Looking for the best center-drive elliptical for your home gym? We’ve put together a compilation of the best options on the market right now.
- Best Center Drive Ellipticals
- Things to Look for When Choosing a Center-Drive Elliptical
- Benefits of Center Drive Ellipticals
- The Bottom Line
The benefits of elliptical machines are fairly obvious to most people. Ellipticals are low-impact, versatile, and a killer way to get a good workout.
When searching through the options for the best elliptical machine for your home gym, one of the key decision-making factors is the type of drive on the machine.
One of the best to consider is the center-drive elliptical, which generates resistance via flywheels that are located at the center (duh!) of the elliptical.
This encourages better posture compared to front and rear drive machines, gives a more natural stride path, and results in a smaller footprint compared to other ellipticals.
In this roundup of the best center-drive elliptical machines, we will compare the top options for home gyms, compare the pros and cons of each, and help you decide which trainer is going to be THE one to help you achieve your goals.
Let’s jump right in.
Best Center Drive Ellipticals
NordicTrack FS14i Elliptical
Key features:
- Price: $2,299
- Flywheel: 20lb
- Stride length: Up to 32”
- Screen: 14” HD touchscreen
- Footprint: 50” x 29”
The NordicTrack FS14i elliptical is a beast of a machine that combines a 3-in-1 machine that steps, strides, and runs with a huge 14” HD touchscreen that is perfect for doing online workouts.
The FS14i is also much more than an elliptical—its adjustable stride length and pattern actually make it a Swiss Army knife of cardio machines.
The stride can be shortened up and made vertical, mimicking a stepper. It can be used as a “standard” elliptical. And the stride path can be further extended horizontally to simulate a runner’s gait.
The NordicTrack FS14i is not a cheap machine—it runs, or strides—for around $2,300. But make no mistake, this thing will last you years with an overall machine weight of nearly 300lbs and a 20lb flywheel.
And when you combine the big screen, tons of workout functionality, and quality build, it’s a no-brainer for our choice for the best center-drive elliptical for home gyms.
Users who have longer legs will love the stride length that can be adjusted up to 32”. The FS14i is also the only elliptical I’ve ever tested that has a decline setting (up to -10 degrees) in addition to a power incline (up to +10 degrees).
While the FS14i can be used without a subscription to iFIT, which has something like 17,000 workouts that can be done on the elliptical and off, to really get the most of the machine you will want to pony up for the monthly iFIT subscription.
Don’t want to let that big 14” HD touchscreen go to waste, after all!
Both decline and an incline settingsDifficult to move
Up to 32” stride length
14” HD touchscreen
3-in-1 cardio machine
+ Combo elliptical (stepper and low-impact treadmill)
+ Center-drive design for saving space
+ 14" HD touchscreen for online classes
+ Both incline and decline options
Click for Best PriceNordicTrack FS10i Elliptical
Key features:
- Price: $1,999
- Stride length: Up to 32”
- Max user weight: 375lb
- Screen: 10” HD touchscreen
NordicTrack takes the #2 spot on our list of the best center-drive ellipticals with the NordicTrack FS10i Elliptical Trainer thanks to its budget-friendly pricing, large HD touchscreen, and the fact that just like its big brother, the FS10i, it’s a 3-in-1 trainer.
I absolutely love this machine as it outperforms trainers that are twice the price in a variety of ways.
For starters, there is the 10” HD touchscreen that is perfect for doing online classes and workouts through iFit. The sheer number of workouts, challenges, and trainer-led classes means you will never be hungry for new workouts or a fresh challenge.
Second, like its sibling, the FS14i, it is a three-in-one machine that can do stepping, a standard elliptical stride, and an elongated stride that simulates running (without the impact of running, of course).
And finally, the FS10i built like a tank, with a 375lb user capacity (best in class), sturdy 20lb flywheel, and 24 levels of resistance.
The NordicTrack FS10i is the only center-drive elliptical on our list that comes under $2,000, and it’s simultaneously the most feature-rich option, as well.
Best budget-friendly center-drive elliptical machineOnly comes with a 30-day trial for iFit
10” HD touchscreen for using iFit
3-in-1 trainer for maximum workout versatility
375lb maximum user weight
+ Least expensive center drive elliptical on the market
+ Tons of resistance levels and power incline
+ 10" HD touchscreen
+ 20lb flywheel for a smooth striding experience
Click Here for Best PriceTrue Fitness Performance 300 Elliptical
Key features:
- Price: $4,099
- Stride length: 21”
- Screen: LCD
- Max user weight: 350lb
- Footprint: 49” x 32.5”
The True Fitness PS300 Elliptical Trainer is compact, is built for maximum accessibility, and is built like a tank for a studio-grade striding experience at home.
