Best Commercial Ellipticals of 2023

FitRated Editorial Team | Dec 30 2021 - 12:35 pm

Commercial ellipticals are named for their industrial-strength warranties, which allow for up to six hours of daily use. These cross trainers are popular at membership gyms, where they’re generally the only solutions for zero-impact total-body training outside of the swimming pool. Commercial ellipticals are low-maintenance, and the best models have top-notch features to help keep gym members coming back.

“Light commercial” is a subcategory to consider for non-membership gym shopping. Light commercial ellipticals are usually under warranty for up to three hours/day. They were first built for settings like hotels and condominium fitness centers, but nowadays home gym shoppers with cash to spare can buy light commercial ellipticals online too. In the long run these super-durable fitness machines can deliver the best long-term value.

See below for five of the best commercial & light commercial ellipticals of 2021. Models are sorted by total review score and represent the most respected manufacturers.

Top 5 Best Rated Commercial Ellipticals

	1	2	3	4	5
Model	Cybex 700A	Octane Fitness ZeroRunner ZR8	Life Fitness Platinum Club	Octane Fitness XT-One	Octane Fitness ZeroRunner ZR7
Rating Our custom rating considers all of the elliptical's features, specs, warranties, and 100's of user & expert reviews, to save you time!	Rating: 92.3 %	Rating: 90.8 %	Rating: 90.8 %	Rating: 90.6 %	Rating: 90.3 %
Resistance Resistance is what determines calories burned per stride. The more levels, the more precisely you can control the difficulty.	Up to 900 Watts	n/a	25 Levels	30 resistance levels	n/a
Stride Length Stride Length is important for comfort and smooth strides. A stride length of 18-21 inches is ideal for most heights (5'3 - 6'7).	24"	58"	Fixed at 20"	20" - 28"	58"
Programs Elliptical Programs allow you to complete a workout with changing speeds and inclines, without changing anything manually.	12	35	42	72 (on XI console)	35
Flywheel The flywheel controls the smoothness and resistance of your workout. In general, the higher the better.	n/a	n/a	Undisclosed	n/a	n/a
MSRP Suggested retail price, typically higher than the price you'll pay with our recommended retailers.	$8,245	$4,299	$9,429	$8,500	$3,299
Pricing After carefully evaluating each online retailer that offers this Elliptical, this is the website we recommend purchasing from.	See Best Price	See Best Price	See Best Price	See Best Price	See Best Price

Commercial Ellipticals Buying Guide

Commercial ellipticals are often carbon copies of the same ellipticals you would find at the local gym and/or hotel. Before fitness manufactures realized the potential of reaching the residential market, they almost exclusively designed products for the gym. Then, treadmills started popping up more and more inside middle class homes. The rest…is what they call history.

Today, all major categories of home fitness equipment (treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, etc) sell commercial-grade products for the residential market. The goal is to feature a trainer that is capable of withstanding the most intense use as well as deliver ultimate performance. Exercise equipment used at the gym will likely endure 8+ hours of use per day. Consequently, manufactures need the finest parts and attention to detail in order to deliver something that will not be in the repair room every other week. Commercial ellipticals are designed with a similar motive.

You may not plan to use your elliptical for 8+ hours per day (honestly, who does?), but if you could get the same premium design and craftsmanship surely you would at least consider it? Commercial ellipticals are attempting to capture the precise, dependable reputation of ellipticals found at the gym but at a better value. You save, the gym does not.

What are the advantages to owning a commercial elliptical?

Commercial ellipticals feature…

The Best Resistance System(s)
Largest Number of Resistance Levels
More Pre-Defined Workout Programs
Long Stride Lengths
Adjustable Stride Lengths
Most Durable Frames (must withstand intense use)

How do commercial ellipticals compare to residential ellipticals?

Aside from price, commercial ellipticals are vastly superior to residential ellipticals. It’s like the big brother that always wins. He’s stronger, faster, more versatile and the confidence shows. Frankly, commercial ellipticals dominate in the number of resistance levels and stride length (not to mention premium Resistance System, durable frame) when compared to residential ellipticals. Also, because you are buying a “commercial elliptical” most manufactures also present the consumer with an opportunity to invest in more coverage with a “Commercial Warranty”. The elliptical may cost more, but it is covered for much longer. That’s a smart investment.

Can I afford a commercial elliptical?

The economy is not exactly too hot at the current moment. Unfortunately, this has prevented consumers from shopping and too many people are settling for cheap, poorly produced products. The fitness industry is no exception.

If you have the money, obviously a commercial elliptical makes sense. If you are on the fence, you need to weight the pros with the cons. Commercial ellipticals are the finest trainers available and traditionally backed by amazing warranties (they should be covered for a very long time).

If you have the space, give a commercial elliptical a permanent home.