If you are not one of the people who can go to the gym regularly, home workout machines are a great alternative. Unfortunately, most such machines tend to be super-noisy, which doesn’t bode well with neighbors or any family members in the vicinity.
Fortunately, ellipticals, also known as cross-trainers, are excellent machines for a full-body workout at home. So, today, we’ll be going through the best quiet ellipticals for your apartment.
Ellipticals are a great alternative to treadmills, for instance, which are downright annoying with the amount of noise they make. However, not every elliptical will be as quiet as you want it to be. Noise is inevitable in machines that have some moving parts, so don’t expect total silence.
Still, some models won’t disturb the peace in the building or make your neighbors protest your healthy lifestyle. I am going to spare you the tedious research and provide a list of the top 10 quietest ellipticals on the market today.
Choosing the Best Quiet Elliptical for You
Ellipticals are among the most popular home workout machines, and naturally, there are a lot of available options out there. If you plan on buying an elliptical for your home, noise is among the most important factors to consider. However, there are several other things you should keep in mind when browsing for an elliptical. After all, you want to make the right choice the first time around, right?
First of all, you need to determine how much space you are willing and able to spare for your elliptical. Those machines are generally long and wide, so make sure you calculate your available space and choose your elliptical accordingly. Some of the products on my list are light enough to be moved around easily, but that is not the case with the majority of ellipticals out there.
Next, be mindful of the height of the elliptical you are going to purchase. If you are a tall person, a tall elliptical might force you into an uncomfortable body position, or even cause your head to bump in the ceiling. Check how high your ceiling is and determine the maximum height your elliptical should have.
Finally, never forget to check the weight capacity of the elliptical you are about to purchase. The higher your body weight, the bigger an elliptical you will need. Never risk buying a machine that will not be able to support your body, or you will soon end up in need of a new one.
The 10 Best Quiet Ellipticals on the Market
Ellipticals are among the most quiet pieces of workout equipment you can get. This is mostly due to the fact that there are no impact sounds whatsoever, since your feet are constantly touching the pedals. There are a total of four contact points between you and the elliptical, making your body weight spread across the entire machine.
So, if you want to treat your cardiovascular system to an effective workout while at home, and not bother the neighbors, getting an elliptical is perhaps the best way to go. The dual action of the machine has an effect on all muscle groups in your body, while giving your lungs and heart their fair share of exercise as well. However, each elliptical out there markets itself as the best thing money could buy. Picking one that offers a good bang for your buck can be challenging without first doing the proper research.
Fortunately for you, I am here to help. I’ve done the research for you and have compiled a list of the ten ellipticals that I consider best in terms of noise levels. Don’t worry, though — I’ve taken into account the overall quality, performance, and additional features of each machine as well.
1. Body Rider Fan Elliptical
The Body Rider Fan Elliptical is a fairly cheap machine that vastly outperforms its low price. As the name suggests, it uses fan-based resistance as opposed to the magnetic resistance other products on my list feature.
When in use, the elliptical fan produces wind noise that is generally louder than what magnets would create. However, this sound does not result in vibrations across the frame, so your neighbor downstairs will not be disturbed.
Such ellipticals do generate some vibrations, though, so I recommend placing the Body Rider Fan Elliptical on a suitable, thick treadmill mat.
Ellipticals that use fan-based resistance are excellent for intensive workouts. As you go faster, the machine generates more and more resistance. The Body Rider lets you increase the resistance even further with aknob that regulates belt tension. As a result, you will be able to get an intensive workout at slower speeds.
When it comes to features, though, the Body Rider has only the bare essentials. The built-in display monitors your speed and calories burned, as well as time and distance. There is no Bluetooth connectivity, however, so you will not be able to use your favorite workout app.
Overall, the Body Rider is a solid choice if you want a light, quiet elliptical that can provide you with a high-intensity workout. Even though this machine is lacking in advanced features, it is perfect if you are on a tight budget and just need the bare essentials.
Features:
- 25″ x 9″ x 36″
- Time and distance tracking
- Calorie tracker
- Speed monitoring
2. Nautilus E614
Nautilus is another well-known name in the fitness equipment industry. Its E614 model is an excellent quiet elliptical that offers great performance at an affordable price.
While it features an elegant design, the machine is able to support up to 300 lbs of body weight. With a length of 72″, width of 27″, and height of 72″, it is on the larger side, so make sure you have enough room if you’re considering getting one.
