Best Budget Elliptical Machine For 2023 – Top 10 Compared
With the cost of exercise equipment shooting through the roof, you don’t have to either buy expensive stuff or do without any. On the contrary, there are models in the market that are an excellent blend of ergonomics, aesthetics, and affordable.
And they aren’t so high-tech that people without much tech knowledge can’t handle them. In this review, we aim to capture as many of such budget elliptical models to give you as much variety as possible and to make your eventual purchase of the best budget elliptical worth your money.
Model | Stride length | Resistance levels | Weight Capacity | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
18" | 16 | 300 lbs | ||
15" | 16 | 350 lbs | ||
13" | Manual | 249 lbs | ||
11" | 8 | 220 lbs | ||
30" | 1 | 220 lbs | ||
12 | 8 | 220 lbs | ||
17" | 8 | 249 lbs | ||
23" | 8 | 265 lbs | ||
10"-12" | 8 | 220 lbs | ||
10"-12" | Magnetic | 249 lbs |
BEST BUDGET ELLIPTICAL Reviews
Read on to find out the top 10 best budget elliptical trainers that you can get on a budget:
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Schwinn Compact Elliptical Machine is a sturdy elliptical trainer with a strong base and quiet operation. This affordable elliptical is designed to give you a challenging, impact-free, cardio workout in the comfort of your home. You can shed extra pounds while targeting all muscle groups with the Schwinn.
The Schwinn gives you the best of fitness technology with easy to use features and a unique console design that tracks speed, time, RPM, distance, calories, results, and heart rate. The machine is built for noise-free and smooth operation. The machine can be easily moved if required due to the transportation wheels attached to its base.
The Schwinn 411 is a 2-piece frame made of steel and supported by 4 integrated frame levelers. It is sturdy and stable. Its drive mechanism is sealed by a solid plastic that’s tough and aesthetically pleasing.
The perimeter weighted flywheel is propelled by a heavy-duty v-belt to further enhance stability. The machine is designed to give you a smooth and quiet workout.
The Schwinn Compact Elliptical Machine features 16 levels of magnetic resistance. You can easily choose the level that you are most comfortable with and progress to harder levels as you get stronger. The 13 preset programs offer you versatility. The mobile handlebars form a steady curve for flexibility of hand placement. The conveniently placed tablet holder is a thoughtful feature.
Features:
- High speed high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel.
- Featuring an 18" stride of large elliptical.
- Articulating footplates with cushioning.
- High contrast LCD monitor.
- Display Readouts: Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate.
- No Built-in USB Charging Port and Sound System.
- Wireless heart rate tracking.
Concluding Remarks
The Schwinn Compact Elliptical Machine is a versatile and affordable elliptical for resistance training or shedding extra pounds. This friendly elliptical is reliable, easy to install and operate. At this price range, it has all the important features that a costlier elliptical may have.
If you are looking for an affordable elliptical bike, with a smooth motion, sturdy and reliable, look no further. It is the ultimate choice for incredible training sessions. Very few entry-level ellipticals can match the Schwinn 411.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The ProForm Hybrid Trainer comes at an affordable price for the budget-conscious. This machine serves as both a recumbent bike and an elliptical trainer and is designed for light and low impact workout in a small space. You can lean back to cycle or stand up for full-body elliptical workouts.
This elliptical bike is equipped with 16 training programs focused on calorie and speed goals. The iFitwill take you on a virtual journey around the world with your favorite personal trainer. You can even connect to Google Maps for an immersive experience of your favorite track. It has a conveniently placed tablet holder to keep your smartphone or tablet.
You can access iFit with your smartphone or a tablet PC. However, iFit subscriptions cost $99 for a year. You can register up to four members per subscription. At 15”, this cheap elliptical has a shorter stride when compared to other ellipticals. Weighing 13 pounds, the drive offers 16 resistance levels. It has oversized pedals for added comfort.
The simple 3″ x 4″ LCD monitor controls for the built-in workouts and shows speed, calories, time, distance, and watts. With a weight limit of 350 pounds, it can accommodate a variety of users at different fitness levels. The transportation wheels attached to the base allow for easy portability.
Features:
- Cushioned, adjustable seat.
- SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance.
- Smartphone compatible.
