11 Best Cardio Machines – 2024

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Last Updated: April 25, 2024

If you’re in the market for a piece of cardio equipment for your home, you’ve come to the right place! There are many different types of machines available for doing cardio, and one isn’t necessarily better than another. It only matters which kind is best for you.

Whether you’re a serious runner looking for a treadmill, an avid indoor cyclist, an elliptical junkie, or a newbie to indoor rowing, there’s an option for you among these best cardio machines. We’ll guide you through the ins and outs of the top machines that we recommend for cardio, and also dive into why cardio is important for your overall health.

Why You Should Trust Us

Here at Treadmill Review Guru, we specialize in testing all kinds of cardio equipment. We use our experience in the industry to analyze every machine we test so we can help you find the best one for you and your fitness goals.

Things like mobility and joint issues, content, and cardio preference help dictate the type of machine that is best for you. We keep all of these factors in mind during our review process, that way we can provide you with the best cardio machine options for home use.

Best Cardio Machines 2024:

• Best Cardio Machine Overall: NordicTrack Commercial X32i Incline Treadmill
• Best Manual Treadmill: AssaultRunner Pro Treadmill
• Best Exercise Bike: NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle
• Best Rowing Machine: Hydrow Wave Rower
• Best Cardio Machine For Heavy Users: Sole F85 Treadmill
• Best Air Rower: Concept2 RowErg
• Best Cardio Machine For Home Use: NordicTrack 1750 Treadmill
• Best Versatile Cardio Machine: NordicTrack FS14i FreeStride Trainer
• Best Vertical Climber: CLMBR
• Best Air Bike: AssaultBike Pro X
• Best HIIT Cardio Machine: ProForm HIIT H14
• Best Cardio Machine For Bad Knees: Sole E95 Elliptical

See the details, Pro’s and Con’s and why each treadmill made our best list below.

Sneak peek of the best cardio machines:

 

Best Cardio Machine 2024 – Our Experts’ Top Picks

Here is the list of top picks for the Best Cardio Machine of 2024 by Treadmill Review Guru – you can’t go wrong with any cardio machine on this list.

1. Best Cardio Machine Overall: NordicTrack Commercial X32i Incline Treadmill

Our pick for the best cardio machine overall is the NordicTrack X32i Incline Treadmill. It’s also earned the top spot on our best treadmills list for the past several years. The NordicTrack X32i is a premium treadmill that has a lot of features to offer and really stands out in both construction and content. It inclines up to 40% and declines to -6%, which is a lot more than most treadmills on the market. This way, you can really amp up your cardio training on this treadmill. The X32i also has more cushioning than a lot of its competitors, making it more forgiving on the joints, and thus appealing to more people.

The hearty 4.25 CHP motor can handle all kinds of training, from running, sprinting, hiking, and even sled push workouts. Once you log in to your iFit account, you’ll be able to train virtually all over the world with high-class instructors on the massive 32” touchscreen. iFit offers over 17,000 trainer-led on-demand workout videos in a variety of disciplines so it can really add a lot of value to your training. Plus, on this large screen, you can take workouts off the treadmill’s deck to utilize the X32i as a complete, all-around training machine. Mat classes like yoga and strength training are available through iFit, too. Of course, without a membership, you can also access the onboard workouts if you would prefer to use this treadmill without a subscription.

The spacious 22” wide and 65” long deck supports all strides and makes for a comfortable, yet intense training experience for those who have room for the heavy, non-folding design. The quiet motor that goes up to 12 mph, is appropriate for most homes, too. If you’re looking for the best cardio machine on the market, you’ve found it with the NordicTrack X32i. You can’t go wrong with this incredible treadmill!

You can check out the full review of the NordicTrack x32i, here.

2. Best Manual Treadmill: AssaultRunner Pro Treadmill

If you’re looking for a treadmill that doesn’t require electricity, then a manual one is the way to go. Our pick for the best manual treadmill is the AssaultRunner Pro, it’s also the best overall on our best manual treadmills list. With a motorless design, the belt moves with your legs. This means that the faster you run, the faster the belt will go. There’s no max speed so you can run as fast as you want (and can).

The slats on the belt are rubber-coated and very durable to handle a lot of use. The Pro handles up to 350 lbs, so it’s great for larger users. It also has a steel frame and is rated for commercial and residential use. The console is a small battery-powered LCD screen that displays your metrics and doesn’t require a subscription to operate.

The AssaultRunner Pro is also well-priced compared to other manual treadmills out there. It has a proven durable design that’s simple to use, functional, and proven to handle all day running in public gyms.

