Ellipticals are the ideal cardio machine if you want a workout that is gentle on the knees, low impact, and works your legs and arms to burn calories and stay fit.
While commercial gym models can cost over $5000 each, you can have a QUALITY elliptical exerciser for less.
If you’re looking for a good cardio machine to help you burn calories, tone muscles, or just keep moving, the elliptical is a great option. They are much better for your joints than other popular options such as treadmills and bikes. They are smooth and easy to use with a natural “running” motion. Not only that, they offer a full-body workout so you can really maximize results.
However, elliptical machines vary greatly in price, and it is not always easy to find one with all the right features without breaking your budget.
Today, we’re going to bring you the 7 best elliptical under 1000 USD. In this price category, you’ll find a good selection of features, solid build quality, and versatility.
We’ll take a look at each model in detail, and once we’re done with that we’ll walk you through a detailed buying guide to make sure you find exactly the machine that works best for you and your needs.
In fact, here I have a list of the 15 best ellipticals under $1000 that you can use at home, saving you an expensive gym membership and the hassle of driving to the gym.
In a hurry? Here are quick links to our top 7 recommendations for the best elliptical under 1000:
- Schwinn Compact Elliptical Machine
- ProForm Endurance 520 E Elliptical
- Sunny Health & Fitness Electric Eliptical Trainer
- NordicTrack E 7.5 Z Elliptical
- Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer
- Nautilus Elliptical E618 Trainer
- Body Rider 3-in-1 Trio-Trainer
Comparison of the best elliptical under 1000:
Table of Contents
Detailed Review of Best Elliptical Under 1000
An elliptical machine provides upper and lower body exercises while being very effective at losing calories and comfortably maintaining good shape for people of different ages and activity levels.
Modern elliptical trainers come with tons of features to track training goals and customize the exercise according to the needs of the learner. But not all ellipticals are suitable for everyone.
We spent a lot of time and effort in compiling this guide. We spent 68 hours searching for the best elliptical under $1000 on the market and have used various sources, such as reviews to bring you the information you need.
You can blindly trust us because the more research you do, the more knowledge you get. We research for our beloved elliptical as the best.
You must have a solid understanding of the elliptical machine before making any purchasing decision. To help you choose the best elliptical machine under 1000 for you, here are reviews of some of the best ellipticals available on the market below.
The Schwinn Elliptical Trainer is solid and stable, quiet to use, and has a decent 20-inch stride length.
It has an easy tilt and motorized push-button resistance so you don’t have to step down to adjust things.
The unit is also well packed for delivery, so it will arrive in good condition.
The new Schwinn elliptical machine with two moving arms is an economical elliptical exerciser. It has attracted the attention of buyers due to its low price, but due to its characteristics, it can be compared with other ellipticals of the average price.
Like it has a standard 20″ long stride trajectory, and the dual-track LCD dual-window system with Bluetooth allows the user to monitor up to 13 different screen feedbacks to track fitness goals and export workout statistics.
The unit has a front-wheel-drive elliptical which has the advantages of less space and low construction cost compared to rear-wheel drive ellipticals. The elliptical pedaling route has six slope settings, the maximum being nine percent for a fairly steep uphill climb.
This ProForm elliptical exerciser offers a lot for a small price. It has a manual incline from 0 to 20 degrees, 18 resistance levels, and pre-programmed workouts so you always have challenges.
The ProForm Endurance 520 E is a good example of a relatively affordable elliptical that packs a few high-end features, all combined to offer everything you need for a comfortable ride.
The 15-pound flywheel provides smooth, consistent movement, which remains quiet thanks to the inclusion of ProForm’s patented Silent Magnetic Resistor.
There are 18 levels of resistance, as well as up to 20 degrees of motorized incline to test even the most demanding athletes.
Meanwhile, the 19 ”stride is quite generous and is another sign that this is a good mid-range elliptical.
The 520 E also comes equipped with a 5 ”backlit display, extra grip device holder, built-in speakers, and storage for water bottles. For less than a great, this is a great buy.
This is the machine to get if you want a high-quality compact elliptical at a great price. The console is basic, but it gets the job done, and for the money, it’s worth it.
The SF-E3875 is one of Sunny Health & Fitness’s many mid-range ellipticals, offering hassle-free low-impact workouts with plenty to challenge users of all skill levels.
It features a sturdy steel frame to support up to 300 pounds of weight and promises a comfortable ride thanks to the oversized textured pedals and padded non-slip handles.
The 19.5 ”stride is also long enough to satisfy most users without feeling handicapped in any way.
There are 16 computer-controlled resistance levels to use, as well as 24 preset programs to work with.
Conveniently, you can also use the SF-E3875 in manual mode without power. Here the machine uses the same resistance settings as the last time it was turned on, smart!
This NordicTrack elliptical trainer is well built and quiet in operation, you can even exercise and watch TV at the same time.
NordicTrack is known for offering world-class designs. The E 7.5 Z elliptical is a nice step up from its entry-level model, as it comes with 22 resistance levels and 24 training programs.
The design itself looks a bit plain, although the steel frame is sturdy and built to withstand long use.
