If you’re itching to get to our recommendations for the best cross trainers for home use on the market then simply click below. If not, read on our buyer’s guide…..
You may be wondering when’s the perfect time to start preparing for your summer body – well, I’m sure you can guess what the answer is – right now! However, many gyms have still not opened after the coronavirus pandemic and it might be considered slightly unwise to interact with strangers in a hot, humid environment whilst keeping the current health hazards in mind.
A great alternative to outdoor workouts is to try fitting in some home training. You can easily start building your home gym to stay fit – it doesn’t take much money or effort in all honesty. And what better way to start your training regime than improving your endurance? Ellipticals and cross trainers are great for stimulating your heart while remaining easy on the joints.
But just like every other piece of home fitness equipment, the market is saturated with brands with flamboyant marketing, claiming to be the best. But which products actually work? We’ve answered that question by reporting on the best cross trainer for home use – a cross trainer which can be placed with pride in that hallowed key position in your home gym.
The Best Cross Trainers for Home Available Right Now
While searching for the best cross trainers, several products found their way to our testing facilities, and we spent around a month with each machine. We have listed the best devices under each category for you to choose from.
1. JTX Tri-Fit: Incline Cross Trainer – Best Overall
JTX is a well-known brand that makes home workout equipment with gym-level quality. The Tri-Fit certainly carries on this trend and is an excellent machine to improve fitness – in fact, it’s one of the best cross trainers we have ever encountered. The product is as good as any you will find in the local gym at half the price. Moreover, it has some features that you won’t even find on higher-end models.
The JTX Tri-Fit cross trainer offers three different incline levels alongside sixteen different resistance levels, and you can adjust each to your liking and depending on your fitness needs. Moreover, the machine has a built-in stride adjustment system that lets you adjust your stride from sixteen to twenty inches. This adjustment will let you power users switch between running and walking as they blaze through their workout.
Furthermore, the console on the Tri-fit is interactive and offers intuitive features. Not only can you see basic exercise metrics as you jog, but you can connect the console to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth. We found the Bluetooth connectivity to be quick and bug-free. Moreover, we connected the cross trainer to Kinomaps to run on your chosen trails. The machine adjusts automatically to the actual route giving you a realistic feel. The same can also be done using Google maps and the i-Console app by JTX.
Unlike most cross trainers, the machine was easy to assemble, and we had no trouble setting it up. Moreover, we found the build to be solid, and we think this cross trainer can take a beating. With excellent fitness features alongside added bells and whistles, recommending the JTX Tri-Fit is a no-brainer.
PROS
- 18 magnetic flywheel resistance levels
- Adjustable stride and incline
- Transport wheels
- Ergonomic design with handlebar design and bottle holder
- Bluetooth connectivity with the i-Console app
- 18 built-in workout programs
- Heart-rate based workouts
- Free delivery
CONS
- Speaker quality could be better
2. Branx Fitness Magnetic X-Fit Cross Trainer – Best Customer Support
The Branx Fitness X-Fit cross trainer offers all the necessities you can ask for. You can connect the machine to your phone or tablet via the i-Console app. Moreover, the machine shows all basic exercise metrics, including heart rate and speed, on the small LED display. The cross trainer comes equipped with Bluetooth to easily connect it to your phone and use the i-Console app. Moreover, a fixed stride length of 19.5 inches is suitable for users of all heights. Not only will it accommodate regular walking, but this stride length will also let you run.
The cross trainer has a large flywheel of 14.5 kg to accommodate people weighing up to 135 kg. Moreover, you can control the speed and resistance of the cross trainer through the i-Console app. The machine comes with 16 different resistance settings, and we found each to be equally effective. Furthermore, we enjoyed the free heart rate sensor that came with the machine and found the chest strap’s readings accurate and very useful.
Although the cross trainer is sturdy, the company still offers excellent parts, frame, and labour warranty. The iron frame looks robust and is very stable even during intense workouts. So much so that we hardly think you’ll be needing the five years warranty for any damages to the frame. Despite being so strong, the cross trainer is easy to move around with its collapsible design and transport wheels.
We really like Branx Fitness’s customer support and delivery options available. Although there may be a small delivery surcharge in some regions of the UK, it is free elsewhere.