This elliptical does away with the standard big motor, commonly seen in other ellipticals. Instead, it employs a magnetic flywheel, which is installed a bit higher than usual. As a result, any vibrations that come from it can’t reach the ground. That makes the Nautilus E614 one of the quietest ellipticals on the market.
The best feature of Nautilus E614, aside from it being really quiet, is the advanced console. It has a dual display that lets you set up user profiles and choose from 22 pre-programmed training sessions. You can link up the Nautilus E614 with your favorite fitness app and track your data there too. Opt for the proprietary Nautilus Trainer app if it suits your needs.
All in all, the Nautilus E614 elliptical offers an impressive combination of features, build quality, and versatility. For a relatively low price, you get a great bang for your buck.
Features:
- 72″ x 27″ x 72″
- 20 levels of resistance
- 20″ stride length
- Manual adjustable incline
- 3-speed fan
- Large, comfortable pedals
- USB/MP3 port and speakers
- Transport wheels
- Goal tracking
3. Diamondback 1060EF
Diamondback is one of the most recognizable and reputable brands on the market. The company is known for manufacturing reliable and sturdy workout machines, and quite a few of its products have earned it prestigious awards in the field.
The Diamondback 1060EF is an innovative reimagining of the standard elliptical. Albeit compact, the machine delivers performance that rivals what bigger models have to offer.
With a length of 49.2″, width of 29.5″, and height of 65″, the Diamondback 1060EF is one of the most compact machines you can get. It also sports exceptional levels of customization — you can adjust the length of the stride so that it fits you perfectly. This feature is useful if you want to change the motion range, too.
This elliptical has pretty big pedals, so you can target different muscle groups by changing the positioning of your feet. They also feature a great grip, so your feet will not be able to slip out while training.
The Diamondback 1060EF has built-in wheels as well, so you can move it around easily. It also has adjustable floor levels, which means that it will always be stable, even on bumpy surfaces.
The Diamondback 1060EF combines a compact design, adjustable strides, and an innovative magnetic resistance flywheel. It allows you to effectively target different muscle groups without being enormous and difficult to move. Overall, this elliptical is one of the best workout machines you can get for your apartment.
Features:
- 49.2″ x 29.5″ x 65″
- Pulse sensors
- Heart rate monitor
- Eight workout regimes
- Distance and calorie tracking
- Metabolic calculator
- Water bottle holder
4. Sunny SF-E905
If you are on a tight budget and need a high-quality quiet elliptical, the Sunny SF-E905 is one of the best purchases you can make. Though it will not be able to provide you with a high-intensity workout, it is excellent for light exercising. The Sunny SF-E905 is highly compact and makes little to no noise when used, making it perfect for apartment living too.
This elliptical has a length of 28″, width of 17″, and height of 57″, not to mention that it can carry up to 220 lbs of body weight. It employs magnetic resistance, which allows for smooth operation and very low noise levels.
One drawback of the Sunny SF-E905 is that it doesn’t come with any training programs, which is unusual even at this rather low price point. It also has a relatively short stride length of 11″, so you might want to try it out before purchasing.
The best aspect of the Sunny SF-E905 is the quality you get at a low price. If you are not intent on doing high-intensity training, and you need a cheap elliptical for casual workouts, this machine could be a great fit for you.
Features:
- 28″ x 17″ x 57″
- Time, speed, and distance monitoring
- Burned calories indicator
- Eight levels of resistance
- Heart rate sensors
- Anti-slip pedals
- Bidirectional pedal motion
- Transport wheels
5. MaxKare Magnetic Elliptical Machine
MaxKare is a recognizable brand of workout machines that provide a great bang for your buck. The MaxKare Magnetic Elliptical is ideal for high-intensity workouts in a home setting while being fairly compact and easy to move around the house. It comes equipped with wheels and special stabilizers, so it can stand firm on any surface.
The MaxKare Magnetic Elliptical uses a perfectly balanced V-belt flywheel. It makes for a smooth and very quiet performance, making this elliptical perfect for home use. With a length of 38″, width of 15″, and height of 25.8″, it doesn’t take up too much space. You can even use it in a room with a low ceiling without trouble.
One of the things I love about this elliptical are foam-covered, non-slip, dual-action handlebars, and the option for backpedaling. The stride length is also set up pretty well at 13.5”. Despite its elegant design, the MaxKare Magnetic Elliptical can support up to 264 lbs of body weight. The built-in LCD screen provides the usual information about your workout and there is a docking station for your tablet.
