Some of the best, low impact, cardio sessions you can have are on the elliptical. It is a fantastic way to spike your heart rate, burn calories, and increase your energy levels.
Finding the right elliptical for you can be tough. We are here to help! The best part is, you don’t have to break the bank to find a great elliptical. There are a number of inexpensive options that have great, long-lasting warranties. Our goal was to choose the best options for our readers. Our list compiles some of the best warranties on the market with a low price point. Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
Our Top Picks
We’ve selected a range of the best ellipticals on a budget with a variety of different features.
Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine
To check it out on Amazon, click here.
This elliptical comes with a two-year warranty for the frame and 6 months coverage for the parts. One of the best things about getting pretty much any Schwinn product is you know that you’ll get something durable and high quality. This particular model, even though it is lightweight, offers stability when you work out through the weighted flywheel.
It comes with 6 built-in workout programs that work with different types of resistance for fun rides, mountain rides, and so on. The machine has 8 different levels of electromagnetic resistance, which allows you to set the resistance according to your fitness goals.
It has a maximum weight capacity of 275 lbs, which is somewhat restricting. Another limiting factor is the stride length (17 inches) – most ellipticals start with a stride length of 18 inches (which is also adjustable), and even that can be a bit tight for people who are especially tall.
This console has a grip heart rate monitor system, and you can check your heart rate through the LCD screen display. Some bonus features include accessory holders, a reading rack, and even a fan.
This Budget-friendly elliptical covers pretty much all the basics and even has some bonus features. It usually comes unassembled, so you have to put it together yourself – it can take a little more than half an hour, but you should be fine as long as you follow the instruction manual.
Pros
- Lightweight but stable
- Built-in workout programs
- Variable electromagnetic resistance (also makes less noise)
- Built-in heart rate monitor.
Cons
- Limited stride length
- Limited weight capacity.
Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical
To check it out on Amazon, click here.
This elliptical is probably the lowest priced one on our list, but even so, it offers a smooth, virtually noiseless workout with electromagnetic resistance. Additionally, you can choose between 8 different resistance levels. Assembly may take up to an hour or more.
It comes with a 3-year warranty for the frame, which is great, but it only comes with 90 days coverage for individual parts. The console also has a built-in pulse heart rate monitor and wide pedals.
There are some downsides to this seemingly perfect elliptical – it only has a maximum weight capacity of 220 lbs and a stride length of just 11 inches! This machine caters to very few body types, so if you’re lucky enough to fit that bill, then this elliptical should be alright for you. Also, unlike most ellipticals, it doesn’t have reversible stride.
Overall, given the price point, if you’re petite and comfortable with a short stride, this console is ideal for you.
Pros
- Quiet, electromagnetic resistance (variable)
- Built-in heart rate monitor
Cons
- Very limited stride length
- Limited weight capacity.
MaxKare Magnetic Elliptical Machine
To check it out on Amazon, click here.
As the name suggests, this elliptical uses magnetic resistance, which offers an almost completely noise-free workout. The resistance is variable for up to 8 levels. Similar to the previous models, one of the main limiting factors is the weight capacity – in this case, the maximum is 264 lbs, which is still a bit better than the Sunny Health & Fitness model.
The frame has a one year warranty with a 90-day replacement policy.
While the paddle is slip-resistant, this console has limited stride length – 13.5 inches, which isn’t great for people with long legs.
Pros
- User-friendly LCD display
- Transportation wheel
- Noiseless, electromagnetic resistance
- Heart rate monitor included
- Movable grip handles.
Cons
- Limited warranty
- Limited stride length.
ProForm 150i Elliptical
To check it out on Amazon, click here.
The ProForm 150 is a fantastic long-lasting option. Its stride is 17 inches long, which is somewhat limiting but better than many other consoles at a similar price. What’s more, you can switch between fixed or movable handlebars. You can even monitor your heart rate through these grip handlebars. Assembly may take up to an hour.
It has an eddy current resistance system with up to 12 different resistance levels. It comes with 12 built-in workout programs and is even Bluetooth compatible! The screen has iFit connectivity to help you reach your fitness goals. The LCD screen has a backlight and is designed to switch off automatically if the machine is inactive for more than 30 seconds.
Another standout feature is the 5-year warranty for the frame. However, the parts only have a 90-day coverage.
Bonus features include a built-in speaker system that can be connected to almost any smart device, and it also has a tablet and bottle holders.
However, it only has a weight capacity of 250 lbs, which is disappointing given some of the incredible features it has.
Pros
- Large, non-slip pedals
- 12 levels of resistance
- iFit compatibility
- Built-in speakers
- Built-in heart rate monitor
- Long term warranty
- Accessory holders.
Cons
- iFit membership is not included
- Heart rate monitoring chest strap is not included
- It doesn’t come with an AC adaptor for connectivity.