- Smartphone/ tablet holder above the console.
- Transportation wheels.
- Sixteen workouts built into the Hybrid Trainer console.
- iFit video workouts.
Concluding Remarks
It is difficult to find a fitness machine in this price range. The ProForm Hybrid Trainer with a surprising amount of modern tech is a great improvement when compared to their previous models. It is a good buy at that price but it cuts some corners.
The natural stride is rather small and this cheap elliptical is not suitable for taller people. But this versatile machine works well in a pinch and has some features of the more expensive machines. Go for it if your budget options are limited.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer isn’t just a compact, space-saving trainer but is also an extremely affordable elliptical that works your upper and lower body with minimal impact. You can enjoy a total body cardiovascular workout on this machine and gift yourself lifelong fitness.
This machine is actually two fitness machines rolled in one. With two elliptical arms and foot pedals for use as an upright elliptical and an adjustable seat which can be turned into an exercise bike. Due to this, you can vary your workouts so that you reach your fitness goals.
In today’s market, it is rated as the best budget elliptical 2023. A cost-conscious customer may choose it to get an effective cardio workout.
Features:
- High-momentum fan blades offer smooth and quiet rides, and with no impact on your knees.
- The electronic console enables easy tracking of your workout by displaying measurements of time, distance, calories burned and speed.
- Easily adjustable resistance level by turning a knob for minimal joint impact.
- The seat can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically for the best exercise and so that users of different Weight capacity and heights can be comfortable using it.
- It has a built-in transport wheel which makes it easy to move around.
- Tension can be adjusted with a knob.
Concluding Remarks
Undoubtedly, the Body Rider BRD2000 Elliptical Trainer is a great exercise asset in any home, whatever the level of fitness may be. It is also user- and family-friendly and a solid trainer for those looking for a relatively inexpensive elliptical. Being easy to use, it is also very effective and helps users reach their fitness goals steadily.
If you want something easy to use and certainly an affordable elliptical machine, this is a good option for you.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Magnetic Elliptical Machine Trainer is a typical product of the Sunny Health and Fitness Company, known for its consistently high quality and comfortably-priced exercise machines.
Not only is it designed to be space-saving, but this standard elliptical provides you with a low-impact cardio workout that you can comfortably do in your home.
It is a good entry-level elliptical trainer and has considerable magnetic resistance that makes it more reliable. It offers silent operation, besides providing a smooth, jerk-free stable ride. One of the most compact elliptical machines these days, it certainly packs a punch.
Features:
- Eight levels to magnetic resistance to choose from, making customization as easy as pie.
- Large textured pedal surfaces prevent users’ feet from slipping.
- Moving handlebars affords a good upper body workout.
- Hand pulse monitoring system is integrated into the stationary bars to monitor and take care of the user's target heart rate.
- The console offers several statistics such as time, speed, calories, distance, pulse rate, heart rate, plus scanning facility.
- It is lightweight, compact size and easily portable due to attached wheels.
Concluding Remarks
Overall, this elliptical is as effective as it is inexpensive. It has several additional features that promise a great workout routines and what would also benefit prospective buyers is that they can get this machine at a fraction of the cost of other equally competent machines.
For those who find it difficult to move a heavy machine, this one is ideal because its small design makes it lightweight enough to be portable. Plus, it’s space-saving too. These features make this one a must-have for a workout-at-home situation on a small budget.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer offers a total aerobic workout, with all the added benefits of stretching, running, jogging, walking, skiing, cross-country, and aerobic dancing without it negatively impacting your joints, particularly your knees.
That apart, this unit is also easy to set up and use and offers you the kind of workout you can do while watching TV. It's also one of the cheapest in the market right now, so if you want a combination of all these factors, head over and buy the E902.
Features:
- Being an air walk trainer, its non-slip pedals help users move in a smooth but arched path.
- It offers total body workout with continuous motion without any jerks or interruption.
- You get a full body workout with target muscles in the arms and legs. When you are in an upright position using the machine, your abs muscles will help to increase your endurance and stability.
- It has only one setting so it cannot be customized.
- Ideal for people with osteoporosis as they need to do low-impact exercises. With the smooth movements on an air walker, there's less joint strain than high-impact exercises give, and this strengthens the bones.