The PS300 is designed in a way that makes it easy to use, which is great news for people with mobility issues. A low step-up height (7”), side steps for safely stepping onto the pedals, and extendable safety arms combine to make accessing and using the machine significantly easier.
The stride on the PS300 is no joke, which can be extended out to 21”, perfect for users that are tall or who have longer legs. The PS300 is quite heavy, at 266lbs, which combined with the square footprint makes for a very sturdy ride.
The console and LCD display are very basic and simplified and remind me of the cardio machines in my local gym from 20 years ago.
There are some benefits to a very simple LCD display that tracks the basics, but for people who want a more immersive display and online, trainer-led classes will want to look elsewhere.
Built like a tankConsole and LCD screen very basic
21” stride lengthNo online classes or workout options
Safety arms and side steps to making getting on and off easy
Space-saving, compact design
+ Compact, space-saving design
+ Huge stride length with a tiny footprint
+ Heart rate cruise control program
+ Exceptional foot comfort
+ Safety features for using the machine securely
Shop @ True FitnessTrue Fitness M30 Elliptical Trainer
Key features:
- Price: $3,299
- Stride length: 21”
- Footprint: 42” x 30”
- Warranty: Frame (lifetime), Parts (5 years), Labor (1 year)
The True Fitness M30 is the entry-level model within True Fitness’ line of elliptical machines. It features True’s proprietary “Core Drive” system which generates one of the smoothest strides on the planet.
The M30 handles the fundamentals when it comes to workout functionality, with all of the usual suspects programmed into the display (heart rate workouts, intervals, quick start, etc).
The True M30 is perfect for people who want an exceptionally smooth stride without taking up a ton of room. The footprint of the M30 is just 42” x 30” (with a working length of 70”).
Even though it’s technically an entry-level trainer, it’s priced significantly higher than other center-drive machines on this list at $3,299.
True backs the M30 with a warranty that is better-than-average, with a lifetime warranty on the frame, five years on parts, and a year on labor.
Very compact footprintHigher step-up height (9”)
Sturdy design (275lb machine weight)Pricey
Lifetime warranty on frame
Patented Core Drive system
+ Quiet center-drive system
+ Compact design
+ Best budget-friendly True Fitness elliptical
+ Sturdy design
Click Here for Best PriceBody-Solid Endurance E5000 Premium Elliptical Trainer
Key features:
- Price: $3,047
- Footprint: 68” x 31”
- Stride length: 21”
- Warranty: Frame (lifetime), parts (5 years), labor (1 year)
Body-Solid is a familiar brand for anyone who has looked into building a workout space at home. They make quality machines, including a leg press machine and an all-in-one home gym.
The Body-Solid E5000 Elliptical Trainer continues with this fine tradition with an iron and plastic construction, 21” stride length, and a 325lb max user weight capacity.
The E5000 is Body-Solid’s most feature-rich center drive elliptical and is commercial-rated. (Note that the warranty changes if used in a commercial setting.)
One main benefit of the E5000 is that it’s self-generated, which means you don’t have to plug it in.
The LED display on the E5000 is a bit basic compared to some of the other machines on this list, but it nails the basics including heart rate tracking, multiple user profiles, and 12 preset workout programs.
The E5000 also surprisingly does not have a water bottle holder, which is an odd feature for a cardio machine that is designed to help you build up a big sweat.
Built like a tankConsole and LCD screen very basic
21” stride lengthNo online classes or workout options
Space-saving, compact designDoesn’t have a water bottle holder
Frequently sold out on Amazon
+ Built like a tank
+ 21" stride length
+ Space-saving, compact design
+ Lifetime warranty on frame
Shop Now @ AmazonBody-Solid E400 Endurance Elliptical Trainer
Key features:
- Price: $2,277
- Stride length: 17” to 21” manually adjustable
- Footprint: 50” x 31”
- Warranty: Frame (lifetime), Parts (5 years), Labor (1 year)
Looking for maximum flexibility in stride length? Have a house full of people of different heights and leg lengths?
The Body-Solid E400 Endurance Elliptical Trainer is an elliptical with adjustable stride length that can be changed between 17” and 21” with the turn of a button. This is great news for homes with multiple users or people who like to switch up stride length when working out.
