We compared two home elliptical cross trainers: the JLL Compact Magnetic Cross Trainer and the MERACH Self-Generating Elliptical Cross Trainer.
What we looked at
Power source, stride length, and price.
The verdict
If you want the lower price on a compact, battery-powered elliptical with app connectivity, the JLL is the pick at £189.99. If you would rather pay £410.00 more for a self-powered machine needing no outlet, a longer 47cm stride, and up to 180kg capacity, the MERACH is the alternative, at £599.99.
A £189.99 compact elliptical with a 100x67cm footprint and app connectivity.
A £599.99 self-generating elliptical with a 47cm stride and 180kg capacity.
JLL Compact Magnetic Cross Trainer — Most Compact
Intended for: Marketed as a compact elliptical with a 28cm bidirectional stride for low-impact, joint-friendly workouts, 8 levels of magnetic resistance with a 5kg flywheel and belt-drive for whisper-quiet use, a backlit LCD monitor tracking time, speed, distance, calories, SPM and heart rate via pulse grips, free SunnyFit app connectivity with 1,000+ guided sessions, a battery-powered console needing no mains power, and a space-saving 100x67cm footprint with front transport wheels. Founded in Birmingham in 2012.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the MERACH on these listings, at £189.99
- Most compact stated footprint: 100x67cm
- Free SunnyFit app with guided workouts, per the listing
- Battery-powered console, no mains outlet needed
Worth knowing
- Shorter stated stride: 28cm against the MERACH's 47cm
- Lower stated weight capacity than the MERACH
Best for
- Buyers who want the lower price
- Anyone with limited space wanting the most compact machine
- Those who want app-guided workouts
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants the longest stride length
- Taller users or those needing the highest weight capacity
MERACH Self-Generating Elliptical Cross Trainer — Self-Powered
Intended for: Marketed as a self-powered elliptical trainer that generates its own electricity during exercise with no external power connection needed, a 47cm extra-wide stride suited to users 1.5m to 2.2m tall, a high-strength steel frame with a 180kg weight capacity and four adjustable stabilizers, 16-level electromagnetic resistance with a 17.6lb flywheel, ultra-quiet operation under 20dB, a multi-grip design for legs, core and glutes, and 80% pre-assembly with a sub-20-minute setup.
What we liked
- Self-generating power, no outlet needed anywhere in the home, per the listing
- Longer stated stride: 47cm
- Higher stated weight capacity: 180kg
- Stated ultra-quiet operation under 20dB
Worth knowing
- Costs £410.00 more than the JLL on these listings
- Larger footprint than the JLL's compact design
Best for
- Buyers who want a self-powered machine that works anywhere
- Taller users needing the longest stride
- Those who want the highest weight capacity
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Anyone with limited space wanting the smallest footprint
