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12 best cross trainers for low-impact home workouts in 2023
Snap one of these up, stat
Tested by Yanar AlkayatFormer Fitness Group Testing Manager
The best cross-trainers are a serious cut above your bog-standard models. They can be adapted to suit every ability, from beginners to gym aficionados, they're genuinely good value, and they're a guaranteed feel-good fix.
It's not easy to sort the best from the bog-standard though, which is why we curated this WH edit just for you.
Before you part with your pennies, here's everything you need to know about the best cross trainers.
The best cross trainers for 2023
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BEST VALUE CROSS TRAINER WITH HANDLE OPTIONS
Opti Magnetic 2-in-1 Cross Trainer and Exercise Bike
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Is a cross trainer good for weight loss?
Whether you're smashing out HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts or LISS (low-intensity steady state) exercise, the best cross-trainers can be a fantastic way to get sweaty and burn calories.
However, and this is an important caveat, losing weight comes down to consistent exercise, a healthy diet that's tailored to your goals and managing both your stress and sleep. It's also key to think about why you want to lose weight: favour the way you feel over aesthetics, always.
If you're hoping to shed weight for health reasons, going HAM on the cross trainer is probably going to do more harm than good. A balanced mix of cardio and strength workouts, as well as prioritising rest days and active recovery is the fastest way to safe, sustainable weight loss.
Can a cross trainer burn belly fat?
14,800 of you search for the best ways to lose belly fat each and every month, and if you've read our guide, you'll know that no, you cannot spot reduce body fat. Fact.
So, using a cross-trainer with the intention of losing belly fat won't work, nor would it with any other piece of equipment. What you can do is reduce your overall body fat percentage, which will help get rid of belly fat. That, and getting to grips with your macros – e.g. learning about the best macros for fat loss – will help you smash your goals that much more sustainably.
Is a cross trainer better than a treadmill?
The best exercise is the one you're actually going to do. If a treadmill is your thing (and you consistently jump on the ol' moving belt), then that's probably going to be the best option for you.
A cross trainer can be slightly easier on your joints if you're looking for a low-impact option but they'll both give you a good sweat. So let's get moving!
Women’s Health Lab approved
Our WH Lab expert testers set to work trialling the top cross trainers on the market before judging them on the following criteria:
Instructions: How simple the machines were to set up and whether included diagrams and instructions were clear and helpful.
Ease of use: How easy the machines were to mount and dismount, whether adjustments were foolproof and how simple it was to get started.
Design: How aesthetically pleasing they looked, whether they took up significant floor space and how comfortable they felt, even during long sessions.
Performance: Whether they felt smooth and stable at different speeds, if adjusting the resistance was a faff-free process and how loud the motor was.
Only the cross trainers that met our sky-high standards were awarded the esteemed Women’s Health Lab Approved logo below. Every other product has been hand-picked by our editors, who have put their considerable fitness knowledge to good use by bringing you their personal faves – just look for the Editor’s Choice logo.
So, let’s spice up that home workout, shall we?
Bowflex MAX Trainer M9
Bowflex MAX Trainer M9
Our winning cross trainer offers a long list of features, including a 10” HD screen, in-console speakers, 20 resistance levels, versatile handlebars and a HR monitor. Whew!
Our experts were impressed with the variety of classes on offer via the JRNY app and also appreciated its streaming capabilities.
The handlebars can be positioned in four different ways – not only does this allow you to work your upper bod in a variety of ways and the large footplates make for a comfy exercise position. There's a water bottle holder and in- and post-workout stats provide everything you need to track your progress.
There is a compulsory fitness test to complete before getting started, and the level control took a little getting used to, but those were our only gripes.
JTX Tri-Fit Incline Cross Trainer
This impressive JTX machine boasts 16 levels of resistance, 18 workout programmes and an adjustable incline (hello peachy glutes).
The robust design won over our experts, who said it felt stable at all levels and speeds. They also raved about its adjustable features, including handle height, stride length and footplate position).
The console is basic, but it’s a cinch to use and provides all the data you need to track your progress. Plus, the machine is quiet and easy to stash away post-workout thanks to the nifty transport wheels.