A manual treadmill requires little to no maintenance because they don’t have a motor. If you’re looking for a durable, low-maintenance treadmill for running, that can handle everything you put it through, look no further than the AssaultRunner Pro.

Read our full written review of the AssaultRunner Pro, here.

3. Best Exercise Bike: NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle

The NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle bike isn’t your average spin bike. On top of the 22” HD touchscreen, the S22i has a quiet motor that inclines and declines the bike while you’re riding. So, on top of adding the magnetic resistance onto the bike for tension, the S22i will tilt up to 20% and down to -10% as you pedal. It’s the best exercise bike on our best exercise bikes list, so if you’re looking for the best indoor cycling bike, this one is it.

The incline and decline feature simulates the experience of riding outside, and the graphics and clarity of iFit on the large 22” touchscreen will make you feel like you’re in whatever location your class takes place in. You can change your resistance and incline levels easily on the handles or let the bike automatically adjust for you in iFit.

The extra features aside, the NordicTrack S22i is a solid bike that can accommodate taller and larger users up to 350 lbs. The 32 lb flywheel is heavy enough to give you a smooth, fluid pedal stroke. This is a heavier exercise at 205 lbs in the box, but it can be moved around with the front transport wheels by lifting the back floor stabilizer to engage them.

Check out the NordicTrack S22i if you’re looking for a low-impact, high-intensity studio cycling bike for your home.

Check out our full review of the NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle Bike.

4. Best Rowing Machine: Hydrow Wave Rower

For another high-intensity, low-impact exercise, we recommend looking into a rowing machine. Rowing is becoming increasingly popular in home gyms, and the Hydrow is working to keep up with that trend. The Hydrow Wave Rower offers top-notch subscription content on a 16” touchscreen. The trainer-led workouts help guide and motivate you as you workout, which is great for newer users.

The Hydrow Wave is a more compact and affordable model from Hydrow. It stores upright, is lightweight at 102 lbs, and can be moved around when needed. We love the 375 lb weight limit and that the Wave comes in different colors so you can coordinate with your home gym.

Not only are the live, on-demand, and outdoor workouts excellent, but the rowing machine itself is well-constructed and comfortable. The magnetic resistance is quieter than rowers that use air resistance, and the nylon strap doesn’t make much noise either. We found the seat and handles to be really comfortable making the Hydrow Wave great for rowing for long periods of time.

If you’re looking for a high-quality rowing machine that we consider to be the best rowing machine on the market, check out the Hydrow Wave.

Click here to read our full review of the Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine.

6. Best Cardio Machine For Heavy Users: Sole F85 Treadmill

The Sole F85 Treadmill is well-built and can handle users of most sizes and abilities. The sturdy construction has an impressive 375 lb weight capacity, a hearty 4.0 HP motor, and a large yet firm running surface. We expect these aspects with Sole’s treadmills, but the F85 goes a step further with its 15” touchscreen that includes 12 preloaded streaming apps.

Apps like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Spotify, and ESPN are preloaded into the treadmill, so all you have to do is connect to wifi, log into your account for each app, and start streaming. You can also screen mirror your phone if these apps aren’t enough. Plus, the Sole F85 comes with onboard workout programs and custom settings for structured cardio training.

We’ve awarded the Sole F85 as the best cardio machine for heavy users because of its high weight capacity and that it is best for most people. We especially recommend it to runners who are looking for a treadmill that feels similar to road running underfoot.

We really like the Sole F85 because you have lots of options for how you can use it.

To learn more about the Sole F85 treadmill, check out our full written review.

7. Best Air Rower: Concept2 RowErg

The Concept2 RowErg is popular in the indoor rowing community. It uses air resistance so if you’re a stronger rower, you won’t have to worry about not having enough tension to pull against. The Concept2 has proudly earned the best air rower title on this list. The flywheel is a fan that sucks in air as you row to provide unlimited resistance. There’s a damper on the fan to control the amount of air that goes into the fan to give you more variety, too.

The Concept2 doesn’t require wifi or an electrical outlet to use. You can simply hop on and start rowing. The console is pretty straightforward with good metrics tracking, games, and connectivity to compete against other Concept2 owners. The Concept2 is also Bluetooth enabled so it will connect to compatible heart rate monitors and you can save your workout history in the ErgData app.

If you’re looking for the best air rower that is tried and tested with extensive use in homes, garage gyms, commercial gyms, and competitions, then the Concept2 RowErg is the air rower for you. It comes with standard legs and tall legs depending on if you need a higher-positioned seat and rail.