Exerpeutic Heavy Duty Magnetic Elliptical- 2000XL
To check it out on Amazon, click here.
The Exerpeutic 2000XL has some noteworthy features, like the fact that it can support a maximum weight of up to 300 lbs. Another important feature to note is that even though it has variable magnetic resistance (up to 8 levels), the resistance is manually controlled, which is better suited to advanced users who’ll be able to manage with this manual setting. A plus point is that you won’t need a power source for this machine. Another plus point is that it comes with mobile handlebars.
It’s quite surprising that it only comes with one year warranty for the frame and 90-day coverage for the parts.
The stride length is not exactly specified, but it is estimated to be around 13-14 inches, which is on the shorter side.
The console offers Bluetooth connectivity so you can sync it to your smart device and enrich your workouts. A heart rate monitor is already included, and your heart rate will be displayed on the LCD screen. It even comes with a phone holder.
Pros
- High weight capacity
- Transport wheels at the bottom
- 8 levels of manual magnetic resistance
- Bluetooth connectivity
- It comes almost fully constructed.
Cons
- The LCD display is not backlit
- Heart rate chest belt not included
- No bottle holder.
ProForm Hybrid Trainer
To check it out on Amazon, click here.
This console is a hybrid of an elliptical and recumbent bike at the price of one machine. This allows you to mix up your workouts so that you don’t get bored with the same old routine. It runs on smooth and silent electromagnetic resistance. One of its best qualities is that it has a maximum weight capacity of up to 350 lbs.
Apart from this, the Proform trainer has 16 workout app options and a built-in heart rate monitor. It even has iFit compatibility. The machine has a Watts Power Meter, which indicates when you should slow down or speed up.
The elliptical stride length is 15 inches, which is on the lower side, but it is still better than many machines that have 11-14 inch long strides.
The machine has a 5-year warranty for the frame but only 90-day coverage for the parts.
Pros
- 2-in-1 machine
- High weight limit
- Bluetooth and fitness app compatibility
- Silent, electromagnetic resistance
- Watts Power Meter.
Cons
- Short stride length.
Sunny Health & Fitness Under Desk Elliptical – SF-E3872
To check it out on Amazon, click here.
Unlike any other elliptical on this list, this one is meant for you to work out while you’re sitting. The best part about this is that it doesn’t really have a maximum weight capacity since there is no pressure being placed on the stepper itself. It comes fully assembled, so you don’t need to spend any time putting it together.
It has a stride length of only 7 inches because it is designed solely to keep you active and for people who get joint pain from sitting in one place for too long. The resistance is magnetic and variable up to 8 levels.
The console comes with a small, battery-operated fitness meter to help you keep track of your fitness and workout stats.
It has a warranty of 1 year for the frame and 180 days for individual parts.
Pros
- Compact build
- Noiseless silicone wheels
- Magnetic resistance
- Exercise meter included
- No weight limit
- It helps you stay fit, even if you have long hours at a desk job.
Cons
- It can only be used for exercise when you’re seated.
What Should You Look For in an Elliptical?
Not all elliptical machines are created equal. We have put together a list of the things to look for in an elliptical. Before you buy, you want to make sure you are aware of the features that make a great machine.
Types of Resistance
Resistance is a major factor in selecting your machine. You want to choose a machine that has as many resistance levels you can afford. This allows you to start slow and gradually work your way up as your fitness level increases. There are two types of resistance:
Magnetic Resistance: This is our preferred type of resistance. Magnetic resistance makes for a quieter machine overall. This is a huge factor when deciding to bring a piece of exercise equipment into your home. The last thing you want to do is wake up the whole house with your workout.
Fan Wheel Resistance: Fan wheels provide a smooth ride and are usually on lower prices bikes. The downside to fan wheel resistance is that it can be noisy. This is why we prefer Magnetic Resistance.
Incline Adjustment
The ability to change your incline is a great feature to have on your elliptical. The incline will increase the difficulty of your workout, allowing you to burn more calories in the process. We prefer an electronic incline system over a manual. Electronic allows you to change your incline during a workout. Whereas manual is, well, manual. You have to make the incline adjustment yourself.
Stride Length
Stride length can vary from different models. For some, it may not matter as much as others. For taller folks, look for a stride length between 17” to 20”. This stride length will ensure that you have a comfortable workout.
Adjustable Foot Pedals
Ellipticals come in a range of foot pedal sizes. We recommend looking for a large foot pedal area on your machine. This will ensure that you can exercise comfortably in a natural motion. It will also allow the flexibility of multiple users.
Conclusion
The most important thing when looking for the best elliptical on a budget is making sure you choose a machine that allows for a comfortable, low impact workout. We hope you find our reviews helpful. We have shown that you can find a great elliptical without having to overspend. Now it’s time for the fun part, the workout!
