Magnetic vs Air Elliptical Trainers: Which one is Better? Welcome to our in-depth comparison of Magnetic vs Air Elliptical Trainers.

Check out: Magnetic trainer
➜https://www.amazon.com/Elliptical-Exclusive-MERACH-Ultra-Quiet-Resistance/dp/B0CG1WLD1V/?tag=jstand-20

Check out: Air Elliptical Trainers
➜https://www.amazon.com/Niceday-Elliptical-Hyper-Quiet-Magnetic-Resistance/dp/B0C9CPT6BS/?tag=jstand-20

The main difference between these two elliptical trainers is the drive mechanism.
Magnetic resistance elliptical trainers provide resistance through a magnet positioned near a flywheel. How the two interact to provide resistance could vary.

In higher end magnetic elliptical trainers, pushing a button increases current to the magnet thus increasing resistance. Similarly, a button is used to reduce current to the magnet for reduced resistance.

In less expensive magnetic elliptical trainers, a magnet is used but in this case, adjustment is done mechanically.

Turning a knob moves the magnet closer to the flywheel and this increases resistance. Moving the magnet further away from the flywheel results in reduced resistance.
Air resistance elliptical trainers work very differently. These have a rotating fan. Your pedaling motion turns the fan and the air provides resistance. The faster you pedal, the more resistance you get and vice versa.
Magnetic resistance elipticals trainers provide smoother, adjustable resistance.

Noise
If you can’t stand noisy exercise equipment, you will probably like the magnetic elliptical trainer. The Eddy current resistance system makes it exceptionally quiet. Higher end magnetic trainers are totally quiet because there are no moving parts. Manual magnetic resistance ones on the other hand, are quiet when pedaling but make some noise when adjusting resistance levels.

Air resistance ellipticals are quite noisy. They rely on movement of air so the faster you pedal, the louder it gets.
Magnetic elliptical trainers are best for apartments or households where noise would be disruptive.

Maintenance and safety
Magnetic resistance systems require little or no maintenance because there are no moving parts to wear out. The chances of breakdowns are minimal. With air resistance trainers, you do have some moving parts, therefore demanding more maintenance and increasing chances of breakdowns.

In term of safety, magnetic systems are preferred because they have a fully enclosed drive mechanism. Air resistance systems have vents to allow air in and out of the fan. There is always the risk of children’s fingers getting pinched by exterior parts in motion.
A magnetic elliptical trainer would be preferred by users with young children or pets.