When trying to buy the best elliptical under $1000, we believe that it’s important to understand the purpose of such equipment, as well as bits of its history. For example, the machine came to be from a desire to improve fitness and cardiovascular capacity.
Naturally, the process and research that would ultimately create the gym equipment that we now know as elliptical weren’t an easy feat. But nothing was in vain. The final result, namely the elliptical, decreased the rate of perceived exertion significantly – and that with no sacrifices in terms of workout quality.
In very short terms, the elliptical helps one train better, for longer, and comes with little to no disadvantages. As such, it goes without saying why anyone who cares about their health would like to buy such equipment. On top of that, it’s also clear why one would want to get their hands on the best elliptical under $1000.
Best Elliptical Under $1000 – Reviews
Let’s get straight into business and take a look at the best 10 elliptical trainers under $1000 currently available on the market. We’ll analyze all of the important features and aspects of such a piece of equipment, while constantly considering the value for money, so to speak.
1. ProForm Hybrid Trainer XT Recumbent Bike and Elliptical
The first entry on our list is a piece of equipment from ProForm. As some of you might know, this particular brand is one of the best ones on the market. As such, it is worth taking a look at their products.
With this elliptical trainer, users will benefit from a 2-in-1 product. Namely, the equipment is both a recumbent exercise bike and an elliptical trainer. The latter is a rear-drive elliptical. On top of that, the product features a one-month iFit membership for more comprehensive workout sessions. Paired with the LCD display which is reportedly quite large, this elliptical trainer can show exactly how you perform.
Reviews
When it comes to user reviews, the majority of people enjoyed the 16 levels of resistance of the product. It gave them full control over their sessions and, thanks to the silent magnetic resistance technology, the product kept permanently silent as well.
Other reviews also mentioned how it is very easy to install and use this product. Obviously, this is a plus to all fitness equipment that you order online.
In terms of price, this particular elliptical trainer can be usually found at around $600-$700.
Pros
Cons
2. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine
Next up on the list, we have a product from Sunny Health & Fitness and, if you’re on a tight budget, it might be just the one for you. You can usually find this for around $200, even cheaper if you strike gold and come across a good deal.
Not only that, but this is also one of the best-rated elliptical trainers on the market. It comes with over 12k reviews and an overall 4/5 positive rating. This is mainly due to the fact that it is beginner-friendly.
The equipment features 8 levels of resistance that are adjusted with the help of a micro-controller. Naturally, users have a display available as well, to check on their training data. For increased comfort, the product has a built-in stabilizer as well.
Reviews
Roughly 80% of all the reviews given to this product are positive. Out of those, the majority praised the piece of equipment for its extremely low noise level. But noise is the least we should be concerned about when it comes to elliptical trainers.
The best parts of this product, according to the users, are its size and weight. The product is reportedly a perfect fit for small spaces and is not heavy at all, as it is mainly made out of plastic.
Pros
Cons
3. Marcy Magnetic Elliptical Trainer
Yet another top-rated product, this elliptical trainer from Marcy can be found for around $230. This is good news for those wanting to find the best elliptical under $1000.
The product features 8 resistance levels and is branded as an all-in-one workout station. This is because one can train both their lower and upper body at the same time, something that doesn’t apply to all equipment of this type.
Overall, the elliptical trainer is highly durable but isn’t as heavy as it looks. On top of that, it sports an ergonomic design as well, with comfortable pedals and handles. Due to its size and weight, it can be easily transported from room to room.
Reviews
Unlike most trainers out there, this one has quite a lot of users talking about its maneuverability. While it might not be the best out there, it is certainly a plus that people like. Then, its size and value for money were reportedly a deciding factor in many cases. Some say they’ve assembled it in less than an hour.
Users also mentioned that the trainer is easy to use, not the smoothest out there, but not the worst either and that it comes with no noise. Overall, it was a good purchase for many of them.
Pros
Cons
4. Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine
Schwinn, just as ProForm, is a reputed manufacturer when it comes to fitness equipment, especially elliptical trainers. Despite that, they still make budget-friendly equipment, just like this next product on our list. Their A40 model can usually be found for around $600 – but the price can drop to as low as $420 during a sale.
The trainer itself features 7 pre-set programs that help you customize your workout. Then, it is equipped with a high-inertia weighted flywheel that, reportedly, makes for smoother operation. In terms of resistance, there are 8 adjustable levels. Naturally, the LCD display/console is not missing from this product.
Reviews
This particular product reportedly excels when it comes to maneuverability, range of motion, and assembly. According to most users, the machine is able to provide a solid workout while also feeling quite solid and sturdy.
Moreover, the lack of noise impressed people as well. But ultimately, the majority appreciated the extra components/parts that came with the trainer. This means spare parts for assembly.