Read more about the Concept2 RowErg, here.

8. Best Cardio Machine For Home Use: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill

Our recommendation for the best cardio machine for home use is the NordicTrack 1750. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill is a solid treadmill that has great programming and thoughtful features. Being from NordicTrack, it’s iFit enabled so you can take the same classes on the 14” touchscreen as other NordicTrack treadmills. One major benefit of this screen is that it tilts up and down and pivots to either side so you can easily view the screen to utilize iFit’s off the treadmill workout classes.

Treadmills from NordicTrack have some of the softest cushioning that we’ve tested, and the 1750 is no exception. It offers a good amount of cushioning which is great for reducing impact on your joints. It’s excellent for all-around use as well as heavy training. We especially love it for interval training because of the quick touch adjustment buttons on either side of the screen. These let you jump from high to low speeds and grades, easily. The 1750 also declines to -3% as well as inclines up to 12% for even more variations to work within your workouts.

On top of the quiet 3.5 CHP motor, the NordicTrack 1750 also folds up and can be moved around fairly easily. We highly suggest looking into the 1750 if you are looking for a comfortable, versatile, and quiet folding treadmill for your home.

Click here to check out the full written review of the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill.

9.Best Versatile Cardio Machine: NordicTrack FS14i FreeStride Trainer

The NordicTrack FS14i FreeStride Trainer is a 3-in-1 elliptical that can also function like a stair-stepper and treadmill. It offers a 32” stride length for plenty of range, and the pedals adjust to you, keeping you in control. When you use the handlebars attached to the pedals, you’ll get a full-body workout on the FS14i. If you’re looking for the most versatile cardio machine on this list, check out the NordicTrack FS14i.

The FS14i is compatible with iFit so you can stream countless trainer-led workouts to keep you motivated. The 14” touch screen is plenty large to clearly see your metrics and iFit instructor. Enjoy taking walking, running, elliptical, and hiking classes on the FS14i. We personally enjoy taking iFit’s outdoor classes on the FreeStride Trainer.

The impressive 375 lb weight capacity also makes it accessible to users of all sizes. The 20 lb flywheel makes it feel stable and secure to use. Users will benefit from the low-impact, high-intensity workout that this home cardio machine provides.

So, if you want to be able to train your entire body while putting less impact on your joints, consider the FS14i.

You can read our full in-depth review of the NordicTrack FS14i FreeStrider Trainer, here.

10. Best Vertical Climber: CLMBR

Another excellent high-intensity, low-impact cardio machine is the CLMBR. This climbing machine has a unique, sturdy frame and attached 21” touch screen. It doesn’t take up much floor space, in fact, the base dimensions are only 35” x 32”. The CLMBR does require at least an 8-foot high ceiling to use, though. If you’re looking for the best vertical climber, this one is it.

The CLMBR has moving pedals and handles that work your body in a vertical motion. The maximum step and reach lengths are 20”, but can be adjusted as you use the cardio machine. Targeted training is also possible on the CLMBR. The moving handles lock up and out of the way, and the dip bars and crossbars stationary handles can held to isolate the lower body. When using the moving handles, they can be adjusted in 1” increments and offer 3 grip options to target your upper body muscles differently. The CLMBR works for users of various heights and weights up to 350 lbs.

On the touch screen, CLMBR offers trainer-led content at an additional monthly cost. With a full subscription, users have access to workout classes led on and off the CLMBR to work the entire body. The classes provide guidance, motivation, and target metrics to hit while using the CLMBR. There are also races you can take against other members to see where you stack up.

Check out our full written review of the CLMBR.

11. Best Air Bike: AssaultBike Pro X

An air bike is for you if you want a total-body, low-impact workout that provides unlimited tension. If you’re looking for the best air bike, then the AssaultBike Pro X is where it’s at. The Pro X is a newer addition to Assault’s popular lineup of air bikes. It has a belt drive system which helps cut down on some of the sound generated from this bike. It still makes noise from the large fan, but it feels smoother than other air bikes with chain drive systems.

The belt drive also requires less maintenance, and the Pro X can be used just about anywhere because it doesn’t require electricity to use. The seat is comfortable with nice padding and adjusts vertically and horizontally for a good fit. The moving handles are where you can really work your upper body and even do isolated targeted upper body training by resting your feet on the foot pegs on either side of the fan.

The pedals are compatible with athletic shoes and the motion can be pedaled forward or back. The AssaultBike Pro X is durable and well-constructed with a 330 lb weight limit. This bike is substantial at 125 lbs, but movable when you need to move it with the front transport wheels. Under each floor stabilizer are adjustable leveling feet to plant this bike to the floor, too.