With the E 7.5 Z, you have the ability to change stride from 17 to 19 inches to help accommodate users of different heights. The adjustable stride length can also help you more accurately target specific leg muscles.
The ramp can be adjusted from 5 different positions, up to 20 degrees. The downside is that you can only change positions manually, so you will have to get off the machine to do so.
The LCD screen is clear and offers modern readings that will make tracking your targets a breeze. You can even get an iFit membership and train with friends and family from all over the world in a variety of different virtual worlds or on Google Maps!
An auxiliary music port will ensure that you are always with your favorite songs, and the integrated tablet holder will keep your smart device safe.
The Teeter FreeStep elliptical trainer is ideal for people with mobility problems and problems with the knees, back or joints.
Teeter FreeStep is a heavy-duty, high-end recumbent elliptical machine with a very strong frame and frictionless linkage. It is made with excellent quality components and an innovative design.
Provides a great low-impact, full-body exercise for the lower and upper body, which is very effective for people of different ages and fitness levels.
It is equipped with a comfortable three-position naturally reclining seat with different heights, which reduces stress on the joints and any potential fatigue, but offers excellent cardiovascular exercise to help burn fat and calories.
Its unique steps run very smooth and quiet, giving you a safe and calm training experience.
It comes with a smart digital LCD panel that allows you to track your workout progress, displaying stats like speed, distance, calories, and time with the variable magnetic resistance.
The Nautilus elliptical exerciser is a top-notch machine because it’s tough, well-built, and capable of giving you a vigorous full-body workout.
The powerful Nautilus E618 elliptical is among the best elliptical trainers in its series with the best resistance system and longest stride.
It does not require much space due to its flywheel compared to rare riding ellipticals.
This trainer is designed for all skill levels but is best sized for users of average height and above average when it comes to different target toning muscle groups.
It comes with a workout menu with over 24 preset programs, including custom options to help you make the most of your exercise time.
The E618 provides movable handlebars for upper body exercises. Premium grips allow for more than one comfortable grip position so you can work your body in different ways.
The Body Rider BRT3980 features a patented three-in-one design that is effective, efficient, and space-saving.
This compact design can be used as an elliptical trainer/upright bike/recumbent bike without any hassle, with no need for pedal adjustments.
The back cushion seat is vertically and horizontally adjustable with a through-frame design for added comfort.
This trainer uses a computer monitor with over 17 workout programs, integrated heart rate monitor/pulse grips, motorized magnetic resistance, and dual-action handlebars.
The LCD exercise console is programmable and has 21 training programs with heart rate and hand pulse. A training instruction DVD is also included.
This compact trainer can be used as an elliptical, upright, and recumbent bike.
With magnetically adjustable resistance, it’s easy to get the workout your body needs to be done.
Buying Guide for a $1,000 Elliptical
There are many options available for elliptical machines and there are many brands with a variety of features. It’s hard to know where to start when buying ellipticals and how to know what to look for to make the best possible decision. Here are 5 important things to consider when shopping for an elliptical machine.
However, dropping a large quantity on an elliptical for use at home isn’t something we do every day, so you’ll want to make sure that the model you buy is right for you.
Whether you want something compact and streamlined, or something packed with modern features, there is an elliptical for everyone.
We’ll give you a breakdown of what makes an elliptical good. Keep these factors in mind when shopping for an elliptical online!
Design
Most mid-range ellipticals will come in a fairly standard design with a pair of large pedals and two pairs of handles, all attached to a steering wheel.
Regardless of the elliptical you choose, the quality and weight of the flywheel will largely determine the performance of the elliptical. There is a considerable difference between a steering wheel found on these mid-range models and those found on inexpensive ellipticals.
The good news is that spending up to a thousand dollars will give you a significant improvement over the more basic steering wheel systems you’ll find in lower price ranges.
However, the weights will change dramatically between models in this range, from 16 pounds to 44 pounds. Keep in mind that the heavier the steering wheel, the smoother the performance tends to be.
However, the biggest variation you’ll have between designs in this mid-range market is the size of the unit. You can find both full-size units that compare to commercial-grade ellipticals, as well as compact models.
Compact ellipticals have the advantage of taking up less space, so you can store them in your study or bedroom quite comfortably. They are ideal for smaller houses and apartments where space is at a premium.
Naturally, due to the smaller size of the compact models, some compromises have to be made. For example, strides will be smaller, consoles can be more aerodynamic, and things can feel a bit narrower.
If you have room for a full size elliptical, here is what we suggest. However, if you don’t, or don’t plan to use the machine every day, then a more compact model with transport wheels may be the best option.
Another design point worth mentioning is that some ellipticals feature a seating and therefore a more reclined nature. Models like the Teeter FreeStep are a good example of this.
The benefit here is that the machine takes stress off your body, turning a low-impact workout into a zero-impact workout. Workouts can be easier, even though you keep pushing yourself and burning so many calories. This can encourage you to try even harder.
These seated ellipticals won’t appeal to everyone. If you’re used to the smooth gliding action of an elliptical, you may not appreciate the push/walk action of these reclining designs.
Our advice? Try one if possible. Your local gym or sporting goods store may have a selection. After you’ve experienced the action, you can decide if this design or a more traditional elliptical is best for you.