Overall, the MaxKare Magnetic Elliptical is a great machine that will provide you with a quality workout without annoying your neighbors. It has all the necessary features and functionality while being compact and able to withstand high-intensity training sessions.
Features:
- 38″ x 15″ x 25.8″
- Eight resistance levels
- Time, speed, and distance monitoring
- Pulse sensors
- Burned calories indicator
- Bidirectional pedal motion
- Transport wheels
- Docking station
6. Nautilus E616
Another exceptional elliptical from Nautilus, the E616 is perfect for high-intensity home workouts. It is one of the bigger ellipticals on the list, with a length of 70″, width of 28″, and height of 71″, so make sure you have enough space before buying it.
The Nautilus E616 features an electromagnetic flywheel that creates resistance without generating excessive noise. It implements a high speed, high inertia drive system with a perimeter weighted flywheel, which makes for an easy start and smooth, consistent workouts. Additionally, the strides on this elliptical are 20″ long, allowing for optimal comfort while exercising.
One great feature of this elliptical is the ergonomically placed static and moving handlebars, which allow you to switch between many different hand positions. The Nautilus E616 comes with Bluetooth connectivity and it can sync up with the proprietary Nautilus Trainer 2 app, as well as with most other training apps.
The Nautilus E616 comes with an impressive collection of 29 training programs to choose from. The DualTrack LCD displays are very useful, providing you with in-depth stats for your workout.
To cut a long story short, the Nautilus E616 is an excellent elliptical with tons of useful features. While it might not be the most compact machine on the market, it offers great value for the money. Also, it manages to remain incredibly quiet, even during high-intensity workouts.
Features:
- 70″ x 28″ x 71″
- 25 levels of resistance
- 29 training programs
- Time, speed, and distance monitoring
- Pulse sensors
- Burned calories indicator
- Docking station
- Adjustable fan
- USB ports
- Speakers
7. Efitment E005
If you are limited in terms of space and are looking for a compact, lightweight elliptical, the Efitment E005 is a great choice. Since it is 41″ long, 26″ wide, and 59.5 high, this elliptical can easily fit anywhere. When it comes to weight, it measures at 63 lbs and supports as much as 220 lbs of body weight.
Just like most other ellipticals on my list, the E005 uses magnets for resistance, thus generating minimum noise. Additionally, the flywheel is perfectly balanced and uses a V-belt drive for extra smoothness and noise reduction. The stride length is a bit short, though, measuring at a mere 11”, so make sure you try it before you buy it.
The Efitment E005 deserves special praise for its great footpads. They are sure to accommodate feet of any size, and their non-slip texture makes for optimal comfort even during vigorous workout sessions.
To sum it up, the Efitment E005 is a quiet and affordable machine with a lighter build and good features. On top of that, it is rather easy to set up and move around, thanks to its built-in wheels. If you live in a small apartment, this is one of the best quiet ellipticals you can get.
Features:
- 41″ x 26″ x 59.5″
- Eight levels of resistance
- Time, speed, and distance monitoring
- Pulse sensors
- Burned calories indicator
- Big, non-slip footpads
- Transport wheels
8. Schwinn A40
Schwinn is a popular brand of home workout machines that offers a wide range of ellipticals. The Schwinn A40 is a good entry-level elliptical for people on a tight budget. It is extremely well built and as quiet as they come. Furthermore, it has a length of 59″, width of 23″, and height of 64″, and it can support up to 275 lbs of body weight.
The Schwinn A40 is, thus, compact and light, which makes it easy to set up and position in almost any room.
The machine uses magnetic resistance, so it is really quiet when in use. The built-in LCD screen offers all the essential information and functionality, including pre-programmed workouts and resistance levels. Keep in mind, though, that the stride length of the Schwinn A40 is only 17.5″. Just like with Sunny SF-E905, it would be wise to test the machine before buying it.
Schwinn has a handy proprietary app that you can download and connect to your Schwinn A40. It will provide you with various data about your workout routine and performance. You can use the app to set goals and milestones, as well as plan your workout schedule.
This elliptical is not designed for high-intensity workout sessions, though. It provides you with basic functionality at a low price and is able to sustain light and medium intensity training. Still, due to its light frame and very low noise levels, it’s perfect if you want to get your workout in without disturbing your downstairs neighbors.