- It is so space-saving that when not in use, it can be folded and stored under the bed, in your closet or in a constricted space.
- An LCD monitor displays vital statistics such as calories burned, time spent, speed covered and total distance walked.
Concluding Remarks
This trainer is definitely a money-saver for you. Instead of spending at the gym, you can invest in this trainer and see the difference in your body weight. If your fitness level is limited in any way, but you still want to stay fit, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer is a good choice for you.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
When it comes to fitness equipment for your family Doufit always steps up. Doufit elliptical machine will help you exercise your muscles and tone your body without exerting much pressure on your bones and joints.
This elliptical machine is built with a heavy-duty steel frame, which makes the workout equipment safe and stable for your workout.
Further adding to your security and ease are the large pedals which enhance friction on your shoes.
Keeping the vividness of family in mind Duofit elliptical includes adjustable magnetic resistance levels. This provides an opportunity for each family member to set their own workout pace.
Features:
- It includes a pulse sensor and a digital monitor display that observes your speed, time, heart rate, calories burned, and distance covered.
- It has 8 adjustable magnetic resistance levels. So customization is quite easy.
- Courtesy of dual-action workout arms you can tone your whole body and also get your upper body worked out.
- Silent Flywheel will allow you to work out smoothly and quietly. Making it ideal for a home gym.
- The heavy-duty steel frame allows a maximum load-bearing of 220 pounds.
- Large and textured pedal surface prevents you from slipping, by increasing friction on your shoes.
Concluding Remarks
Duofit elliptical is ideal equipment judging by the price range. Given the dimensions of this workout equipment, you can have it easily installed in your home without sacrificing much of your apartment space.
Wheels and lightweight design helps you move the equipment without much difficulty.
All in all, for a limited budget and home gym situation and considering it's build quality this equipment is a, must have.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Exerpeutic 5000 “Mobile App Tracking” Magnetic Elliptical Trainer is a class apart from the rest of the ellipticals within the same price band. It is endowed with mobile app tracking and is Bluetooth-enabled. For all its features, this elliptical’s prices are comfortable for most people.
It is also compatible with Android and Apple products and provides you with the freedom to track your workouts and use all the features on your app devices while staying comfortable at home. You could easily call this the best value elliptical for the price.
Features:
- Solid steel frame lends greater stability and durability to the machine.
- 18” stride length.
- 12 workout programs in 7 training workout modes.
- 8 levels of adjustable magnetic tension resistance for a more challenging workout.
- A large LCD display shows statistics such as distance, time, speed, calories burned and scan.
- For an upper body workout that tones the entire body, the Dual Action Workout Arms feature comes into play.
- Heart rate monitoring is possible thanks to the hand pulse pads available on the extra handlebars.
- Smooth and silent operation is afforded by a precision balanced flywheel coupled with a V- belt drive.
- Easy pickup and placing is possible due to the inbuilt transportation wheels included in the unit.
- Accessories include Smartphone holder, Bluetooth Smart Cloud Fitness along with the free app, MyCloudFitness.
- Jerky movements of the trainer are avoided thanks to the machine’s natural elliptical motion.
- 3 Workout goal settings through MyCloudFitness App: time, distance, and calories burned.
Concluding Remarks
If you're looking for high performance with average pricing, the Exerpeutic 1000XL Heavy Duty has it all for you. It helps to have a machine like this at home. As the maximum user weight 249 lbs it's quite a safe to use. It has no impact on your joints is a further plus point in its favor.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The SNODE Magnetic Elliptical Trainer is one of the most affordable ellipticals with an automatic resistance system. The rustproof steel frame is durable and made of thick steel tubing. But when fully assembled, it weighs only 77 pounds. At 47″ long and 24″ wide, it is compact and allows for easy storage when not in use. Perfect for a home with a small space.
The SNODE features 8 Tension Resistance Levels to provide you with a variety of exercise intensities. The resistance settings can be easily adjusted with the convenient tension knob. The weighted flywheel is precision balanced and provides a noise-free and smooth operation. The SNODE integrates a durable, stretch-resistant belt that requires no lubrication.
The SNODE Magnetic Elliptical Trainer has adjustable stabilizers on the rear base. The crank system further increases the stability and durability of the machine. This machine is easy to install. Once installed, it does not require any lubrication or any maintenance for a long period. All you have to do is clean it once in a while.