PROS
- Excellent warranty
- Helpful customer support
- Integrates with the i-Console app using Bluetooth
- Sixteen resistance levels
- Exceptional build quality and frame construction
- Simple and easy assembly
CONS
- Stride is not adjustable
- No incline
3. Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Cross Trainer – Best Warranty
Sole Fitness is one of the oldest and most trusted names in fitness equipment. Although the brand’s mainstay is making fitness equipment for gyms, it has also recently delved into home exercise machines. The E35 is a cross-trainer that ticks all the boxes for the perfect home workout machine.
The Sole Fitness E35 offers both a twenty degrees incline and twenty different resistance levels. This means that the machine is suitable for individuals at all fitness levels. Moreover, ten programs, including five customizable ones, make it easier to follow your daily exercise plans. The built-in heart rate sensors do away with the need for a chest strap and calculate your pulse in real-time. Furthermore, all your exercise data is visible on a beautiful, backlit 7.5-inch screen alongside other exercise metrics.
Sole Fitness’ experience in making professional equipment trickles down to this machine with access to the company’s proprietary fitness app. With the app, you can track your recent workouts and have access to several fitness and training programs. Moreover, the cross trainer also links to other fitness apps such as Kinomaps, Fitbit, and MapMyFitness.
Sole Fitness’ services are quite easy to use. Moreover, since the E35 is backed by a giant player in the fitness industry, you can expect excellent customer care and after-sales support. This fact is evident by the extended three years parts and labour, alongside the company’s five-year frame warranty.
We found the machine sturdy and easy to use with a familiar, user-friendly interface we had already gotten used to.
PROS
- Modern, good looking design
- Good quality Bluetooth speaker
- Excellent customer support
- 20 degrees incline alongside 20 resistance levels
- Very quiet operation
- Longest warranty in the competition
CONS
- Expensive
- Non-adjustable stride length
4. Reebok GX50 Cross Trainer – Best Budget
Reebok is one of the first companies that comes to mind when thinking about training and running. The company has developed a classic, no-nonsense home cross trainer that covers all the basics. The GX50 is a one of a kind, entry-level cross trainer that provides all the essential features without emptying your wallet.
The Reebox GX50 cross trainer comes with a 9 kg flywheel that handles users weighing up to 120 kgs. Moreover, it has class-leading, thirty-two different electronic resistance levels that you can change from the console. The machine caters to users of all types, providing enough resistance variations for beginners and experts alike. Furthermore, it offers twenty built-in fitness programs. All programs are designed by professional trainers from Reebok. You can choose to push yourself on a mountainous track or relax on a leisurely walk.
In our tests, the Reebok GX50 performed exceptionally well. Both handlebars are comfortable to hold and provide an excellent grip. Moreover, the heart rate sensors are accurate. The display is particularly impressive as the FX50 manages to cram all the essential metrics you need in a small form factor. This real-time data includes heart rate, pace, distance, wattage, time, and average calories burnt. Moreover, the compact design of the cross trainer is easy on the eyes and allows it to fit easily in the tight spots of your home gym.
Reebok is a giant and can be trusted with the two years parts warranty it offers on the GX50. Although the build is strong, we did face a couple of issues right off the bat. The cross trainer is pretty challenging to assemble, even for people with proper technical knowledge, and the assembly instructions are vague and difficult to figure out. Moreover, we also felt that the Reebok GX50 is not the quietest of machines out there.
PROS
- Excellent value for money
- Ergonomic design
- Thirty-two resistance levels
- Accurate heart rate sensors
- Comfortable to use
- Good display
CONS
- Noisy operation
- Difficult assembly
5. Pro-Form Endurance 720E Elliptical Cross Trainer – Most Comfortable
The Pro-Form Endurance 720E is one of the best home cross-trainers by one of the top fitness companies that nobody has heard of. This machine combines comfort with power and does it well. The cross trainer is perfectly balanced and has just the right amount of frills alongside its useful features. With a twenty-degree incline and twenty different resistance levels, the elliptical is perfect for use by the whole family. Moreover, the availability of the iFit app allows you to track your metrics in real-time on your phone or tablet and link them with other fitness apps. Despite not having a colourful display on its own, you can use the iFit app to run on exotic tracks around the globe. All you have to do is connect your tablet to the fitness machine.
We found the 720E to be very comfortable to use. It’s quiet, and the hand grips also change resistance as you increase it. This helps give you a full-body workout. Moreover, the adjustable stride length let us use the machine for various scenarios. It also helped shorter and taller people exercise comfortably without cramping them up or stretching them out.
