Best Elliptical Machines

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Last Updated on June 29, 2021

Who says you must go to the gym to access lung-expanding, calorie-burning cardio workouts? With a good elliptical machine, you can get this in the comfort of your home.

Unlike treadmills, which also happen to be extremely popular home exercise equipment options, elliptical machines are low-impact. This means that they put the least possible stress on your bones, cartilage, and joints. Therefore, if you want to lose weight, but with less strenuous exercise, or you are recuperating from an injury, elliptical machines are a godsend for you.

And if you consider the fact that they make it extremely easy for you to do various workouts, you have the perfect cardio machine on your hands. 

With that said, here are our top best elliptical machines for home use.

Contents

Best Elliptical Trainers Reviews - Cheap & Affordable Cross Trainers For Home And Commercial Gyms

1. Schwinn 470 Compact Elliptical Machine

Super fun to use because of its smooth, silent operation and easy to read thanks to the clear display, the Schwinn 470 compact elliptical machine stays true to function and performance all the way. 


This isn’t just a machine that gets your body parts moving simultaneously. It’s also smart enough to monitor your heart rate while allowing you to download pre-programmed workouts and exercise data thanks to the integrated computer system. 


From a design and stability standpoint, Schwinn 470 is strong and well built. And it’s able to hold up to 300 lbs of a user’s weight just fine. 


The Bluetooth integration is a premium that gives you the ability to synchronize the machine with the brand’s trainer app.

But if you’re not a fan of the Schwinn Trainer, you can still use the technology to connect to apps that you believe can help you monitor your fitness more effectively. 

Additional goodies for a price as pocket-friendly as under $1000 include 9 heart rate controls, 2 fitness tests, and 29 exercise programs. Moreover, the build includes a media shelf, an easy to adjust the 3-speed fan, a USB charger for your smart devices, Dual Track LCD display, a water bottle holder, and in-console speakers.

We wish this machine had a flexible stride length. Except Schwinn has it fixed for the model. Also, you can only adjust it up to 10 degrees. Overall, this is an excellent machine with tons of premiums at a reasonable price point.  

2. Nautilus Elliptical Trainer Series

With Nautilus Elliptical Trainer Series, you’re bringing an innovative fitness club home without sacrificing too much floor space for it.


And when it comes to smart tech, you get multiple workout programs and resistance levels to make your training sessions worthwhile.


Featuring premiums like Bluetooth connectivity, full-fledged console, and fitness tracking tools, the Nautilus E616 will keep you focused on your fitness goals while entertaining you at the same time. 


For starters, this elliptical machine features static and mobile ergonomic handles, which allow for various hand positions as you exercise.


Like the Schwinn 470, this model also includes in-consoles speakers, a USB charging option, an adjustable fan to keep you cool, and a dual-track LCD.

Nautilus E616’s Bluetooth technology allows you to connect with the brand’s training app so that you can track your fitness on the go. It includes a chest strap to keep your heart rate in check. And its high-speed system with flywheel allows for a smooth and steady exercising all the time. 

One of the things you’ll love about this elliptical machine is the straightforward assembly. Even starting it up is very easy and straightforward, so you don’t have to be some techie ninja to use it well. 

3. NordicTrack E 7.5 Z Elliptical

The NordicTrack EZ is one of the sturdiest elliptical machines you’ll ever come across. Because it’s made of commercial-grade steel construction, it stands out as the strongest and most stable workout machine that you can buy.


And if there’s something that you’ll love about this one right after the first workout session, it has to be how fast it enhances whole body workout intensity. 


With its 20 levels of resistance and about 20 degrees of incline, NordicTrack elliptical machine makes it easy for you to not only burn calories at your pace but also build your lower body strength and different muscle groups.


Thanks to the stride, which you can adjust from 17 to 19 inches, the machine makes it easy for you to target and tone your calves and quads on the go. 

Its 5-inch backlit display is very clear and easy to read. And the extra music port will come in handy when you want to listen to your favorite jam as you exercise. There’s a tablet holder just above the console, which enables you to interact with your tablet as you do your workout. 

The water bottle holder is something you probably won’t use every day. But you’ll find it quite helpful in the days when you want to do more intense exercises that often lead to dehydration. Simply fill the bottle with water, place it on the holder, and then use it for hydration when the need arises. 