The SNODE is built for the utmost comfort. It features oversized pedals for a good grip and stability. It is equipped with two sets of ergonomic handlebars, one fixed and the other is mobile. The Heart rate sensors are situated in the handlebars. The LCD shows you stats like distance, calories burned, time, speed, and pulse rate. It has preset programs, a BMI calculator, and a recovery feature.
Features:
- Strong, durable, and light.
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance.
- Smooth and quiet operation.
- Portable and easy to move.
- Stable and comfortable handlebars.
- Cross crank system for extra stability and durability.
Concluding Remarks
The SNODE Magnetic Elliptical Trainer is a great fitness machine for home workout. It is built sturdily to last you a long time. It is light, compact, and stable. It is easy to assemble and requires almost no maintenance apart from a regular clean up.
This no-fuss, versatile home elliptical is a popular choice for the workout enthusiast who is on the lookout for an affordable and quality fitness machine.
If work exhausts you so much that you can’t find the stamina to go to the gym, why not have a home gym comprising a Stamina InMotion Compact Strider? This is a good budget trainer with both sitting upright and standing options. In fact, it’s the best budget elliptical for home use.
Space-saving and low impact, it is your perfect cardio trainer in the comfort of your own home. Though unlike its competitors it doesn’t have a sleek design, yet this model always catches a prospective buyer’s attention for its attractive and not-to-be-missed price.
Features:
- This low-impact trainer is good for the joints, builds endurance and tones and strengthens the lower body.
- Its compact design enables easy transporting and storage and taking the strider wherever the user wants to work out.
- With the adjustable tension feature, you can get an intense session or a light-resistance one. The adjustable resistance of this budget elliptical machine provides you with full control.
- The multi-function fitness monitor tracks your progress and keeps you motivated. It displays your time, distance, workout time, calories burned and your stride count. It can also scan through these parameters.
- Standing or sitting while you work out is made easy with the large and non-slip pedals.
- The carrying handle is easy to use and carry the unit with.
Concluding Remarks
This elliptical is an under the desk elliptical, not a hard-core fitness one. Though it may not be perfect in every way, yet it is still a wonderful machine if you don’t have the time or room to accommodate one at home.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
If you’ve ever felt you should be moving your legs while working at your desk, you should check out the Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer. Place it below your desk or by your couch and get on to it at will.
This is the best budget elliptical trainer at present. It gives you a joint-free work out that you can do when you like, where you want and as much as possible. Use it standing up or sitting down, and you'll find it's extremely lightweight and compact. If you have certain fixed fitness goals to achieve, this trainer can help you get there.
Features:
- Robust, stylish and has a solid steel frame that lends stability and long-term durability to the machine while you pedal.
- It gives you a good low-impact, cardiovascular workout that strengthens the muscles of the buttocks, hips, hamstrings, thighs, quads, and calves.
- Well-integrated handle for enhanced stability and extra support when needed.
- Adjustable tension controls the resistance levels.
- Large, non-slip pedals can be used in forward and backward directions for focused training.
- An LCD display shows exercise time, speed, distance, calories burned and the number of strides.
- It’s small enough to fit in any part of one’s home or office.
- One year frame warranty; 90 days parts warranty.
Concluding Remarks
This affordably priced trainer is compact, works silently and gives you a good workout. Overall, it has several admirable features that make it highly recommendable to new users. No wonder, it’s really good value for the price.
Factors to Consider when Buying a Budget Elliptical
If you’re looking to buy an elliptical trainer but are overwhelmed by the vast array of slickly produced, tech-heavy machines, perhaps you should know what to look for when making such a purchase. The following pointers are essential when considering the best budget elliptical for the most value for money.
Stride Length
This is the most important feature of an elliptical, whether budget or premium. Ideally, stride length should hover between 17’’ and 21’’ for those of average height. If you are short, then a lower stride length would suit you better, or if taller than average, you would need a larger stride length.
The options in this bracket are many with ellipticals having adjustable stride lengths, so be careful when choosing.
SMOOTH MOVEMENTS
Get on to the trainer to check that the pedals move silently and smoothly. If it feels jerky, move onto another.
