13 of the best cross trainers for runners to buy in 2024 (2024)

Also known as an elliptical trainer, a cross trainer is an exercise machine that targets the same muscles and cardio vascular system as running through climbing and power walking against resistance, but without the impact that running on a treadmill brings.

'A cross trainer is one of the most popular cardio machines in the gym. Comprised of two footrests and two handles that you push and pull, the cross trainer provides a full-body, low-impact workout,' says Dean Zweck from Total Fitness. 'To use a cross trainer, you move your feet in a striding pattern while pulling and pushing the handles to train multiple muscles at once.'

How we test cross trainers

The Runner's World writers and editors attend specialist testing days with fitness brands as well as set cross trainers up in our homes/garages to trial wide range of ellipticals. While testing, we take note of:

• Overall performance - do they feel smooth and stable? Is there any wobbling or creaking? How quiet are they?
• Set-up and design - how easy are they to set up and adjust?
• User experience - what's the button interface or screen like? How simple is adjusting the resistance? What data does it provide?
• Durability - how has the cross trainer fared after sustained use?
• Programming - what's the workout variety like?
• Value - does the quality match the price point?
• Extra features - such as coaching, personal training, streaming capabilities, Bluetooth connectivity and more.
• Plus we assess their suitability in the home - how much space do they take up, do they roll or fold away?

The cross trainers below have been hand-picked by our team based on the criteria above. Some are old favourites, some are newer products we've tested more recently, and the range includes more budget options as well as premium offerings. Most are rear-driven, as they're more beneficial for runners, but we've included some hybrid and stepper-style models that made the cut.

13 best cross trainers for runners to buy now

From self-powered models to the latest in cutting-edge tech, keep scrolling for our pick of the best cross trainers on the market in 2024.

This top-rated cross trainer is incredibly quiet, has eight different resistance levels and comes with handy wheels so you can easily roll it away once you've finished your workout.

It uses magnetic resistance and a rear-drive flywheel to mimic natural running movement, and we found the performance generally nice and smooth. No, it won't feel like the huge thousand pound machines at the gym, but for the price it's hard to argue.

The pedals are non-slip, you get a decent array of metrics (we're talking time, speed, distance, calories and pulse, plus an odometer so you measure your total distance travelled over time) via the LCD monitor and there's even a tablet holder so you can sesh Netflix while you sweat.

Key specs

With a 17kg flywheel this cross trainer is a serious piece of kit, so it's better suited to homes with floor space to spare. But thanks to ample stride length it's also a great all-rounder for the whole family to use.

It comes with 16 levels of resistance and 12 workout programmes, including some cracking hill workouts to keep you sweating, thanks to the adjustable incline (choose from three levels).

The start and stop buttons, plus resistance and mode toggles, are all located on the handlebars, so you can switch things up without disrupting your flow. Handy.

And did we mention it's also super quiet? A truly excellent piece of kit.

Key specs

This is one of the best cross trainers you'll find for under £350, but that doesn't mean it's a lightweight piece of kit. It's well built, with eight levels of magnetic resistance and a 5.5kg flywheel, so expect to work hard.

The performance is smooth and quiet, while the LCD monitor displays an impressive range of readouts: time, distance, speed, calories, pulse, temperature, body fat (although we wouldn't set much store by this one) and recovery heart rate.

It comes with a handy tablet stand (so you can stream as you sweat), plus a console display and heart rate sensors. The 32cm stride length mean it might not to be suited to those on the taller side, but for everyone else it's a solid bet.

Key specs

Tech-savvy runners will appreciate this clever machine that is smaller than most premium models, but still comes with plenty of metrics to monitor your fitness goals, plus a hefty 9kg flywheel.

With 20 workout programmes and a huge 32 levels to experiment with, it will definitely keep you busy. We particularly like the dual-colour backlit LCD display with hand-pulse sensors that provides accurate real-time heart rate info.

It also allows you to store up to four different user profiles, making it a great cross trainer for the whole family to use. And it's easy to assemble too — always a bonus.

If we had to find a quibble, the button interface feels a little flimsy, but this is minor as it doesn't affect the overall performance.

Key specs

Keen to replicate the great outdoors and train in your conservatory, garage or even in your back yard on a sunny day? This cross trainer is self-powered so you won't need a plug socket nearby to get to work.

We found it to be a smooth (thank that 9kg flywheel), quiet ride that's surprisingly easy to move about the house (and yes, maybe we've dragged it in front of the TV more times than we'd care to mention).

And with 24 training programmes to keep us occupied we didn't miss the mains power. As it's powered by your movement alone there isn't a screen per se, so you don't get as much in terms of fancy features (no PTs here) as you would a more premium mains-powered model. But there is a smart console that provides basic metrics and it can connect to fitness apps. Plus there are buttons on the handlebars for fuss-free adjustments.

There is also a tablet holder, so you can follow online classes or stream to your heart's content, and the 39cm stride length was perfect for our medium-height tester.

Key specs

This clever cross trainer from NordicTrack comes with a huge host of cool features, including Bluetooth speakers, a built-in fan, adjustable strides and the option to add iFIT membership for interactive personal training at home.

The 14-inch colour touchscreen display shows all the metrics you'd expect, plus plays out the interactive iFIT programming, where you can choose from a multitude of on-demand and live classes, race round far-flung destinations and, as mentioned, partake in a spot of personal training. The machine will suggest workouts based on your fitness goals and, over time, learns and adjusts settings based on your fitness levels.

But what really sets this cross trainer apart is the incline and decline settings — few can boast decline, and this has a range of –5% to 15%.