We like that it includes transportation wheels, so you can move it around with ease if you ever have to do that. 

We also recommend this elliptical machine because it’s affordable. In fact, it’s about $100 cheaper than Schwinn 470 and about $200 less than the price of Nautilus E616. And that means it makes a great buy to consider if you’re on a budget.  

4. Exerpeutic Heavy Duty Elliptical Machine

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With 8 levels of magnetic tension resistance and a weight capacity of 300 pounds, the Exerpeutic 1000L elliptical trainer guarantees zero-impact training that doesn't stress your ankles, hips, or joints.


Also, you get upper body training thanks to its dual-action arms. At the same time, it has heart pulse sensors that give you the most accurate heart rate monitoring.


This elliptical machine features an elliptical motion that ensures no bouncy movement common with other gizmos in the same price range.


 And it has 8-level resistance, which you can easily adjust if you want more challenging workouts.

There is a large display that's easy to read. It shows important workout stats like calories burned, distance, speed, time, and heart rate monitoring. Moreover, the included heart rate pads on the extra handlebars offer heart rate monitoring, so you know just how fast your heart beats during a workout. 

Thanks to the V-belt drive and flywheel with a decent precision balance, the machine offers quiet and smooth operation. 

You will love this elliptical machine because its moving handlebars enable you to perform a full-body workout, not to mention it includes a variety in training thanks to the dual-direction flywheel. Plus, it affordable, and its compact size makes it suitable for people with limited spaces. And it’s able to hold up a weight capacity of 300 pounds. 

Overall, The Exerpeutic 1000XI is ridiculously cheap but offers standard ergonomics and is superbly constructed to withstand several exercise sessions. It offers the perfect entry-level elliptical training machine for those starved of cash.

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5. ProForm Hybrid Trainer

This is undoubtedly one of the top recommendations for the best budget elliptical machines in the market. It offers remarkable versatility. You can use it as a recumbent bike or an elliptical trainer by doing simple adjustments.


This way, you can do cross-training on one machine. If you aren't sure which machine you want, you will be pleased to know that this elliptical machine provides the best of both worlds.


This updated version features a heavier flywheel and contains more adjustable premiums. Its console is more user-friendly and it even has a ventilated seat that ensures you get maximum airflow during use.


It sports a large LCD window to enable easy reading of important workout starts. Its 16 digital resistance allows you to adjust workout intensity to your liking. And the 350 pounds capacity means that the machine is suitable for many people. 

The machine contains soft-grip upper body workout arms to exercise without sliding. Its elliptical stride length is 15 inches, and it also has adjustable pedals, a water bottle holder, an inertia enhanced flywheel, and a target pacer.

The ProForm Hybrid Trainer stands out from a crowd of elliptical machines in its price range because it packs many features without asking for too much. You can use this trainer to perform effective total-body cardio exercises that engage your arms, back, and shoulders as well as upper body grips. Its elliptical stride also gives you a near-zero impact exercise option.

6. Stamina InMotion Elliptical

With the Stamina InMotion elliptical trainer, you don't have any reason not to take charge of your health. Incredibly portable, compact, and affordable, this elliptical machine gives you the convenience to work out almost everywhere.


 It will help you to attain your fitness goals and lose weight by performing low-impact exercises that won't hurt your back, hips, ankles, or knees. You can get all fitness advantages without troubling yourself with gym memberships and the hassle of having to drive to the gym.


For starters, this machine features lightweight and compact construction, which makes it easy to transport. It's also quiet, so it won't disturb the people around you.


It has multiple movement options that mean you can use it while standing or sitting. You can actually target different muscle groups by pedaling forward or backward.

To make it even more user-friendly, the device features non-slip pedals, which can hold your feet in place firmly to enable you to enjoy joint-friendly and low-impact exercises. 

This elliptical machine features an adjustable tension with a monitor that enables you to vary your workout intensity by simply turning the adjustable dial as you stride. We like that it enables you to perform passive and low-impact exercises that improve blood circulation and promotes leg movement even while you play your favorite video games. 

7. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Bike

The Sunny Magnetic Elliptical Trainer gives you low-impact, cardio exercises right in your home.


Designed to provide a seamless lower and upper body workout without straining your knees, back and joints, this elliptical training machine is definitely a real deal.