One of the downsides would be the display, which is reportedly not backlit. This can make it difficult for some people to read the data on it.
Pros
Corns
5. Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Machine
A more expensive model from Schwinn, around $700-$800, is the 411 compact elliptical trainer. It is indeed compact, as it has a very slim profile and a rather small length.
Even though the 411 model is compact, it does not lack when it comes to stride. Stride is worth mentioning when it comes to small elliptical trainers, as it might cause some discomfort while using the product. Reportedly, on this particular trainer, the stride is 18’’, similar to those of large elliptical trainers. 16 levels of resistance accompany the stride, making for a comprehensive product overall.
Ultimately, for increased convenience, the product features a built-in water bottle holder, as well as a media rack for your tablet or phone.
Reviews
First and foremost, the majority of reviews mention the sturdiness of the product. As expected from this particular brand, it is of superior quality and might easily outlast its warranty. Obviously, with such praised sturdiness come comments regarding the incredible value for money of the product.
Overall, the elliptical trainer was, for most users, quiet, sturdy, and with more than enough workout potential.
Pros
Corns
6. Body Power 2-in-1 Elliptical Stepper Trainer
Next up we have another reputed brand, Body Power. Their 2-in-1 elliptical stepper comes with over one thousand ratings and can be found for around $400-$500. Let’s see if it’s a good investment!
From the looks of it, the product seems more than just premium. It features a fancy design and has a very slim profile. In terms of length, it’s only 42’’. Moving on to technology, the product comes with a curved crank, which reportedly increases workout efficiency.
As mentioned above, the product is a 2-in-1 machine, operating as both an elliptical trainer and a stepper. This makes for multiple workout options and, overall, more diverse training sessions.
Reviews
As expected, the product is extremely easy to assemble and no users had any issues when it came to this. On top of that, the assembly materials are reportedly of high quality.
When it comes to actual training sessions, the majority of users stated that the product operates smoothly and, most importantly, is silent enough to be used indoors, in apartments.
Pros
Corns
7. Body Rider Elliptical Trainer and Exercise Bike
Those that wanted more than just an elliptical trainer – namely, a bike -, can take a closer look at this product from Body Rider. The product is 2-in-1: an elliptical trainer and an exercise bike equipped with a sturdy and comfortable seat. If you’re lucky enough, you can find it for way under $200.
The most interesting part of the product is the fact that it is computerized. A built-in digital computer measures all important metrics related to workouts. Moreover, due to the product’s dual nature, users enjoy 4 handlebars, two exercise modes, seamless transitions, and increased comfort.
Reviews
Once again, this is a product designed to fit in small spaces – and buyers love that. At the same time, it’s very easy to assemble and requires little to no muscle. Moreover, the majority of buyers said that it works quite smoothly and that the product feels rather comfortable.
One downside would be the elliptical function, namely the flywheel that might get a tad wobbly, depending on speed and/or weight.
Pros
Corns
8. Nautilus Elliptical Series
Nautilus features high-quality, premium fitness equipment. As a result, their elliptical trainer series usually goes for around $999 – which is just right under $1000. But, can their trainers top the $500 ones, for example?
First of all, this product is made mainly of steel, unlike the previous one which featured mostly plastic. On top of that, the product has built-in Bluetooth connectivity, making it much easier for users to track their training and workout data. Naturally, this makes the trainer compatible with multiple fitness apps.
Almost all of the Nautilus elliptical products feature a 20’’ stride and 20 resistance levels. The E618 model comes with 25 levels.
Reviews
As expected, the sturdiness of this product is one of its most praised characteristics. The majority of users also stated that the trainer is overall easy to assemble and easy to use.
Most users also loved the fact that the trainer has no negative impact on knees and joints. This means that, while promoting proper exercise, it doesn’t strain the body parts that are often subject to pain. Overall a quiet and sturdy machine, users said it’s as smooth as such trainers can get.
Pros
Corns
9. Body Power 3-in-1 Exercise Machine
Towards the end of our list, we have another product from Body Power. This time, however, it’s a 3-in-1 piece of equipment. Let’s see what it can do!
The product is, overall, an elliptical trainer, a recumbent and upright bike, as well as an all-around exercise machine. To aid multiple workout styles and sessions, the product features almost seamless resistance transitions as well.
Then, for increased usability, it features as many as 3 handlebar types. Naturally, each features a heart rate monitor system that sends data to the built-in monitor. Last but not least, the flywheel is heavy-weight, making for a silent and sturdy machine.
Reviews
Overall, people liked the product because it is lightweight and can be easily moved around the house. At the same time, being easy to assemble and easy to use making it the perfect piece of equipment for those that wanted to get into training easily.
Even though it comes at a price of around $400, reportedly the only disadvantage of the product is the low-quality monitor. Other than that, some plastic parts may be a tad too brittle, but nothing serious.