For the price, you won't be surprised to know it feels premium, and that's largely thanks to 15kg 'inertia-enhanced' flywheel, which ensures smooth rotations without any jerkiness, even if you stop moving. Clever stuff.

Key specs

This is a great basic cross trainer and a good option for beginners. It's quiet, fairly compact, with eight levels of resistance and anti-slip pedals. We loved how large the readings are on the LCD display, plus it's super easy to use.

Metrics include time, speed, distance, calories and pulse (via the static handlebar-mounted sensors), but if you'd rather only keep half an eye on those, there's a mount for a tablet or phone. Because who isn't bingeing Rivals right now?

It includes a bottle cage, phone/tablet holder as well as static and moving handles. Made from steel it feels sturdy, and the built-in wheels mean it's easy to cart around.

If you can't be bothered to put it together yourself (we get it, you're popular), you can pay for assembly too.

Key specs

If you live in a small apartment, this cross trainer is compact enough to squeeze into the corner without taking up too much space when not in use. And because it's technically two machines in one (exercise bike and cross trainer), you're saving even more room — right?!

But despite its diminutive size, this cross trainer still comes with an impressive range of metrics to monitor your workouts (including speed, distance, time, pulse, calories, temperature...), plus 16 resistance levels and 21 user programmes to get your sweat on.

It's easy to put together, and once you're up and running a good, sturdy bit of kit. Some testers reported a bit of squeaking, but nothing that wasn't solved with a bit of WD40.

Key specs

Is it a cross trainer? It is an exercise bike? It's both! This clever piece of kit offers spinning and elliptical training in one neat package.

The comfortable seat is fully adjustable, it has reassuringly grippy pedals and you can ramp up the magnetic resistance a la your favourite spin class with the tension adjustment dial.

Speaking of resistance — because this one is based on air resistance, rather than magnetic, it's not broken up into levels, so you just have to gauge what feels right for you — nice for those who like to approach exercise intuitively, less nice if you're trying to track progress. And it is on the louder side, so you might want to bust out your noise-cancelling headphones before embarking on your workout.

Key specs

Technogym stocks top-qual gyms around the world, and right now you can bring home a slice of the action for a discounted price. Yes, it’s still an investment, but you can pay monthly (currently £86.25).

This foldable machine performs as it looks — sleek as hell. It's basically silent and super smooth, with 25 resistance levels that max out at 600 watts (that's high, btw). When folded it occupies just 0.5 square metres!

Plus there's a secure tablet stand so you can enjoy the routines, outdoor vistas and guided workouts in the Technogym Live app. They are both plentiful and excellent — we challenge you to get bored.

Key specs

If you're new to the world of cross training and looking to work on your overall fitness, this machine still has an impressive set of features for the price tag. The 5kg bi-directional flywheel provides enough weight for a low-impact workout, while eight resistance settings will get your heart rate pumping.

We particularly like the tablet holder so you can catch up on your favourite boxset while getting your sweat on. With 32cm stride length this is better suited to shorter runners, but if you're looking for a simple but effective option it's a great model for beginners.

Key specs

This cross trainer is aimed at beginners so it's fairly basic in design and functionality. But despite its simplicity it can still measure your calories, distance, time, speed and heart rate while you work out, and the 6kg fly wheel is weighty enough to provide a smooth ride.

There are 15 resistance levels and seven guided training programmes to play with, so you can build and track your progress over time.

Some users have reported squeaking, so you might want to stock up on WD40, and because of the small footprint it might wobble a little.

It's better suited to occasional use, but will still make a positive addition to your training routine.

Key specs

If price is a sticking point and you're only an occasional user, this 2-in-1 cross trainer and exercise bike is a great starting point.

It's fairly easy to set up and the handles come off easily if you want to remove them for smaller storage. It feels sturdy and the quality for the price is good, but if you're used to high-end gym machines this might take a bit of getting used to.

It's not the quietest model on our list, but if you're hoping to simply mix up your running and record your key stats in the process, this is a great compromise. The dinky display shows your heart rate, speed, distance traveled and calories burned.

Key specs

How do cross trainers compare with treadmills?

According to Zweck, there are a couple of key differences between using a cross trainer compared to a treadmill. 'Firstly, there is the impact, or lack of it, when using a cross trainer,' he explains. 'When you run, typically a force of two to three times your body weight is absorbed by the body every time your foot strikes the floor. When multiplied by the volume of steps you take when you run, this is a lot of force and can cause muscle or joint pain. Cross trainers offer a zero-impact way to achieve similar results to running.'

Cross trainers also have the edge when it comes to overall fitness. 'Treadmills focus on speed and gradient to achieve intensity, whereas a cross trainer will use resistance,' adds Zweck. 'While both are great ways to train, cross trainers hold the advantage for strength and tone, particularly of the upper body, over a treadmill.'

What are the benefits of using a cross trainer?

Cross trainers have a number of benefits for runners — here are a handful of them.

Assists injury recovery and prevention

Because they're low impact, cross trainers can help you continue to train if you are injured. 'For the majority of avid runners, the temptation to push through your injuries to stick to your running plan or hit your weekly targets is huge but not necessarily sensible,' says Zweck. 'Small injuries have the habit of intensifying if not managed correctly, and there is nothing more frustrating for a runner than to not be able to train.'

Lets you manage the intensity

It's also easier to monitor your training with a cross trainer. 'It is very easy to manage intensity while on a cross trainer by manipulating the resistance and steps per minute,' explains Zweck.

Works the upper body

While runners often have super strong calves, our upper-body strength can get overlooked. 'Cross trainers also strengthen and tone your arms (biceps and triceps, back, chest and core) giving it an advantage over running,' says Zweck. 'Depending on your goal, this may make the cross trainer a better choice to achieve multiple training results at once.'