There’s also Bluetooth connectivity and a tablet holder, so you can connect to your favourite apps or just binge Netflix while you move. It lost some points for inaccurate heart rate data and our shorter testers found the vertical handlebars tricky to reach. Still, an impressive bit of kit overall.
Opti 2-in-1 Air Cross Trainer and Exercise Bike
Opti 2-in-1 Air Cross Trainer and Exercise Bike
This Opti beauty does everything you want and for a super budget-friendly price too. Throw in the handy bike seat and pedal options and you're laughing. Whether you cross-train or bike, the world's your oyster.
Opti Magnetic 2-in-1 Cross Trainer and Exercise Bike
Opti Magnetic 2-in-1 Cross Trainer and Exercise Bike
A slightly more souped-up version than the model above, with more features, this Opti cross trainer also has a bike seat and pedals, as well as two handle options. The best 2-in-1 since Shamp met Condish.
Neezee 2-in-1 Elliptical Cross Trainer
Neezee 2-in-1 Elliptical Cross Trainer
You don't necessarily have to spend thousands on a cross trainer for your home gym if you don't mind going the no-frills route. This model from NeeZee is just £165 and will give users a full body workout.
Viavito Sina Elliptical Cross Trainer
With footplates large enough to ensure a comfortable exercise position, this cross trainer is your route to effective low-impact cardio.
It includes 20 workout programmes to keep you motivated and an optional chest strap for accurate heart rate monitoring. Because knowledge is power, as they say.
Reebok Z-Power Cross Trainer
Reebok Z-Power Cross Trainer
Offering excellent performance without breaking the bank – this baby has 32 levels of resistance and shows you eight metrics to track your progress: speed, time elapsed, distance covered, calories burned, pulse, watts, RPM and your level profile chart. All round, a great buy.
Domyos Cross Trainer Essential 120
Domyos Cross Trainer Essential 120
This is fitness superstore Decathlon's best selling cross trainer – a great buy for people who aren't familiar with gym equipment (try and get your mum off it!), upping cardio again after injury or just seeking some easy, low impact activity to complement their usual training. The pre-set programmes mean you can step up straight away.
V-Fit Combo Magnetic Cycle-elliptical Trainer
V-Fit Combo Magnetic Cycle-elliptical Trainer
With a price that won't make your eyes water, this is a cross trainer and an exercise bike combined in a fully functional, compact, space-saving design. Perfect for those in-between days where we want to switch things up. Clever, huh?
Pro Fitness XTS2000 2-in-1 Cross Trainer
Pro Fitness XTS2000 2-in-1 Cross Trainer
An upright bike and cross trainer in one, this Pro Fitness piece of kit comes complete with 16 levels of tension across 12 programmes. You won't get bored here.
Domyos Self-Powered Smart Xtrainer El540
Domyos Self-Powered Smart Xtrainer El540
Hands up who hasn't got a plug socket next to the window with the best view? Or anyone who likes to keep moving while catching up on EastEnders? We've got a cross trainer for that.
Splash out now, save on your energy bills. This self-powered model may take a mo to get going but all the hard work will be rewarded. Guaranteed.
ProForm 325 CSX+
ProForm 325 CSX+
This recumbent cross-trainer has 24 pre-programmed workouts, and its naturally reclined position helps to take any stress off your joints, allowing those with mobility issues to stay active.
The 'whisper quiet' technology also means your workouts won't disturb any other home dwellers. Win, win.
Yanar was our former Fitness Group Testing Manager. She managed health and fitness product testing across all the magazines, overseeing all testing processes and ensuring our lab and panel tests are conducted to the highest standards. Yanar spent 15 years as a health and wellness content editor and writer for national titles such as Runner’s World, Men’s Health and Women’s Health. Yanar is a Level 3 qualified PT, trained yoga teacher and a registered yoga therapist. She has been into fitness and wellness her whole life. After many years running races and marathons, she now trains and competes in CrossFit and Olympic lifting. She passionately advocates strength training for women to build a stronger mind and body for life.
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