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Long-time fitness enthusiasts know that the elliptical is one of the best cardio machines out there. It provides a low impact, fun, workout that anyone can do. Yet, if you are like most of us, you are tired of dragging your butt to the gym to get your workout in.
Luckily, home-based ellipticals have come a long way, most being just as good or better than the model at your local gym.
The question then becomes how do you find the best ellipticals for your money. That is where we come in! We have compiled some of the best on the market that may not be as expensive as you think.
Table of Contents
Top Picks
Here are our top picks of the best ellipticals for the money.
Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine
To check out this elliptical on Amazon, click here.
The Schwinn elliptical is a machine with a user-friendly display system that helps you keep track of your workouts. Dual screens allow you to set up to 2 different user profiles. There are 9 built-in workout programs and a heart rate monitor. The elliptical has a 20-inch stride, which is pretty solid.
This machine has an eddy current system with resistance up to 22 levels, which is better than many other machines in this price range that generally offer a maximum resistance of up to 20. It also has 6 different incline levels so that you can diversify your workouts. The maximum weight limit is 300 lbs, which is pretty decent for the price that you’re paying for it.
This is one of the most expensive options on our list, but it doesn’t offer a lifetime warranty. The frame comes with a 10-year warranty, 2-year coverage for parts, and 90 days for labor.
Pros
- 20-inch stride
- Workout tracking option
- 22 levels of resistance
Cons
- Heart rate chest strap not included
- Low level of incline- suitable only for entry-level users.
Nautilus Elliptical Trainer E616
To check out this elliptical on Amazon, click here.
Nautilus is pretty well-known for manufacturing quality sports equipment. It has some pretty standout features, such as 25 levels of resistance and a motorized incline. It comes with 29 built-in programs, so you’re sure to find a workout that suits you. It has a 20-inch stride, which is ideal for most users.
It has a built-in heart rate monitor with the option to attach a chest strap if needed. Its bonus features include Bluetooth connectivity, a USB charging port, a fan, and accessory holders. There are also transport wheels that enable you to move the elliptical around with ease.
Through the LCD display, you can create up to 4 different profiles so that you can keep track of your fitness goals.
It has a decent maximum weight capacity of up to 300 lbs. The frame has a warranty of 10 years and 2-year coverage for parts.
Probably the only minor downside is that it only has a maximum incline of 11 degrees – some of the more professional models go up to 20+ degrees.
Pros
- 20-inch stride
- 25 levels of resistance
- Automated incline
- Transport wheels
Cons
- Low level of incline
NordicTrack E 7.5 Z Elliptical
To check out this elliptical on Amazon, click here.
This is more of a beginner’s elliptical and will not last very long if it is used for high-intensity workouts. Nevertheless, it’s a good option for some light, daily exercise. One of its best features is that the stride is adjustable between 17-19 inches. This is still somewhat limited and caters to people with a petite build.
The incline has to be adjusted manually, which means that you’ll need to stop moving. There aren’t any built-in workouts, either, so you’ll have to figure out your own exercise routine.
Some plus points include 25 different levels of resistance, a built-in heart rate monitor, and a 300 lb maximum weight capacity. The frame comes with a lifetime warranty, which is quite spectacular, as well as a year’s worth of coverage for parts. These features make up for the fact that this elliptical is only meant for light workouts.
Pros
- Adjustable stride length
- Sturdy build
- 25 levels of resistance
- Lifetime warranty for the frame
Cons
- No built-in workouts
- Not very durable – only suitable for entry-level users
ProForm 150i Elliptical
To check out this elliptical on Amazon, click here.
This elliptical has a wide range of features packed into a reasonable price range. The stride is 17 inches long, which is better than some other models in this range that feature an 11-13 inch stride. You can choose between fixed and movable handlebars that monitor your heart rate as you work out.
It runs on an eddy current system, offering resistance up to 12 levels. Some bonus features include 12 built-in workout programs and Bluetooth connectivity. It even has iFit connectivity so that you can customize your workouts. Some other extras include built-in speakers and compartments to keep your tablet, bottle, and other accessories as you exercise.
The LCD screen is backlit and automatically switches off if the elliptical is inactive for more than 30 seconds at a time. Another plus point is that the frame has a 5-year warranty. The parts, however, only have 90-day coverage.
A bit of a downside is that it has a weight capacity of 250 lbs, which is quite low.
Pros
- Non-slip pedals
- 12 levels of resistance
- Bluetooth speakers
- Heart rate monitor is built into the handlebars
- Accessory holders
Cons
- iFit membership isn’t included
- The elliptical doesn’t come with an AC adaptor
Bowflex BXE216 Elliptical
To check out this elliptical on Amazon, click here.
This is probably one of the most expensive ellipticals on our list, and with a great price come some great features. It has a variable stride length between 18-22 inches, which is wider than the usual for similar machines and a solid, 30-lb flywheel, making it very sturdy and stable. Along with that, it has 25 levels of resistance. The handlebars can be adjustable or fixed.