The company also offers a lifetime frame warranty which we think is essential. Considering the comfort this cross trainer provides, we do not put much confidence in the frame’s longevity. Although the parts feel robust, we fear extensive use may damage them.
PROS
- Excellent warranty
- Very comfortable to use
- iFit app gives users professional-level features
- Twenty degrees incline alongside twenty resistance levels
- Cushioned pedals
CONS
- Does not feel as robust as the competition
- Expensive
6. Dripex Elliptical Cross Trainer – Best Manual
The Dripex elliptical cross trainer is meant for beginners just starting their home fitness regime. The cross trainer has magnetic resistance settings that let users choose between eight different levels. Moreover, the elliptical comes with a 6 kg flywheel, making it light and stable enough for exercise. You can move the elliptical around fairly easily due to its ergonomics and fit it nearly everywhere.
Moreover, unlike other manual machines, the Dripex comes with built-in heart rate sensors. We found our heart rate data displayed on the machine reasonably accurate. The machine comes equipped with a holder for your iPad, a bottle holder, and two different sets of handlebars for a versatile workout. The company claims that the machine can accommodate people just under 5 feet to around 6 feet tall.
We found the machine very comfortable to use. However, we did face problems in the initial assembly. Despite the availability of a training video, some parts were hard to identify and did cause us confusion. Moreover, the knob to change the resistance levels is a bit hit and miss and does not always work accurately.
PROS
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to move around
- Sturdy design
- One year warranty
- Eight magnetic resistance levels
- Smooth operation
CONS
- Hard to assemble
- May cause cramping for people taller than 6 feet
Factors to Consider When Buying a Cross Trainer for Home
Define Why You Need a Cross Trainer
Cross trainers are excellent workout machines that tone your upper and lower body while providing a cardio workout. However, you must identify the intensity of the workout that you will be putting your cross trainer through. Some older people and light walkers may not need a high-end machine and don’t have to spend extra on features they don’t need. Similarly, power users should invest in machines that offer more resistance, incline and stride adjustment, and different exercise modes.
Choose a Popular Brand
This may sound snobby and a bit cliché, but be very particular about the brand you buy from. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a surge in the sale of home fitness equipment, and many scammers have hopped on the bandwagon. Buy from a trustworthy brand that you know will back up your claims in case of any issues.
Moreover, it is important to ensure that you buy gym equipment with a warranty. Machines that keep breaking down become a dead investment with expensive and hard-to-replace parts.
Workout Space
Many people do not have enough space in their home gyms for bigger machines. It is always better to measure and calculate the exact amount of space before ordering a cross-trainer. Unlike treadmills, it is counterproductive to fold and stow away cross-trainers after every use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What muscles do cross trainers engage?
Cross trainers are an excellent piece of gym equipment that engages your upper and lower body simultaneously. Moreover, these machines also provide an important HIIT workout that engages your core muscles. Cross trainers are particularly useful for individuals with joint trouble. In short, cross trainers provide all the benefits of running without damaging your knees.
2. What is the difference between an elliptical and a cross-trainer?
There is no difference between an elliptical and a cross-trainer. Although some people may point out small differences like moveable or fixed handlebars, there really isn’t much to it. Elliptical and cross trainer are two different names for the same machine.
3. Are cross trainers a good workout for my legs?
Cross trainers are an excellent workout for your legs. Once you start using cross trainers, you will notice your leg muscles becoming more prominent, and you may even begin to see proper cuts and grooves as your leg muscles continue to develop.
4. Can I use a cross-trainer if I have sciatica problems?
Sciatica and slipped disks are aggravated by sitting in the same posture or bending down. Basically, any prolonged, unnatural bending of the spinal cord will result in this pain. Low impact exercises like using a cross trainer is great for improving your sciatica and back problems. Consult your physician and get a cross-trainer to help you recover.
Final Words
Cross trainers are great machines that can help you stay fit from the comfort of your living room. However, you must invest your money after some deliberation and research. After contemplating your own requirements, you need to figure out the must-haves in a cross-trainer.
Reading customer reviews is always helpful when buying expensive home gym equipment. If you’ve set your mind to buy one, congratulations on taking the first step towards improving your lifestyle.
