity.
Aside from its high-quality materials and build, we also love how the Concept2 Skierg can be used as a cardio machine and for strength training, as well. You can perform different workouts with the Concept2 Skierg, with many targeting your obliques and abs. You can even twist the pulley system at the top of this machine to define your belt area.
Our Verdict
After looking into several factors, such as value for money, functionality, durability, and customer reviews, we conclude that the NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle is tough to beat. This is the best exercise bike as it has all the bells and whistles to provide the most efficient workouts at home. This exercise equipment offers a 15-inch interactive HD touchscreen, automatic trainer control, and a 350-pound weight capacity.
We also love how the silent magnetic resistance of the NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle delivers a quiet and smooth workout every use. This will certainly expedite your progress of losing weight as you can work out anytime without disturbing other people at home. We would also like to highlight the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine. This is, by far, the best rowing machine because even though its structure looks simple, it has everything you need to have the most heart-pumping workouts.
Buying Guide: Which Is The Best Cardio Machine For Home That Suits You?
You need to consider many factors before purchasing home cardio machines. Yes, cardio machines play an important role in achieving your fitness goals, but this doesn’t mean that you should buy one hastily.
Your Fitness Goal
Sit down and think about your fitness goals before buying any cardio equipment. Do you want to lose weight or tone your core muscles? Do you want to target your upper or lower body? Knowing what you want to achieve in the next months or years can help you find the right equipment.
You should also consider your exercise routine to ensure that you’ll end up buying a cardio machine that you’ll actually use. For example, if you want to engage in full-body workouts every day, the ProForm Cardio Hiit Trainer Pro is a better option.
Your Work-out Space
Buying a cardio machine that’s too big for your workout space will put your money down the drain. This is especially true if you want a home gym filled with different fitness machines.
Always consider your workout space when buying a cardio machine. If you have limited floor space or a compact home gym, consider looking into pieces of easily foldable equipment. This will ensure that you can regularly use the equipment without cramping your available space.
Safety
Pay attention to the safety features of the cardio machine you’re eyeing to buy. Take the time to assess the stability of the equipment by checking if there are any loose screws or nuts. If the machine has a pull-up bar, make sure that the cables attached aren’t damaged or frayed.
Budget
Any gym equipment can positively impact your fitness journey, but this doesn’t mean you have to blow off your budget. Trust us, taking this route will only stir plenty of problems.
Before buying any cardio equipment for your home gym, create a realistic budget and stick to it. The market is filled with different types of fitness equipment, so you won’t have any problems finding several that fits your budget.
Enjoyment
To lose weight and attain any fitness goals, you need to work out regularly. This is one of the reasons why you should choose cardio machines that you actually enjoy using. Do you see yourself sweating in a spin bike for months? Or would you have more fun using a connected treadmill at home?
When you enjoy using the cardio equipment you have at home, you’ll be motivated to work out as often as possible. This might even encourage you to work with a personal trainer!
Investing in the right cardio machines can help you achieve any of your fitness goals. Properly and regularly using home cardio machines can help you lose weight fast and strengthen your core muscles. So, what are you waiting for? Learn more about the home cardio machines mentioned in this article, and start updating your home gym!