We recommend looking into the AssaultBike Pro X if you’re looking for a comfortable, durable, and easy-to-use air bike that doesn’t make as much noise as others. Its simple console offers preset and custom intervals as well as the option to do targeted goal training.

Check out our full review of the AssaultBike Pro X here, to learn more.

12. Best HIIT Cardio Machine: ProForm Pro HIIT H14

The ProForm Pro HIIT H14 is at the top of ProForm’s lineup of elliptical trainers. It offers a challenging workout that feels somewhere between an elliptical and a stair-stepper. The pedals move 5” horizontally and 10” vertically for an effective workout for your posterior chain, as well as the rest of your body. The handles let you grip multiple places depending on your height and preference. The handles move like an elliptical and the HIIT H14 gives you a workout that’s forgiving on the joints. We love that it provides a high-intensity workout, that’s why we’ve awarded it as the best HIIT cardio machine.

The ProForm Pro HIIT H14 has a 14” touch screen that is enabled with iFit. You can take classes specifically on the HIIT machine, as well as walking, running, and hiking classes filmed indoors and out on iFit. With a subscription to iFit, you can even create your own outdoor routes using the Google Map feature. This lets you explore locations on your own, or by following an instructor with iFit’s large library of classes.

The HIIT H14 has a compact footprint compared to other elliptical machines, making it perfect for those looking for total body training that doesn’t take up a huge amount of space. The ProForm Pro HIIT H14 has 26 levels of magnetic resistance that are adjustable.

Click here to read our full in-depth review of the ProForm Pro HIIT H14.

13. Best Cardio Machine For Bad Knees: Sole E95 Elliptical

If you need a cardio machine that will help protect your knees, we recommend checking out an elliptical. It has adjustable pedals to help prevent foot numbness and allow you to get the best angle for your knees. Our pick for the best cardio machine for bad knees is the Sole E95 Elliptical. This elliptical has a little bit of everything: a great build, a quiet design, and an attached touch screen with a wide variety of content options.

The Sole E95 Elliptical is smooth and quiet with a 20” pedal stride length. The heavy weight capacity of 400 lbs makes this a great elliptical for a wide variety of users. The handlebars also offer different grip options to make it more functional to use. This is a large machine, so we recommend a designated space for it, but it’s worth it if you have the room.

The Sole E95 has included onboard workout programs and 12 preloaded streaming apps like Netflix available to watch directly on the 13” touch screen. You can also screen mirror content from your phone, and charge your compatible phone on the wireless charging pad.

For training options, the E95 has 20 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance and 20 levels of adjustable incline, so you can target more of your posterior muscles when you want to with that incline range.

You can read our full in-depth review of the Sole E95 Elliptical, here.

What To Look For When Buying A Cardio Machine

So, how do you pick what type of cardio machine is right for you? We’ve included the top 4 factors we consider to be most important when determining cardio equipment that’s best suited for you.

Health Limitations

First and foremost, do you have any health limitations? Assuming you’ve checked with your doctor prior to getting into an exercise routine, which we strongly encourage, do you have any joint or mobility issues? Some cardio equipment, like running on a treadmill, is a higher impact activity and can cause added stress on your joints.

That’s why we recommend looking into the cushioning on a treadmill. Some offer more cushioning than others, which helps absorb some of the impact on your joints. And if running is out of the question for you, there’s plenty of other lower impact equipment available that’s provided on this list.

How is your mobility? When indoor rowing, some of the machines sit close to the ground and require a bit more hip mobility to use. Considering any prior ailments before purchasing a piece of cardio equipment for your home can help prevent injuries, let you safely workout, and encourage you to use your machine regularly.

Home Workout Space

Another factor that’s important to consider is where your new cardio machine is going to be in your home. How much space do you have for it? Will it need to be stored out of the way when it’s not in use? Is noise going to be an issue?

Some equipment takes up more space than others. Various treadmills can fold up to take up less space, while a number of rowers can be stored vertically when not in use. While exercise bikes tend to have similar footprints, an additional screen attached can make them take up more space than expected. Elliptical sizes can vary pretty greatly as well.

What about your ceiling height? Ellipticals and treadmills typically take up the most space height-wise, and features like inclining on both treadmills and bikes, as well as vertically storing a rower might not work if your ceiling is too low.

Most likely, your equipment may make some amount of noise but some machines are quieter than others. On exercise bikes and rowers noise can be dependent on what type of resistance they use. Treadmills and ellipticals vary on their noise output, too.

