What is the Best Elliptical Under $1000? Top 7 Affordable Elliptical Reviews
You are Team Elliptical (versus Team Treadmill!) and are ready to get a shiny new piece of equipment for your home. But where do you start with finding the perfect elliptical to add to your personal home gym? With the huge number of options to browse plus the fact that the budget on these can exceed $10,000, you may feel totally overwhelmed before you even start the shopping process.
But we’re here to help - this article will give you the nitty gritty on what to look for when shopping for an elliptical under $1000 so you can choose the best affordable elliptical for yourself as well as full reviews of those that we think are the best. Let’s get started!
How to Pick the Best Elliptical Under $1000 (And What to Expect)
So first, it is important that you know what to expect when you're specifically shopping for a budget elliptical, preferably under $1000. You can buy a really awesome, gym-like elliptical for less than that, OR you can shell out around $100 and get a no-frills basic model. Pretty cool, huh? While it’s great that there is such a wide spectrum of prices, it’s important to note what comes with those price points.
If you’re opting for a budget model, then you have to be okay with getting a super basic, no bells and whistles model. These economy options typically have no versatility or adjustability options, and often, because they are manufactured with a small frame - only fit a certain body type.
On the plus side, these options are foldable and easy to store, so you don’t have to have an abundance of space. If you’re just looking for something basic to get a sweat session in, then you will be more than happy with a budget model.
If you’re looking for a deeper user experience, then you can get features galore if you’re willing to spend more than $300 or so. As the price point increases, so do the features - from the technology they offer to the stride length and resistance, ellipticals become more versatile and more all-inclusive the more money you spend. Find out more about important elliptical features to look for!
For example, if you buy on the more expensive end of the spectrum (around $800), then you’ll be getting a near-gym quality machine that has more resistance and incline levels than you can use! These machines also come with great features like super-intuitive displays, fans, and the ability to track goals and export data. They’ll basically do everything for you other than the actual physical part of the workout!
So, what’s the downside of these pricier models? It’s all about the space. Higher-priced ellipticals are big, bulky, and heavy; they kind of have to be to offer all that they do. Many of them actually weigh more than 200 pounds, so you won’t want to move it once it’s assembled. These models can also require loads of patience and time for assembly, since they have more advanced options. If price, space, and assembly are non-deal breakers for you, then you’ll definitely want to opt up to a more expensive model thanks to their quality and life expectancy.
Ready to check out how some of the best ellipticals under $1000 stack up? Let's meet some of them!
Best Elliptical Under $1000: Top
When it comes to choosing the best elliptical under $1000, the good news is that there's a wide variety of models to pick from. The bad news? Some are low quality and shoddily built.
To help you weed through the riffraff, we've done the research for you and reviewed the best budget ellipticals at various price points. Whether you're budget is $150 or $950 - you'll find the perfect, affordable elliptical here! Let's get started, shall we?
Gazelle Edge
It may seem hard to believe that you can get a great elliptical workout at the lower end of this price point, but the Gazelle offers it. A no-frills machine, it sticks to the basics and does it well. It has no resistance levels, so the intensity of the workout is up to you. But, at this price point, that’s a fair trade.
A few things to consider: first, the weight limit is 250 pounds. You should not test this limit; since it’s priced so low, the frame just isn’t made for heavy users. This frame concern also extends to extensive, high-intensity workouts; some users have noted that their machine has broken fairly quickly past the 90-day warranty.
But again, if you’re just looking for a cheaper option that gives you a basic sweat session, then this is a great option. Bonus: it folds up and packs away for super easy storage.
Another great budget-friendly option, this Sunny elliptical has an edge on the Gazelle because it actually has eight levels of magnetic resistance that are adjusted by a lever. However, you really have to consider your body type for this machine; its weight limit is only 220 pounds, and most users say the stride is best for those under 5’4” or so.
If you fit that buyer profile and are looking for a budget, small frame elliptical that is easy to put together and easy to store, then you should check out this machine. Oh and definitely consider that it is actually pink - that may influence your decision, for better or for worse!
Still at a great price point at sub $200, this elliptical is a bit bigger and sturdier than the options previously reviewed. It also offers eight levels of magnetic resistance, and you can definitely get a challenging workout from the tension.
Do note that the stride length is listed at 13”, so it’s best for shorter users - though, some reviewers > 6’ enjoy the machine and have no issue! The major forewarning with this elliptical is that the assembly process is both lengthy and tedious (like 4-5 hours minimum!) and it gets squeaky pretty easily.
If neither of those are issues for you, then definitely give it a chance; it’s the sturdiest option in this budget price range before having to spend over a hundred more dollars.
Hey, versatility; this machine is a 2-in-1 deal! You get dual functionality from it since you can use it as a cardio recumbent bike, or you can get a traditional elliptical workout on it. It is also a great option for heavier or taller users, since it has a 350-pound weight limit and 15” stride.
Equipped with 16 levels of magnetic resistance and extra upper body handles, you will definitely get a great workout and not have to worry about the sturdiness or durability of the machine thanks to its five- year warranty.
One common gripe about the machine is the amount of time it takes to put together; it’s another lengthy and involved process, so prepare yourself for that. Some users have also had issues with squeaking, but overall, it’s a popular option that is highly enjoyed and well-reviewed.
Since Schwinn is a well-known and trusted brand, you can definitely expect that they would make an awesome elliptical - and they did. This highly functional mid-line option has all the bells and whistles you could want - manual settings, heart rate monitor, 20 levels of adjustable fly wheel incline and resistance, fan, dual display, iPod/iPad dock with speakers - and even has a USB charging port that you can double up for data storage and exportation.
Yes, this elliptical tracks your data; in fact, it has 22 programs, two user settings, and goal tracking to help keep you motivated and challenged! As for a critique - make sure you know that this thing is big, sturdy, and heavy. Once its assembled and set up, you won’t want to move it - it weighs over 200 pounds and requires a fair amount of space along with an exercise mat underneath it to protect the floor. But if space isn’t a concern, you’ll absolutely love this elliptical.
Again, with a brand name like Nautilus behind this elliptical, you can expect a great piece of equipment - especially at this price point. While this elliptical is similar to the Schwinn above, you get a major features upgrade for shelling out a little extra cash.
This is especially of interest to tech-lovers, since this elliptical offers Bluetooth connectivity, 29 programs for four different users, and 25 resistance levels. This elliptical features a 20” stride, so people with all body frames and heights will be able to comfortably use it.
But one of the main stand-outs for this option is that the magic is in that it is a bit shorter than others at this price point - meaning its smaller footprint takes up less space in your home. Do be prepared to spend a few hours assembling this elliptical, but all in all, know that it combines features and technology for an amazing at-home workout experience.
Okay, take everything I said about the Schwinn 430 and apply it to this review, because they are almost exactly alike except for that since this is a higher model, it has a bit more versatility. For example, the 430 has a manual ramp for incline, but this 470 model boasts a motorized ramp with quick-touch buttons.
It also offers 25 levels of resistance (instead of 20) and has 29 pre-set programs for four different users! Given that these features will boost the quality of your workout, this model is a great choice for those who want an elliptical that is close to commercial quality and that can’t be outgrown!
Thanks for reading our reviews; good luck as you go forth with purchasing your brand new elliptical!