ADJUSTABLE RESISTANCE
If an elliptical offers you adjustable resistance, that’s good. And, if the resistance range is wide, so much the better. At the lowest setting, it's easy to maneuver, but as the resistance increases, it can be challenging to pedal on. This gives you the necessary endurance and strength.
HEIGHT
By height is meant the maximum height that you will reach when standing at the highest point of the elliptical. By calculating this, you will be able to calculate whether at this height you will be safe from hitting your head against the ceiling or not. A practical point to consider.
ARE YOUR ARMS COMFORTABLE?
To increase intensity level, it’s best to have arm handles. So, check that your hand grips are comfortable.
SILENT WORKER
It’s always preferable to have a machine that works silently, particularly if you work at it while the rest of the family is asleep.
ADJUSTABLE INCLINE
Though this feature may not be entirely essential, yet it would help if you could adjust the ramps so that your workouts could get an extra dimension of intensity. You might choose to go with a machine with automatic or manual adjustment.
USER EXPERIENCE
Your experience of using the elliptical should include seamlessness and silence. It shouldn’t be jerky when in use nor should you be disturbed by noise from the motor.
SAFETY
Ideally, an elliptical that has built-in safety features will have both warm-up and cool-down time periods. For better balance, handrails are usually provided, and an easy-to-read LCD display with all the necessary data should be provided.
Other safety features include a low maintenance machine with a good warranty. Before buying, ask the dealer if you can get trained staff for servicing the machine in question.
If you have boisterous kids, who want to get on to your elliptical, ensure that it comes with a pin lock so that the pedals remain stationary.
REVERSE MOTION
If you use an elliptical machine in forwarding motion, you already know you gain in muscular fitness. However, few people know that you can also have great health benefits by running in reverse. In this condition, you work your muscles from the opposite direction, but care must be taken to run safely and carefully while in reverse.
COST
When you’re ready to buy an elliptical, the cost factor will bother you a lot. But it’s wrong to assume that this type of machine is expensive. You can get a cheap elliptical on a budget, so set a budget for yourself and choose from among them.
Check out the features you get for the money you’re about to spend and if you feel that’s adequate for your needs, go ahead and make your purchase.
EXTRA FEATURES
Your elliptical can come home with a bagful of accessories. So, look out for them, or if you need to, ask for them. Some of them include:
- A water bottle holder to keep you hydrated while you work out and a tablet to keep you entertained.
- An interactive heart rate monitor that can automatically adjust your workout so that you remain in your zone.
- A Wi-Fi, fitness tracker app and motivational software can also be added on if you have the budget for them. Many machines include pre-set workout programs, though the more you spend, the more you'll get.
Must Follow This Article: How Much Should I Pay For A New Elliptical.
CONCLUSION
To stay in shape, these ten elliptical machines are worth their weight in gold. Users recommend these based on their experiences in terms of low impact on their knees, cardio workout, increased stamina, ease of use and assembly.
If you are still keen to buy an under desk elliptical machine or the best cheap elliptical, read this review and then check out the comparison review and take your own decision to invest in the best value elliptical.
Must Read About Elliptical Benefits: 13 Benefits of Using an Elliptical Machine
On Amazon the Heavy Duty Exerpeutic doesn’t have its stride length in the description. Some comments imply it has a very short stride, not 17 or 18″. What is accurate?
You didn’t mention the user weight capacity of SCHWINN COMPACT ELLIPTICAL MACHINE. On the other hand, do I need to manage any tools before assembling this machine?
Appreciate it very much intended for publishing this kind of fascinating review on this matter. One question about “SUNNY HEALTH & FITNESS SF-E905 ELLIPTICAL” is that what are the dimensions of the product folded up?
Nice explanation and you have pointed out some valid points exceptionally well. What AC adapter works with PROFORM HYBRID TRAINER?
Thank you for taking the time to write this helpful review. I personally love the Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer! It wasn’t hard to put together and with a bit of maintenance, it’s holding together quite nicely.
So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this subject. I bought Doufit elliptical machine 6 months ago. This home elliptical has been a lifesaver during Covid-19. My boyfriend was able to assemble the item in around an hour and did not run into any issues. I have used this elliptical around 15+ times since I received it, and it provides a good workout, I am nice and sweaty after an hour of using it.