3 Best Elliptical Machines with Adjustable Stride: 2026 Guide

Key Takeaways

• If your household has users of different heights, a fixed-stride elliptical forces a compromise with someone always ending up with the wrong fit.
• Shorter strides (18") create a stepping motion that intensifies glute and quad engagement. Longer strides (24"+) create a running motion without joint impact.
• Not all adjustable stride machines work the same way: some use power-adjustable buttons, others auto-adjust to your movement and each affects how the machine fits your workout style.
• Some machines trade incline capability for stride adjustment; the SOLE E95S prioritizes stride range and a heavy 30-lb flywheel over incline, making it the stronger choice for users focused on stride variety.
• The SOLE E95S offers a power-adjustable stride from 18" to 24" with a 30-lb flywheel and no subscription fees.

What Makes an Adjustable Stride Elliptical Worth Buying?

The three best ellipticals with adjustable stride in 2026 are the SOLE E95S (power-adjustable 18”–24”, no subscription), the NordicTrack FS10i (auto-adjustable up to 32”), and the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i (adjustable stride plus incline and decline). Each takes a different approach to stride adjustment, and the right choice depends on how you train.

Stride range matters more than most buyers realize. Different stride lengths recruit muscles differently: shorter strides around 18 inches create a stepping motion that intensifies glute and quad engagement, while strides beyond 24 inches create a running motion that works hamstrings through a fuller range without joint impact. Fixed-stride ellipticals force a compromise when multiple users share the machine. Adjustable stride eliminates that compromise entirely.

The 3 Best Adjustable Stride Ellipticals

1. SOLE E95S: Best Adjustable Stride Without Subscription

The SOLE E95S features power-adjustable stride from 18" to 24" with a 30-lb flywheel for smooth motion at any setting.

The E95S is designed for users who want flexibility without subscription fees. The power-adjustable stride ranges from 18 to 24 inches, controlled from the console or handles. You can shorten your stride for a stepping motion that intensifies quad engagement, or lengthen it for a running motion that works hamstrings and glutes. The adjustment happens smoothly during your workout without stopping.

The 30-pound flywheel is the second heaviest in SOLE's elliptical lineup. This weight creates consistent momentum across all stride lengths. Shorter strides and longer strides both feel smooth because the flywheel maintains stable rotation through each pedal cycle.

The 13.3-inch touchscreen provides access to built-in streaming apps, including Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime. The FREE SOLE+ App delivers hundreds of coached workouts without subscription fees. Screen mirroring displays content from your phone or tablet directly on the console.

The 400-pound weight capacity and 265-pound machine weight create rock-solid stability that lighter machines cannot match. Multi-position rubber-coated handles provide upper body engagement with grip options for different arm positions.

2. NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer 

The FS10i takes a different approach with an auto-adjustable stride up to 32 inches that responds to your movement in real time. (Image from Nordic)

The FS10i takes a different approach to adjustable stride. Rather than setting a specific length, the pedals adapt to your movement in real time. Step short for a stair-climbing motion. Stride long for a gliding motion.

The 32" auto-adjustable stride is the longest available on any consumer elliptical. This range accommodates users from under 5'0" to well over 6'6". The center-drive design keeps you balanced regardless of stride length.

The 10" touchscreen runs iFIT programming with over 16,000 on-demand workouts. Trainers guide you through sessions while the machine automatically adjusts resistance and incline.

One cost to factor in: the FS10i works best with an iFIT subscription ($39/month). Without it, the machine functions in manual mode only with no built-in workout programs. Factor this ongoing cost into your decision.

3. NordicTrack AirGlide 14i 

The AirGlide 14i combines adjustable stride with both incline and decline training — a combination not found on either competing machine.  (Image from Nordic)

The AirGlide 14i does something neither of the other two machines offers: adjustable stride combined with both incline and decline training. Few machines at this price point offer both.

The adjustable stride ranges from 17.8" to 18.5". This is a narrower range than the E95S (18-24") or FS10i (0-32"), but it accommodates users up to about 6'0". The adjustment is automatic based on your movement.

The -5% decline to 15% incline range sets the AirGlide apart. Decline training works your muscles differently than flat or incline settings. Incline intensifies glute and hamstring engagement. Having both options in one machine is genuinely uncommon at this price point.

The 14" touchscreen is larger than the FS10i's 10" display, making workout metrics and streaming content easier to see. iFIT programming provides trainer-led workouts with automatic resistance and incline adjustments. 26 resistance levels offer good granular control.

Trade-offs: The 300-lb weight capacity is lower than both the E95S (400 lbs) and FS10i (375 lbs). Like the FS10i, the AirGlide works best with an iFIT subscription.

*SOLE does not manufacture or sell the AirGlide 14i or the FS10i. This is an independent review of a product for comparison purposes.*

Adjustable Stride Elliptical Comparison

Which Adjustable Stride Elliptical Gives You the Most Without a Subscription?

SOLE built the E95S for users who want stride flexibility without ongoing costs. The power-adjustable stride runs from 18” to 24”, controlled from the console or handles mid-workout. The 30-lb flywheel maintains consistent momentum at every setting, whether you’re stepping short or striding long.

The FREE SOLE+ App adds hundreds of coached workouts with no subscription required. The lifetime frame and flywheel warranty exceeds the 10-year frame coverage offered by both NordicTrack machines. For buyers who want adjustable stride, a heavy flywheel, and zero monthly fees, the E95S covers all three.

Shop The SOLE E95S Elliptical Today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What's the ideal stride length for my height?

General guidelines suggest 18" for users under 5'4", 20" for users 5'4" to 6'0", and 22"+ for users over 6'0". However, leg length and natural gait vary. Adjustable stride lets you find your personal ideal rather than relying on averages.

Can I change stride length during my workout?

On the SOLE E95S, yes. The power-adjustable stride changes with buttons on the console or handles. On the NordicTrack machines, stride adjusts automatically based on your movement pattern.

Why doesn't the SOLE E95S have an incline?

The adjustable stride mechanism replaces the incline mechanism in SOLE's design. SOLE made a deliberate engineering choice: optimize for stride range rather than incline. If you want SOLE build quality with incline training, the E95 ($2,099.99) offers 20 incline levels with a fixed 20" stride.

Do I really need an iFIT subscription for the NordicTrack machines?

Technically, no. Both NordicTrack machines function in manual mode without iFIT. However, you lose access to trainer-led workouts, automatic adjustments, and the interactive features that make these machines distinctive. Most users find the subscription necessary to get full value.

What warranty does SOLE offer on the E95S?

The SOLE E95S comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and flywheel, 3 years on parts and wear items, and 1 year on labor. This coverage exceeds the NordicTrack machines, which offer 10-year frame warranties.

 

Disclaimer: Products and prices mentioned in this article are accurate as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Please visit the official SOLE website for the most current information.