Music motivates! With that fact in mind, engineers have included iPod-compatible docks on many of this year's top elliptical trainers. Ellipticals with iPod docks have built-in speakers that let you ditch your earbuds during workouts. This popular feature is becoming a standard across the industry; it's available on the best ellipticals in all price categories.
The elliptical comparison chart below shows five of the best ellipticals with iPod docks and speakers. Beneath the chart you'll see our "Ellipticals with iPod Docks Buying Guide" and a list of additional good-value ellipticals with iPod ports and speakers on board.
Five Best Ellipticals with iPod Docks
These "five best ellipticals with iPod ports" are top trainers from three popular brands: NordicTrack, ProForm and Sole. Each elliptical trainer shown here not only lets you bring tunes along, but also offers good resistance and a smooth stride. Collectively their stride lengths range from 18" to 38", so here every shopper can find an ideal fit.
Music technology has come a long way over the past few decades. If you were born in the 1970s or earlier, then you probably remember rocking out with a Walkman or boombox during exercise. Now iPods and other MP3 players are the top-choice devices for adding your own soundtracks to workout sessions. The exercise industry has responded by producing elliptical trainers with built-in iPod docks and high fidelity speakers.
Not long ago iPod docks were a luxury feature in the cardio trainer industry. Today they’re becoming a standard on elliptical trainers in all price categories. With discount ellipticals, luxury ellipticals and everything in between, you can sync your MP3s with the elliptical console. Set an organized playlist to match your routine — choose specific songs for warming up, training at high intensity and cooling down — or let the MP3 player shuffle your songs.
While ellipticals in all price categories have sound systems, the more expensive ellipticals tend to have speakers with higher fidelity. Many brands of ellipticals use speakers from Intermix Acoustics. In 2016 Intermix Acoustics speakers are either 2″ or 3″ tall, with the larger speakers producing the best quality sound. These speaker sets are called Intermix Acoustics 2.0 and Intermix Acoustics 3.0, respectively. But whichever sort of elliptical with MP3 integration you choose, you’ll appreciate the extra motivation that your favorite songs provide.
The top rated elliptical trainer overall, the Sole E95S is a powerhouse this year. Focused specifically on quality and specs over bells and whistles, the E95S has an excellent warranty and will last a long time. Read Review »
The Sole E35 is an elliptical that features all the specs (20 resistance levels, 20" stride, 25 lb. flywheel) needed to reach your fitness goals. It also features cushioned and adjustable pedals as well as Bluetooth compatibility and an industry-leading warranty. Read Review »
The Cybex 770A is an appealing alternative to elliptical machines. Using an arc shape instead of an elliptical shape, it delivers superior muscle toning and calorie burn while being lower impact than ellipticals too. Read Review »
The Bowflex Results BXE216 Elliptical is part of the Bowflex Results series, which was developed with lots of research into what customers want versus what’s already on the market -- and the effort shows! Read Review »
The E25 is Sole's most affordable elliptical at just $1,099.99. The elliptical features a stride length of up to 20", a 6.5-inch LCD display, 10 programs and wireless chest strap for heart rate monitoring. Read Review »
The NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i takes up the smallest footprint on the market when folded up for storage. The elliptical also features a web-enabled 7" display and 30 workout apps. Read Review »
The Octane ZR8 Zero Runner is an ideal cardio trainer for runners who want to avoid injury and boost performance. If the ZR8 fits your budget, it could be your best choice for a zero impact home cardio trainer. Read Review »
The Platinum Club Series Elliptical is a favorite among luxury shoppers. It features the impressive performance of spa fitness machines, plus it connects with the world to enhance workout options and provide entertainment. Read Review »
The Octane XT-One is an exceptional fitness machine. Like no other it supports striding, running and climbing along with advanced cross training. It can even be used as just an upper body trainer if side platforms are added. Read Review »
The Octane Fitness ZeroRunner ZR7 is an impressive zero impact alternative. It has a good warranty, is Bluetooth compatible and if you buy online you get an iPad mini for FREE! Read Review »
The Bowflex Results BXE116 is a powerful elliptical machine with a long stride. An especially results-oriented series of cross trainers, the BXE116 supports smooth exercise with cushioned pedals and a 25-level resistance system, and it has Bluetooth for fitness data management. Read Review »
The NordicTrack FS5i features an innovative floating suspension design, a 7" backlit display with 32 workout apps and 22 levels of resistance. Read Review »
The E5 is Life Fitness' top-of-the-line cross-trainer. It is a well well-built total body trainer that’s sized ideally for most adults. It has a 18-24-inch electronically adjustable stride, 16 workout programs and comes with a free Polar wireless chest strap. Read Review »
The NordicTrack Elite 12.9 is packed with features and functionality that will present a challenge and intense workout to almost any user. Read Review »
The NordicTrack Elite 12.7 is the complete package with high quality basics, modern tech for training and entertainment, and a long warranty. Read Review »
The Life Fitness X1 operates very quietly and is built for trouble-free performance. This cardio trainer is a good fit for most households; it 20-inch stride is the industry standard. Read Review »
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