NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i
The NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i earns its best-in-class spot for rear-drive ellipticals by pairing a compact, foldable rear-drive frame with strong tech integration and a smooth, natural stride — a good choice when space and connected workouts matter. Compared with the other models on this list it commands a modest premium for its space-saving design and iFit-friendly ecosystem, offering higher tech convenience but generally at a higher ongoing subscription/price point than more hardwearing, warranty-focused competitors.
Space-saving fold — hideaway hero
iFit coaching — virtual trainer
Space-saving fold — hideaway hero
iFit coaching — virtual trainer
Review Summary
"Users praise the SpaceSaver SE9i for its compact rear-drive design, smooth stride and solid build with robust iFit workouts; common complaints are the subscription dependency, occasional durability issues and tricky assembly."
Whisper-quiet stride — cat-quiet
Foldable frame and compact footprint designed for small home gyms.
Whisper-quiet stride — cat-quiet
Foldable frame and compact footprint designed for small home gyms.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i earns its best-in-class spot for rear-drive ellipticals by pairing a compact, foldable rear-drive frame with strong tech integration and a smooth, natural stride — a good choice when space and connected workouts matter. Compared with the other models on this list it commands a modest premium for its space-saving design and iFit-friendly ecosystem, offering higher tech convenience but generally at a higher ongoing subscription/price point than more hardwearing, warranty-focused competitors.
Space-saving fold — hideaway hero
iFit coaching — virtual trainer
Whisper-quiet stride — cat-quiet
Foldable frame and compact footprint designed for small home gyms.
Adjustable magnetic resistance levels for smooth, progressive workouts.
Space-saving fold — hideaway hero
iFit coaching — virtual trainer
Whisper-quiet stride — cat-quiet
Foldable frame and compact footprint designed for small home gyms.
Adjustable magnetic resistance levels for smooth, progressive workouts.
Sole Fitness E35
The Sole E35 stands out as a market leader for buyers prioritizing commercial-style durability and long-term value: its rear-drive engineering, robust components and lengthy warranty make it a sensible investment for heavy home use. Versus the NordicTrack and ProForm models it sacrifices some flashy connected features but delivers stronger build quality and a better total-cost-of-ownership for users who want a workhorse rather than a tech-first machine.
Commercial-grade build — tank-like
Adjustable stride — fits tall riders
Commercial-grade build — tank-like
Adjustable stride — fits tall riders
Review Summary
"Owners report the Sole E35 feels commercial-grade with a very stable, quiet and smooth workout experience and reliable components; most negatives are limited to difficult initial assembly and its large footprint."
Silent magnetic feel — library-friendly
Heavy-duty steel frame and commercial-style construction for long-term durability.
Silent magnetic feel — library-friendly
Heavy-duty steel frame and commercial-style construction for long-term durability.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Sole E35 stands out as a market leader for buyers prioritizing commercial-style durability and long-term value: its rear-drive engineering, robust components and lengthy warranty make it a sensible investment for heavy home use. Versus the NordicTrack and ProForm models it sacrifices some flashy connected features but delivers stronger build quality and a better total-cost-of-ownership for users who want a workhorse rather than a tech-first machine.
Commercial-grade build — tank-like
Adjustable stride — fits tall riders
Silent magnetic feel — library-friendly
Heavy-duty steel frame and commercial-style construction for long-term durability.
Multiple resistance levels with a responsive drive system for consistent motion.
Commercial-grade build — tank-like
Adjustable stride — fits tall riders
Silent magnetic feel — library-friendly
Heavy-duty steel frame and commercial-style construction for long-term durability.
Multiple resistance levels with a responsive drive system for consistent motion.
$1,499-1,899 CAD
Horizon Fitness EX-59
The Horizon EX-59 is positioned as a strong mid-range rear-drive elliptical that balances smooth performance with an attractive price, making it a top pick for budget-conscious buyers who still want good stride feel and program variety. Compared with the Sole E35 it is more affordable and lighter-duty, and it undercuts NordicTrack on connected features, offering a straightforward value alternative for typical home cardio routines.
Budget-friendly punch — wallet smiles
Compact footprint — apartment-friendly
Budget-friendly punch — wallet smiles
Compact footprint — apartment-friendly
Review Summary
"The Horizon EX-59 is seen as a strong value with a smooth rear-drive motion and straightforward console, while longer-term users note some cheaper plastics, shorter warranty coverage and occasional noise."
Responsive resistance — quick shifts
Sturdy build with ergonomic pedal spacing to improve comfort during longer sessions.