It has 9 built-in workout programs, and you have the option to create 4 user profiles to track your fitness goals. Some bonus features include Bluetooth connectivity, built-in speakers, cooling fans, a USB charging port, and a heart rate monitor.
One of the slight negatives is that it only has a 10 percent incline, which is less than other models.
It has a maximum weight limit of up to 375 lbs, which is pretty great. One of the major plus points is that even if you’re investing a lot, you’re getting a 15-year warranty for the frame and 5 years coverage for individual parts.
Pros
- 22-inch stride length
- 25 levels of resistance
- Adjustable handlebars
- Option to set up 4 user profiles
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Accessory holders
- Pedal cushioning for extra comfort
- Long-term warranty- 15 years for the frame
Cons
- Incline less than other options
ProForm Cardio HIIT Elliptical Trainer
To check out this elliptical on Amazon, click here.
The ProForm HIIT elliptical has some pretty high-tech features that make it ideal for both casual and intense workouts. The pedals are well-cushioned and are very smooth, making your workout feel almost effortless. With this machine, you’ll feel like you’re outdoors when you choose virtual tours through Google Maps. It is designed for vertical movement and has a vertical stride length of 10 inches.
With 26 levels of resistance, you can make your workout as challenging or as basic as you’re comfortable with. The touchscreen has iFit compatibility. There are also 34 built-in workouts to help you reach your fitness goals.
Some bonus features include built-in speakers, fans, and accessory holders. A major plus point is that the frame has a lifetime warranty with five-year coverage for individual parts. It has a solid maximum weight capacity of up to 350 lbs.
The only thing to look out for is that it’s a hefty machine and requires some technical assistance to set up. This well-equipped elliptical is considered to be fantastic for extreme calorie-burning and very intense workouts, but may not be ideal for entry-level users and those with joint pain.
Pros
- 26 levels of resistance
- 34 built-in workouts
- 350-lb weight capacity
- 10-inch vertical stride
- Lifetime warranty for the frame
Cons
- Heavy and time-consuming to assemble
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Trainer SF-E3912
To check out this elliptical on Amazon, click here.
The Sunny Health & Fitness elliptical is one of the more budget-friendly options, and while it does have some decent features, its biggest drawback is that it only has a stride length of 14 inches, which is very short. That being said, it does support a slightly inclined ride to properly work your legs.
Apart from that, some basic features of this machine include 16 levels of magnetic resistance and 24 built-in workout programs. Some bonus features include accessory holders, transport wheels attached to the front of the elliptical, and built-in heart rate monitors in the handlebars. It also has a Recovery function to help you determine your physical fitness at the end of a workout. There are also built-in accessory holders.
It has a maximum weight capacity of up to 330 lbs. The frame has a 3-year warranty and only 180-day coverage for parts. It is ideal for low-impact workouts and doesn’t have the features required for high-intensity training.
Pros
- Sturdy build
- Transport wheels
- 24 built-in workout programs
- Recovery function
- Quite functioning
- Decent warranty
Cons
- No digital connectivity
- Calorie reading may not always be accurate
- Short stride length
4 Things to Look for When Buying an Elliptical
There are a few items to look for when are deciding which elliptical may be right for you. Some of these factors take into consideration your height, weight, fitness level, and ways you will use the machine.
1.) Stride Length
Your stride length will help in determining how comfortable you will be on the elliptical. This is especially important for those who have longer legs. Look for a stride length at 17″ or greater. If you are shorter than 5’10”, in most cases, you can choose a shorter stride length.
2.) Size of the Foot Pedal
The size of the foot pedal is the second part of the equation that will determine your comfort level on your new elliptical. Look for adjustable foot pedals. If they are not available in your price range then choose an elliptical with a larger foot pedal surface area. This will allow you to comfortably change your foot position if needed while working out.
Don’t worry about the area being too big as machines are designed so the base of your foot stays parallel to the floor at all times.
3.) Resistance Type
There are two types of resistance. Fan resistance and magnetic resistance. Fan resistance provides a smooth ride but can be noisy. This is why we prefer magnetic resistance for ellipticals in the home. They are extremely quiet and will allow you to exercise without disturbing others in your home.
4.) Incline
Want to burn more calories on the elliptical? An incline is a great way to increase the intensity of your workout. These days, ellipticals come with two types of incline. Manual and electronic. Electronic is a preferred feature because the incline can be adjusted with the push of a button. Whereas, manual you have to adjust the ellipticals incline yourself. Most of the less expensive models will have a manual incline.
A Final Word on Ellipticals for the Home
We hope you found our comprehensive review of ellipticals helpful in your search. They are a great way to have a low impact, calorie-burning workout in the comfort of your own home. It does not matter if you are on a budget or looking for the top of the line model, there is an option for you. We hope you enjoy your new elliptical. Now it’s time to workout!
