Best Cross Trainer UK: 5 Top Home Ellipticals for 2026
By Best Exercise Team · Updated 26 June 2026
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A cross trainer is one of the most practical ways to get a full-body cardio workout at home without hammering your joints. Because your feet stay on the pedals throughout, an elliptical cross trainer is low impact, so it suits sore knees, bad hips and anyone easing back into exercise, while still working the legs, arms and core at the same time. The catch is that cross trainer machines vary a lot in flywheel weight, stride length and build quality, and a cheap one can feel jerky and short-strided. Below are five of the best home cross trainers you can buy in the UK right now, ranked and matched to different budgets and needs.
How we chose
We researched the most popular and best-reviewed cross trainers on Amazon UK, then cross-checked the specs against manufacturer pages, current expert reviews and a large amount of owner feedback. We have not physically tested every machine in this guide, so we have been careful to separate confirmed specs from what owners consistently report. The five below earned their place on flywheel quality, stride, build and value.
1. JLL CT300 Elliptical Cross Trainer: Best Overall
The JLL CT300 is our pick for the best cross trainer in the UK for most people, and it is consistently one of the best-reviewed home models on Amazon UK. It uses a two-way flywheel (about 5.5kg) with eight levels of magnetic resistance, so you can pedal forwards or backwards and the motion stays smooth and quiet. You get dual handlebars, an LCD console that tracks speed, distance, time, calories and heart rate via hand sensors, a tablet holder and transport wheels, with assembly that most owners find straightforward. It suits beginners and intermediate users in flats and spare rooms who want a dependable machine under £400.
The honest downside is the maximum user weight of around 100kg and a fixed, fairly compact stride, so very tall or heavier users may find it cramped and should size up to one of the picks below. For everyone else it is hard to beat at the price.
Check price on Amazon2. Reebok FR30 Magnetic Elliptical Cross Trainer: Best Premium
If you want a more capable, better-connected machine, the Reebok FR30 is the standout big-brand option. It runs a heavier 9kg flywheel for a smoother, more consistent feel, a longer 15 inch stride, 32 levels of electronic resistance, 18 pre-set programmes and three target modes, plus Bluetooth and an LED touchscreen so you can pair fitness apps and a tablet holder for entertainment. It suits regular users who train several times a week and want more challenge and a longer, more natural stride than budget models allow.
The downside is price and footprint: it costs significantly more than the JLL and the powered console and heavier flywheel make it a larger, less easily tucked-away machine. If you have the space and budget, it is the most polished pick here.
Check price on Amazon3. HOMCOM Elliptical Cross Trainer: Best Budget
For the smallest possible outlay, the HOMCOM Elliptical Cross Trainer is our budget pick. Often priced around £140, it gives you eight levels of magnetic resistance, an LCD monitor showing time, speed, distance, calories and heart rate, hand pulse sensors and two transport wheels, all in a compact frame that fits small homes. It suits students, first-time buyers and anyone who wants to get moving a few times a week without spending much.
Be realistic about what a budget cross trainer delivers: the flywheel and stride are shorter than the pricier picks, so the motion is less fluid and taller users will feel it. For light, occasional cardio though, it is genuinely good value.
Check price on Amazon4. JTX Tri-Fit Incline Cross Trainer: Best for Weight Loss and Tall Users
The JTX Tri-Fit is the machine to choose if your main goal is losing weight or you are simply too tall for most home ellipticals. Its big advantage is an adjustable stride (roughly 16 to 20 inches) plus adjustable incline, so you can match it to your height and target the legs and glutes harder. It pairs an inertia-enhanced flywheel (around 8.5kg) with 16 levels of electromagnetic resistance, Bluetooth and app connectivity such as Kinomap, and JTX backs it with a 2 year in-home repair warranty, which is reassuring on a machine you plan to use hard.
The catch is the price. It typically costs around £799, so you will not get much change from £800 unless you catch a sale, and it is a large, heavy unit that needs dedicated floor space. For serious training and tall users, the extra stride and incline are worth it.
Check price on Amazon5. Reebok FR20 Elliptical Cross Trainer: Best Mid-Range
The Reebok FR20 sits neatly between the budget and premium picks. It carries the Reebok name and a 6kg flywheel with eight levels of manually controlled magnetic resistance, giving a smoother ride than the cheapest machines while keeping things simple and affordable. It suits buyers who want a recognised brand and a step up in feel from a sub-£150 trainer, without paying for a powered console.
The honest trade-off is that the manual resistance and modest flywheel mean it is not as fluid or feature-rich as the FR30, and the stride is on the shorter side. As a no-fuss, reliable mid-range elliptical cross trainer, it does the job well.
Check price on AmazonWhich cross trainer should you buy?
We compared the most popular and best-reviewed home cross trainers in the UK, and these five cover every budget and need. Here is the quick summary:
- Best overall: the JLL CT300 is the smart default for most homes, with a smooth two-way flywheel and a sensible price under £400.
- Best premium: the Reebok FR30 is the most polished pick, with a heavier flywheel, longer stride, 32 resistance levels and Bluetooth.
- Best budget: the HOMCOM Elliptical covers the basics well for light use at around £140.
- Best for weight loss and tall users: the JTX Tri-Fit adds adjustable stride and incline for harder, taller-friendly training.
- Best mid-range: the Reebok FR20 is a simple, reliable step up from the cheapest machines.
If you are still weighing up your cardio options, it is worth comparing a cross trainer against other home machines. Our guides to exercise bikes, rowing machines and treadmills can help, and you can browse all our cross trainer reviews for more detail. Pairing any of these with sensible nutrition will get you results far faster than the machine alone.
We hope this guide helps you find the right cross trainer. If you have a question about any of the machines above, leave a comment and one of our team will get back to you.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is the best cross trainer in the UK?
For most home users our top pick is the JLL CT300. It pairs a smooth two-way flywheel with eight levels of magnetic resistance, a clear console and a sensible price under £400, which is why it is one of the most popular cross trainers on Amazon UK.
Is a cross trainer good for losing weight?
Yes, used regularly and alongside a calorie-controlled diet. A cross trainer is a cardio machine that works your legs, arms and core at once, so a moderate 30 minute session burns roughly 175 to 250 calories for many people, more if you push the pace and resistance.
What muscles does a cross trainer work?
A cross trainer works most of the body in one movement. Your quads, hamstrings, calves and glutes drive the pedals, while pushing and pulling the moving handles works the arms, chest, shoulders and back. Your core stays engaged to keep you stable.
Is a cross trainer better than a treadmill?
It depends on your goals. A cross trainer is low impact and easier on the knees, hips and back because your feet never leave the pedals, so it suits joint problems and recovery. A treadmill is better if your aim is to train specifically for running.
How much should I spend on a home cross trainer?
Budget machines start around £140 and suit light, occasional use. Around £300 to £450 buys a noticeably smoother flywheel and better build for regular workouts. Spend £700 or more and you get adjustable stride, incline and gym-level stability for taller or heavier users.
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