Responsive resistance — quick shifts
Sturdy build with ergonomic pedal spacing to improve comfort during longer sessions.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Horizon EX-59 is positioned as a strong mid-range rear-drive elliptical that balances smooth performance with an attractive price, making it a top pick for budget-conscious buyers who still want good stride feel and program variety. Compared with the Sole E35 it is more affordable and lighter-duty, and it undercuts NordicTrack on connected features, offering a straightforward value alternative for typical home cardio routines.
Budget-friendly punch — wallet smiles
Compact footprint — apartment-friendly
Responsive resistance — quick shifts
Sturdy build with ergonomic pedal spacing to improve comfort during longer sessions.
Quiet magnetic resistance offering a wide range of intensity settings.
Budget-friendly punch — wallet smiles
Compact footprint — apartment-friendly
Responsive resistance — quick shifts
Sturdy build with ergonomic pedal spacing to improve comfort during longer sessions.
Quiet magnetic resistance offering a wide range of intensity settings.
$999-1,499 CAD
ProForm Carbon EL
The ProForm Carbon EL is the most budget-friendly rear-drive option in this group, delivering a compact footprint and basic but reliable elliptical mechanics suited to casual users or small spaces. While it doesn’t match the Sole or NordicTrack in durability or advanced tech, its low up-front cost makes it a sensible entry-level choice for buyers focused on price and simple functionality rather than heavy daily use or premium connectivity.
Incline boost — hill sprints
iFit ready — studio-at-home
Incline boost — hill sprints
iFit ready — studio-at-home
Review Summary
"The ProForm Carbon EL is appreciated for its affordability and compact iFit-enabled workouts, but many users report less-smooth mechanics, flimsier components and reliance on subscription content as drawbacks."
Easy fold storage — closetable charm
Budget-friendly elliptical with a compact footprint for smaller spaces.
Easy fold storage — closetable charm
Budget-friendly elliptical with a compact footprint for smaller spaces.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The ProForm Carbon EL is the most budget-friendly rear-drive option in this group, delivering a compact footprint and basic but reliable elliptical mechanics suited to casual users or small spaces. While it doesn’t match the Sole or NordicTrack in durability or advanced tech, its low up-front cost makes it a sensible entry-level choice for buyers focused on price and simple functionality rather than heavy daily use or premium connectivity.
Incline boost — hill sprints
iFit ready — studio-at-home
Easy fold storage — closetable charm
Budget-friendly elliptical with a compact footprint for smaller spaces.
Multiple resistance settings that let beginners progress without complexity.
Incline boost — hill sprints
iFit ready — studio-at-home
Easy fold storage — closetable charm
Budget-friendly elliptical with a compact footprint for smaller spaces.
Multiple resistance settings that let beginners progress without complexity.
$599-899 CAD
Schwinn 470
The Schwinn 470 is a feature-rich mid-market rear-drive elliptical that blends an extensive built-in workout library and solid console features with a comfortable stride and competitive pricing. It sits between the budget ProForm and the premium NordicTrack/Sole options by offering more onboard programs and connectivity than entry-level machines while remaining more affordable than the highest-spec models, making it a balanced choice for users wanting variety without a large upfront investment.
Program-rich deck — variety party
Multi-grip handles — upper-body tango
Program-rich deck — variety party
Multi-grip handles — upper-body tango
Review Summary
"Reviewers like the Schwinn 470 for its feature-rich console, stable rear-drive feel and value for the price, though some long-term users cite durability concerns and somewhat complicated assembly."
Bluetooth console — gadget buddy
Large console with numerous preset programs and Bluetooth capability.
Bluetooth console — gadget buddy
Large console with numerous preset programs and Bluetooth capability.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Schwinn 470 is a feature-rich mid-market rear-drive elliptical that blends an extensive built-in workout library and solid console features with a comfortable stride and competitive pricing. It sits between the budget ProForm and the premium NordicTrack/Sole options by offering more onboard programs and connectivity than entry-level machines while remaining more affordable than the highest-spec models, making it a balanced choice for users wanting variety without a large upfront investment.
Program-rich deck — variety party
Multi-grip handles — upper-body tango
Bluetooth console — gadget buddy
Large console with numerous preset programs and Bluetooth capability.
Adjustable resistance and incline options to vary workout intensity.
Program-rich deck — variety party
Multi-grip handles — upper-body tango
Bluetooth console — gadget buddy
Large console with numerous preset programs and Bluetooth capability.
Adjustable resistance and incline options to vary workout intensity.
$799-1,099 CAD