 It has a large anti-slip foot platform that gives you the stability you need to train, not to mention anti-slip and dynamically moving arms that will target your upper body with ease. 


The machine’s onboard stabilizers let you level your elliptical trainer so you can achieve even and smooth movement.


 And because it includes floor stabilizers, you can use it to exercise without the risk of swaying, rocking, or tipping. 

Sunny Magnetic Elliptical Trainer has 8 resistance levels that allow you to adjust your workout intensity with a mere twist of a micro-controller. Its digital monitor with a pulse to allow you to track your workout progress and key stats like your speed, calories burned, pulse rate, and distance covered. 

The outstanding feature of this elliptical trainer is that it has a powerful resistance exercise program to enable you to burn calories faster and more efficiently. Also, it lets you track the intensity of your workout by monitoring heart rate using a pulse sensor. 

8. Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine

The Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine is a breeze to assemble, light, and even has a small profile enough for you to use in your basement and not hit your head.


It gives you high-quality workouts and works great for you if your fitness is average. With the Dual Track two LCD window system, you can monitor as much as 13 different display feedbacks.


This machine’s 20 resistance levels, with high-speed inertia, make every workout quiet and smooth. It contains 22 programs and 2-user settings that ensure you challenge and motivate yourself well enough. 


Moreover, it allows the link to the Schwinn Connect app, which allows you to export data and stay on course to attaining your fitness goals. 

What’s more, it includes a Dual Track two LCD window screens, which let you monitor as much as 13 different feedbacks at the same time. 

It even has built-in speakers for your iPod and a USB connection. It's also extremely easy and straightforward to assemble.  

9. Body Rider Elliptical Trainer and Exercise Bike

The Body Rider Elliptical Trainer and Exercise Bike is unique exercise equipment that combines 2 machines in one, something that greatly expands your potential to work out.


You can use the dual trainer as a normal elliptical machine or an exercise bike, and it also contains a seat that you can adjust.


 It will deliver a low-impact and gentle cardio workout for your whole body. If you have hip, back, or leg problems, this machine will be great for you because of the low-impact nature it brings.


This dual fitness machine has settings for an exercise bike and an elliptical trainer. Its electronic console can track your time, distance, calorie burned, and speed.

 It includes a high-quality fan blade flywheel that provides for fluid, smooth movement. And it can hold up a maximum weight of 250 pounds. 

We like that the seat adjusts horizontally and vertically for greatest exercise, not to mention that it provides zero-impact exercise for your whole body. 

Overall, the two-in-one functionality and a greatly affordable price stick out as the main distinguishing features of this elliptical trainer. 

10. Body Flex Sports Body Champ 3 In 1 Trio Trainer

Body Flex Body Champ is a trio-trainer that combines the three most effective cardio exercise equipment in one. It works as an elliptical trainer, and you can use it as a recumbent or an upright bike.


It helps you to maximize the space you have and precious time, not to mention seamlessly move from one mode to another without adjusting the pedal.


Moreover, you can use it to customize your trainer sessions depending on our goals and schedules. 


With 17 preset workout programs, flawless machine mode transition, 3 ergonomic handlebars, and excellent rear cushions, this trainer deliver the highest level of versatility and a tailored fit just for you.

It has magnetic adjustable resistance complete with motor drive. Also, it features an integrated hand pulse, back pads capable of adjusting two ways, and heart rate monitor. In addition to the 17 training programs that give you a variety of exercise movements, this machine also sports an advanced computer interface that’s easy to use. 

The fact that it is a 3-1 exercise machine separates it from most other elliptical trainers in this price range. It can work as a recumbent bike, an upright bike, and also an elliptical trainer. The best part is that you can switch to different modes without even adjusting the pedal.


We all want a low-impact, full-body workout that also increases our fat burning and endurance. Fortunately, you can get this from your elliptical trainer and you don't even have to leave the comfort of your home.  

But this is just true as long as you buy the right elliptical machine. With so many brands and models out there, it presents a considerable level of problem to an ordinary buyer. But you don't have to worry one bit. We have done the legwork for you and chosen the best elliptical trainers for your budget and exercise needs. 



Harold Whitford

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About the Author

My name is Harold Whitford, a husband, father, and avid cyclist with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Delaware. Having been in the industry for more than 15 years, I have a number of the road race and national time trial championships in my bag.

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