Best Elliptical Trainer

Here are the best elliptical trainers:

• Precor EFX 5.17i
(*est. $2,600)

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Best elliptical trainer overall, but expensive.
Reviewers say Precor makes the best elliptical trainers on the market. The EFX 5.17i is Precor's entry-level elliptical trainer, but reviews say that doesn't stop it from being one of the most durable options. It has four programs, and there are 20 resistance levels. One feature that sets it apart from cheaper elliptical machines is an incline that adjusts from 12 to 25 degrees. Its long 19-inch stride makes it comfortable even for tall users. One limitation of the EFX 5.17i is that it doesn't have moving handles for an upper-body workout, and less expensive machines might be just fine for home use. (compare prices)
• Sole E35
(*est. $1,300)

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Best mid-range elliptical trainer.
Elliptical trainers in this price range are the best blend of durability, functionality and value. Sole has a good reputation with reviewers both for making well-built, reasonably priced elliptical trainers and for offering excellent customer service and support. Reviewers say the Sole E35 is a good-quality elliptical trainer backed by a generous warranty: lifetime on the frame, five years on parts and electronics, and two years on labor. Owners posting to review sites say the Sole E35 is quiet and sturdy, and experts like the long 20-inch stride and the included upper-body workout. The Sole E35 also has 20 resistance levels and eight workout programs. (compare prices)
• NordicTrack AudioStrider 800
(*est. $800)

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Budget elliptical trainer, but with some drawbacks.
Experts say the NordicTrack AudioStrider 800 is a good value for most home users. While it's not built for the intense training needs of athletes, experts say the AudioStrider 800 offers good features for its price range. The AudioStrider 800 has a decent 18-inch stride length, ten resistance levels, an upper-body workout and a manually adjustable incline ramp. A music port lets you plug in an audio player and pump music through the machine's speakers. While this model comes with a one-year parts and labor warranty, we read very mixed reviews for durability -- including complaints about squeaks, backordered parts and long service delays. (compare prices)
• Schwinn 430
(*est. $600)

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Budget elliptical trainer, but a short warranty.
If you don't want to spend much and don't care about dozens of workout programs and features, the basic Schwinn 430 elliptical trainer gets terrific reviews from over 100 users posting reviews at Amazon.com. The catch is that the labor warranty is just 90 days -- so you're stuck paying labor costs if the unit breaks down.