Stride Length
Stride length on an elliptical trainer is the maximum length you can walk and is measured between the tip of the toe on one foot and the heel of the other foot at the apex of the ellipse.
The ideal stride length is approximately 20 inches. Shorter stride lengths tend to make the stride more vertical and become a staggered movement.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but a stepping motion is a bit harder on the knees, so keep that in mind if you suffer from mobility issues.
Weight Limit
If you have a heavy set, check the weight limit of the machine. The maximum user weight limit for the elliptical machines on this list ranges from 250 to 375.
Naturally, the higher weight limit correlates to a higher quality machine, so it is good to check, even if you don’t need a high weight limit due to your weight.
Resistance and Incline
Resistance and incline add a challenge to your workout and, simply put, make it harder to walk to burn more fat and build more muscle.
Most machines over $ 300 have some form of resistance, usually the magnetic resistance provided by strong magnets and the flywheel.
I would not recommend an elliptical without resistance except in very special cases, such as someone who uses the elliptical for physical therapy.
An incline feature is not always found on cheaper elliptical trainers. Sometimes inexpensive elliptical trainers have a manually adjustable incline, which is a hassle because you have to step off the machine to adjust the incline.
Heart Rate Monitor
You now find heart rate monitors on more and more machines and they are an easy way to measure your working heart rate while you exercise. This is very useful if you are trying to reach a certain target heart rate.
For the average person, you will want to exercise 60-80% of your maximum heart rate. You will need to check with your doctor to check what your target heart rate should be, but this is a good guide.
To find your target heart rate, simply subtract your age from 220 and multiply it by 0.6 to get the low limit and by 0.8 to get the high limit.
You’ll want to be somewhere in between these two numbers to improve your cardiovascular health and fitness.
Is the Elliptical an Effective Workout?
While ellipticals have their critics, there’s a reason they’ve been a mainstay of the gym for the past few decades: They can deliver an effective workout.
Although it is a low-impact machine, using an elliptical can recruit more muscles than a treadmill, so there is great potential for working with greater intensity.
However, the effectiveness is up to you. Like a treadmill or rowing machine, unless you push yourself to a certain level of intensity, you won’t experience many benefits.
For example, anyone can get on an elliptical with low resistance and watch 30 minutes with hardly any sweat. However, this is not an effective use of the elliptical.
Ideally, you should have a goal to work towards. Are you trying to burn fat? Or does it increase your stamina? Or do you just want to meet your daily step count?
Whatever your goal, having it clearly stated will give you a better chance to prepare and achieve it.
What Muscles Does The Elliptical Work?
The elliptical offers a surprisingly effective exercise that can target the entire body, not just the leg muscles.
Of course, ellipticals are great for exercising your legs. The quads are worked as you push your legs forward, while the glutes and hamstrings are worked as your thigh is moved back in the movement.
Meanwhile, the calves and tibialis anterior work throughout the workout to stabilize the lower legs.
The good news is that your upper body doesn’t just come for the ride and can be worked just as hard. By grasping the moving posts and actively pushing and pulling with your arms, you can target your biceps, triceps, shoulders, and back in particular.
Your core is another area of the body that can be worked well during an elliptical session, although you may have to work a little harder to make sure you are focusing.
Stand tall and brace your core as you move. If you are balanced, let go of the handles and use your core strength to keep them stable.
What is the Average Cost of an Elliptical Machine?
There is a HUGE price variance on elliptical trainers. Prices range from 150 on the really low end to 5000 for gym-grade commercial machines.
If you want something decent that is built to last, has high quality, and all the features you want, you can get a really good elliptical machine for around $1000.
So, which are the best elliptical trainers under 1000 for right now?
So now that you know what to look for in an elliptical machine, which ones are the best of the best? Here’s a roundup and review of the 5 best elliptical machines under $1000.
We go through each model in detail, and once we’re done we’ll walk you through a detailed buying guide to make sure you find exactly the machine that best suits you and your needs.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Schwinn Fitness 470 Elliptical | 2,461 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
|
ProForm PFEL55916 Endurance 520 E Elliptical,black | 350 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
|
Sunny Health & Fitness Electric Eliptical Trainer Elliptical... | 170 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
|
NordicTrack E 7.5 Z Elliptical | 157 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
|
Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical (LT1) | 2,617 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
|
Nautilus E618 Elliptical Black, One Size | 606 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
|
Body Rider 3-in-1 Trio-Trainer/Elliptical, Upright Stationary,... | 230 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
Final Word
It is a great time to be a fitness consumer as there are so many new models and brands of various cardiovascular equipment.
When choosing an elliptical machine under $1000 for home use, it is very difficult to know where to start with all the different options. These are 7 excellent entries that are the best machines that will undoubtedly give you a great workout.
Spending up to $1,000 on an elliptical machine is not a small sum of money, so you need to make sure you buy the right machine for you.
If you’ve read our article and taken in even a little of the information it contains, you should be well prepared to embark on some elliptical shopping!
Take a good look at it, but don’t be afraid to go out and explore the market yourself; may find something even more suitable for you. Good luck!
