Cardio machines

The best rowing machine for home is the Concept2 RowErg, an air rower that turns every stroke into comparable data and holds up for years of training. For apartments and casual cardio, the Merach Q1S is the quiet pick.

The best treadmill for most homes under $1000 is the CURSOR FITNESS 16% Incline Walking Pad, a quiet 2.5HP machine with side handles and a 330 lb capacity. Here are the three picks worth buying, and who each one fits.

The best spin bike under $500 for most home gyms is the MERACH Magnetic Friction Bike, because its magnetic core and brake pad cover an easy spin to a standing push and it runs under 25 dB. Here are the three budget bikes worth buying.

The best exercise bike for home for most people is the YOSUDA 002, because a 25 lb flywheel and a 300 lb frame stay steady through a hard ride at about 43 cents a ride. Here are the three bikes worth the floor space, with the footprint, noise, and cost numbers most other lists leave out.

The best exercise bike for small spaces is the XTERRA FB150, because it folds to about 18 by 18 inches and rolls behind a door between rides. Here are the three compact bikes worth the floor space.

The best elliptical machine for home for most people is the Dripex Elliptical, because its 16 resistance levels run on a quiet magnetic flywheel and the compact frame suits riders from 4 foot 9 to 6 foot 1 for under $200. Here are the three machines worth the floor space.

The best recumbent bike for home for most riders is the MERACH S08, because the padded seat and backrest stay comfortable for a long ride and the 8-level magnetic drive stays quiet enough for a shared room. Here are the three recumbents worth the floor space and who each one fits.

The best air bike for most home gyms is the pooboo Air-Resistance Fan Bike, because the belt-and-chain drive stays quieter than a pure chain bike and the dual-action arms work the whole body. Here are three fan bikes worth the space.