Pros
Corns
10. Snode Magnetic Elliptical Machines for Home Use
Last but not least, we have a product from snode. It looks more than just premium and could easily fit into a high-end gym – and that only for $550.
By far the most impressive feature is the wide range of resistance levels. Namely, users can adjust between 32 resistance levels that tend to the 13lbs magnetic flywheel. For most users, this range is more than enough to accommodate any type of training.
The product is equipped with dual handlebars and, thanks to a magnetic control system, it will reportedly never wobble while being used. The cherry on top is a multi-functional digital display that tracks most, if not all data needed to analyze your workout sessions.
Reviews
As with every best elliptical under $1000 which is designed for home use, this product is extremely easy to assemble and used as well. All people need to do is follow some tutorials. At the same time, it is lightweight – can be easily moved around by almost anyone, regardless of strength.
The most appreciated feature was the multitude of available programs that allow for full workout customization.
Pros
Corns
Best Elliptical Under $1000 – Buying Guide
Budget is a very important aspect that has to be taken into consideration when making a significant purchase. In many cases, the budget can be even lower than, let’s say, the recommended lowest sum to be paid for a certain item.
This is why, in the following lines, we’ll tell you more about the things you should pay attention to when looking for budget elliptical trainers. You might still be on the lookout for the best elliptical under $1000 if our recommendations above weren’t of much help.
Things to Consider when Looking for the Best Elliptical Under $1000
Equipment Size
When it comes to size, there’s more than product size that you have to take into account. For example, you have to make sure that, when using the product, you don’t easily reach the ceiling.
Ultimately, you have to see if you have enough space to accommodate both yourself and the elliptical trainer. You don’t want to account only for the space that the product will take when not in use. Even though you buy a trainer branded as ideal for small spaces, you shouldn’t take it for granted.
Ergonomics
Obviously, an elliptical trainer is not a treadmill. Elliptical trainers somewhat confine your movement and, as a result, their ergonomics rating is rather important. If they come with a seat, for different functions, make sure it is a comfortable one.
However, the most important bits are the handlebars, since elliptical trainers usually feature more than two. They have to provide you with more than just a sturdy grip – a comfortable one is preferred as well.
Resistance Adjustment
As you might have guessed by now, resistance adjustment and levels are essential when it comes to elliptical trainers. Since these are somewhat multi-functional pieces of equipment, you might use one for several years and for more than just one type of exercise.
Therefore, you will need a machine that can adapt to your muscle growth. The best way to achieve this is through a wide variety of resistance adjustment levels. Even if 32, as with one of the products above, seems ideal, usually around 15-20 are enough. At the same time, keep in mind that every brand/machine feels different.
Preset Workout Programs
Some more comprehensible products come with preset programs that can help you train better. These programs are suited for those that don’t know much about the planning of an elliptical training session, for example.
A variety in workout programs and styles also promotes diverse and healthy training overall. Most trainers come with programs such as Random, Manual, Interval, Hill Climb, and so on.
Monitor/Display
Quality products will most likely come with a comprehensive monitor/display that you can use to track your training data. In some cases, these monitors are used to adjust between resistance levels as well – so only basic products might not have such a monitor.
One of the main questions regarding monitors on these products is whether they’re accurate when it comes to heart rate measurement when paired with a heart rate measuring system. The majority of users stated that they might not be as accurate as expected.
The same applies to distance measurement. There were some users stating that they could never get accurate distance measurement on a built-in trainer monitor.
Type of Drive
Most elliptical trainers under $1000 and designed for home use come with either front- or rear-drive. It’s unlikely that you’ll find a high-quality center-drive product for under $1000.
The good news is that any type of drive is good if paired with a proper flywheel or system. As such, before passing on a rear-drive elliptical trainer, take a look at the flywheel technology. In most cases, the flywheel makes the difference between a noisy and silent product, regardless of drive.
Fixed or Movable Arms
Even though this boils down to personal preferences, it is often recommended to get an elliptical trainer with movable arms. This is because if both your upper and lower body move in tandem, you get double the workout with the same effort, so to speak.
Not only that, but a trainer with fixed handles/arms is nothing more than a stepper. You don’t get a lot of training value with a stepper, whereas an elliptical trainer can be seen as a more multi-functional piece of training equipment.
The Bottom Line
If you wanted to find the best elliptical under $1000, then the top ten showcased above should be of more than enough help. If not, we made sure to include a handy buying guide part as well.
Overall, when looking for this type of product, it’s important to know what you want. If what you need is a piece of equipment for moderate use, then you don’t need something complex. This is regarding resistance levels or programs.
However, if you want a product that will assist you in your weight loss, muscle gain, or cardio improvement journey, then you should aim for more resistance levels than usual, a variety of available programs, as well as for multi-functionality.