Cardio Preference

No matter what type of cardio you do, you should enjoy doing it. It’s important to do cardio workouts regularly to improve your cardiovascular fitness and stay in shape. Liking your cardio routine and equipment will help encourage you to keep up with them.

Otherwise, you could end up with a treadmill in your home that you never use because you hate running. Cardio definitely doesn’t have to be torture, we think it should be fun.

Content Preference

Another factor that can influence how much you like/dislike your machine and how much fun you have on it, is the content it offers. Lots of brands nowadays provide subscription fitness apps to use on their equipment, while others include a few on-board workouts and let you use your own device.

If you like having someone tell you want to do when you’re exercising, then you should check out equipment that have trainer-led subscription classes. Subscription content is also really great if the aspect of having to pay for a monthly subscription motivates you to use the machine regularly.

Or maybe you like to zone out when you workout, or do your own thing? There’s plenty of options that don’t require subscriptions, too. We’ve included a wide variety of content options on this list, so you’re sure to find a machine that aligns with your liking.

Benefits Of Cardio

There are numerous benefits to doing cardio. Cardio can have positive effects on your body, both internally and externally, as well as your mind.

Starting with internal benefits, regular cardio strengthens your heart. When conditioned, the heart will pump blood more efficiently through the body. The heart is an important muscular organ, and keeping it in shape can help reduce many diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, as well as decreasing your chance of having a stroke and heart attack.

On top of the benefits it can have on your cardiovascular system, cardio exercise can help relieve some pain associated with arthritis by lubricating your joints. A few more internal benefits (there’s many beyond what I’m listing!) are better sleep, improved immune system function, and a faster metabolism.

Plus, the more cardio you do, the more stamina you’ll have in your workouts and your muscles will also get stronger.

Of course, regular cardio exercise can help shed excess weight, and you might notice more muscle definition. If you’re older, cardio aerobic exercise can help reduce your risk of falling.

Exercise, including cardio, releases endorphins into the body which are the feel-good hormones. Cardio may help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, as well as reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

The list goes on for all the benefits you’ll reap from with regular cardio activity. What’s better than feeling good on the inside and out, and improving your overall health?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Ok To Do Cardio Every Day?

Or maybe you’re thinking: “How much cardio do I need to do?” The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommend that adults should get at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. If you’re doing higher intense cardio then the minimum recommendation per week is about 75 minutes. The World Health Organization suggests doing whatever kind of cardio exercise for at least 10 minutes at a time to see the most benefits.

As far as a maximum duration for cardio sessions, there really isn’t one. But we don’t recommend doing high intensity cardio everyday. Rest is very important for the body to recover and for muscles to repair themselves. Rest also helps prevent burnout and injuries. However, lighter aerobic activity like walking is more attainable to do every day.

What Is The Best Low-Impact Cardio Machine?

Ellipticals, rowers, and exercise bikes are all low-impact machines. As far as which one is best, depends on you. The size of the equipment, how much noise it makes, and the type of activity you enjoy and are able to do helps to determine which of these low-impact machines will work best for you.

Each of these machines comes with their own pros and cons so it’s a good idea to check out the features that they offer as well as the type of movement they require, and areas of the body that they work.

How Do Beginners Build Cardio?

It’s always a good idea to check with your health provider before jumping into a workout routine, especially if you have never done cardio, or are coming back from an injury or illness.

For beginners, I recommend starting small and slow and then building from there. For example, if you’re getting into running, try starting with walking and running intervals for around 30 minutes. If you’re not up to doing 30 minutes, try 15. Once you’re up to 30 minutes, try going for longer and walking less.

It’s not worth it to over do it the first day, because it can make building a routine discouraging. In order to get the most out of cardio, it’s important to do it regularly, otherwise it will always feel torturous -think those times when you’re gasping for breath and wishing it would end.

Trust me, cardio doesn’t have to be torture, so listen to your body and what it can handle and try to incorporate cardio consistently in your workout routine.

Where To Buy Cardio Equipment?

We recommend buying cardio equipment online directly from the brand manufacturer. While many brands are available at local sporting goods stores and online retailers, warranties on the machine are issued by the manufacturer and have to be handled directly through the manufacturer.

Often other retailers sell equipment that they have on hand which might no longer be available from the manufacturer because it’s older. Buying directly from the manufacturer guarantees that you are buying most current and updated models available.

Plus, buying from the brand manufacturer helps us here at Treadmill Review Guru so we can continue providing you with in-depth and thorough product reviews.