The console has all of the basics when it comes to workout programs, including manual mode, heart rate programs, intervals, and so on. You can also hook up the included chest heart rate strap to wirelessly track HR and help keep you in the right energy zone when exercising.
The maximum user weight is 300lb, which is a little low for an elliptical trainer this expensive, making it a less-than-ideal option for people looking to lose a bunch of weight.
Also, stride length adjustments are made manually on the front column of the elliptical with a simple knob mechanism, which means that you can’t change stride length on the fly.
Adjustable stride length (17” to 21”)Stride length adjustment is manual
Heart rate monitoring strap includedLow maximum user weight
Compact footprint
Budget-friendly pricing
Lifetime warranty on the frame
+ Adjustable stride length (17" to 21")
+ Budget-friendly pricing for a center drive elliptical
+ Heart rate monitor chest strap included
+ Compact footprint
Shop Now @ AmazonThings to Look for When Choosing a Center-Drive Elliptical
When buying an elliptical machine, there are a lot of things to consider, including size, price, and functionality.
Here are the core things we encourage people to focus on when comparing and choosing an elliptical machine:
Footprint
One of the primary benefits of a center-drive elliptical is that they have a smaller overall footprint. Users working with minimal space in their home gym, whether it’s in the garage or a bedroom will want to pay close attention to this metric.
Height of the machine.
Ellipticals require additional height for stepping onto the machine and using it without grinding your head against the ceiling of your workout area.
If you plan on using a center-drive elliptical in your basement or a low-clearance room, be aware that you will need to add 12″ to 18″ to your height to be able to use the elliptical without bonking your head on the ceiling.
Price.
Center drive ellipticals are the most expensive type of elliptical, and it’s not even close, typically costing as much as 2x as a rear or front drive elliptical.
While there are some specific benefits to center drive ellipticals–which we will cover shortly–the cost of them is not one.
(For more information and comparison on how much ellipticals cost, reference this article.)
Workout variety.
Workout variety is crucial to keep motivated and focused in the long term. We love ellipticals that mix a broad range of programmed workouts with the option of trainer-led classes and online workouts via apps.
Stride
And finally, the stride of the elliptical, whether it’s center drive or not, is crucial. A clunky, wobbly ride is not only unsafe, but it’s also highly not enjoyable. Nobody wants to work out on an elliptical that teeters and makes a racket.
Look for an elliptical with a flywheel of 20lb or higher, as well as an overall machine weight (200lbs and up) that will generate a strong foundation of stability when exercising on the machine.
Benefits of Center Drive Ellipticals
There are several different types of ellipticals, from your standard rear-drive elliptical to recumbent ellipticals.
What makes the center-drive elliptical special?
Three main features make center-drive ellipticals stand apart compared to their siblings:
More compact compared to front and rear drive ellipticals. Smaller footprint makes them ideal for home gyms that are limited on space, which, to be honest, is just about all of them.
Encourage better posture. Center drive ellipticals tend to result in less hunching over compared to other elliptical designs. Because there is a truly horizontal stride path with center drive ellipticals, you are more likely to stand straight when using the machine.
Longer stride lengths. Center drive ellipticals, because the drive is to the side or under the user, and not in front or behind, mean longer stride lengths. This is great news for people who are extra tall or users with particularly long legs.
The Bottom Line
Elliptical machines are highly versatile cardio machines for weight loss, building cardio, adn simply getting your sweat on.
Center-drive ellipticals, in particular, help to reduce the overall footprint of the machine, offer a more “natural” stride experience, and are amazingly flexible.
To recap our favorites:
The NordicTrack FS14i is our top overall pick thanks to its huge 14″ touchscreen, iFit compatibility, three-in-one exercise modes, and a reasonable price tag of $2,299.
+ Combo elliptical (stepper and low-impact treadmill)
+ Center-drive design for saving space
+ 14" HD touchscreen for online classes
+ Both incline and decline options
Click for Best PriceThose looking for a more budget-friendly option will love the NordicTrack FS10i, the only center-drive elliptical under $2,000.
And homes with multiple users will love the versatility and adjustable stride length of the Body-Solid E400 center-drive elliptical trainer.
More Elliptical Guides and Resources
Elliptical Drives: Front, Rear, and Center – Pros, Cons, and Differences. Elliptical trainers come with a variety of drives: front, rear, and center. Does it make a difference which one you choose for your elliptical? Yes—here’s what you need to know.