Features:
- 59″ x 23″ x 64″
- Heart rate sensors on the handlebars
- Eight different resistance levels
- Seven workout programs
- Speakers
- Docking station for smart devices
- Transport wheels
9. Doufit EM-01
The Doufit EM-01 is another excellent elliptical you should consider for your home. It is compact in size, while having all the essential features to provide you with a quality workout, without making too much noise. With a length of 50″, width of 20.5″, and height of 62″, it will not take too much space. On top of that, the handy wheels allow you to easily move it around between rooms.
This elliptical utilizes magnetic resistance and has a high-quality flywheel which provides a smooth and quiet performance. There are eight adjustable levels of resistance to choose from, so the EM-01 is good for both low and high-intensity workout sessions. The integrated LCD screen contains a variety of useful performance data, including heart rate, time, distance, and more.
The Doufit EM-01 has a heavy-duty steel frame, which makes it one of the most sturdy and stable ellipticals on my list. Despite that, however, this elliptical is not heavy at all, and you can easily move it around if needed. The pedals on the EM-01 are large and comfortable, and the machine can support up to 220 lbs of body weight.
Overall, the Doufit EM-01 does not go the extra mile when it comes to features, but it’s a sturdy and quiet elliptical that will be a smart choice for any home. The price point is also quite competitive, so you don’t have to break the piggy bank to get one.
Features:
- 50″ x 20.5″ x 62″
- Eight resistance levels
- Time, speed, and distance monitoring
- Pulse sensors
- Burned calories indicator
- Big, non-slip foot pads
- Transport wheels
10. ProForm Cardio HIIT Trainer
The ProForm Cardio HIIT Trainer combines exceptional features with one of the most compact designs on the market. This high-end machine might be on the more expensive side, but you definitely get what you pay for. It features a solid steel construction and oversized leveling feet, ensuring stability on every surface.
This elliptical has a length of 29.25″, width of 66.7″, and height of 52”. Even though it is a bit wider than your usual elliptical, its low length and height make it take up less space than expected. It operates on silent magnetic resistance through an inertia-enhanced flywheel. As a result, the Proform Cardio HIIT Trainer makes almost no noise at all. The 10” vertical climbing path of the pedals maximizes movement and provides an intense cardio-building experience.
A unique feature of the Proform Cardio HIIT Trainer is the iFit membership. This feature is sold separately, and grants you access to exclusive, trainer-controlled exercises. On top of that, you can make use of on-demand studio & global workouts, as well as connected fitness tracking in your home.
Overall, this elliptical is a high-end machine that will deliver superb performance. Despite its heavy-duty frame, it won’t make too much noise at all.
Features:
- 29.25″ x 66.7″ x 52″
- 24 resistance levels
- Time, speed, and distance monitoring
- Pulse sensors
- Burned calories indicator
- Big, non-slip foot pads
- Extensive workout library through iFit
- Docking station
Keeping Your Elliptical as Quiet as Possible
While all the ellipticals on my list are as quiet as possible, there are a few tricks you can employ in order to further minimize the noise they make. Sure, an elliptical might be very quiet when you take it out of the box, but it might not remain the same way forever. Regular checks and maintenance on your machine will ensure it does its job well and stays silent for years to come.
Ellipticals are machines composed of many moving parts. With time and use, they might start squeaking and making other strange and annoying noises. In order to prevent that, I recommend you regularly oil all moving parts of your elliptical — especially the belt. My advice is to not wait until a part starts squeaking, but rather keep everything oiled on a regular basis.
Another important thing to keep in mind is the surface you place the elliptical on. You need the machine to be laying completely flat on the floor. Otherwise, it might start wobbling when you use it, creating annoying vibrations that will disturb your neighbors. It is a good idea to purchase a thick mat and place the elliptical on it. The material will absorb some of the inevitable vibrations the machine makes.
Final Thoughts on Quiet Ellipticals
Ellipticals are an awesome choice for an effective full-body workout and are among the quietest pieces of training equipment you can get. The best part is that they make you burn calories like crazy! If you are not the running type, or you want to avoid joint pain from overexercising, I highly recommend getting one of the machines off my list.
As you can see, you can get hold of a good elliptical no matter how small your budget is. Just make sure you measure your available space correctly and pick a machine that has all the features you need. I hope you enjoy working out without worrying about what the neighbors will say!
