Having an elliptical trainer in the comfort of your home is a great way to work out your cardio without going to your local gym.
Many ellipticals, however, are quite costly and aren’t the best choice for users who don’t have the luxury of spending thousands of dollars on a single purchase.
Fortunately, budget elliptical trainers are on the market today that can help you kickstart your fitness goals.
In this article, I’ve gathered 8 of the best elliptical machine under 1000. Check out which one is the best for you!
The 8 Best Elliptical Machines Under 1000
Luckily, I’ve done the hard work for you.
I was fortunate enough to try out some of the best elliptical models under $1000, and here are some of my top picks. Check it out!
1) Bowflex Max Trainer M3 – [Best Overall Elliptical Machine]
Features:
- Product Dimensions: 49″D x 26″W x 64.6″H
- Max Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Resistance Levels: 8 Levels of Resistance
- Extra Features: Water Bottle & Media Shelf/Tablet Holder
- Warranty: One-year
- Stride Length: 18 Inches
Pros
- Sleek and compact design
- Ergonomic handlebars
- It comes with a water bottle holder
- Includes two built-in workout programs
- Workout Trackers
- Transport wheels for easy transport
Cons
- Hard to assemble
- A quite audible operation
- Short warranty
- The LCD isn’t backlit
The Bowflex Max Trainer M3 has a sophisticated look that reminds you of formula-one cars.
The Max Trainer M3 is a great elliptical machine to burn calories with its famous Bowflex 14-minute max interval at a reasonable price below $1,000.
This elliptical machine features an LCD screen displaying all your workout progress and metrics such as speed, calories burned, distance, and many more.
What I liked the most is its ergonomic handlebars allowing three different positions to maximize activating different upper body muscles.
Its compact size ensures it won’t be a hindrance regardless of how much space you only have. The media holder allows you to position your media device securely without the fear of falling off the machine.
This machine is one of the best ellipticals under $1,000; it also comes from a reputable brand known for providing high-quality ellipticals at a much more affordable price.
2) Proform Carbon EL – [Best Elliptical Machine for Home Gym]
Features:
- Product Dimensions: 25″W x 68.5″D x 67.75″ H.
- Maximum User Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Magnetic Resistance Levels: 18 levels of resistance
- Extra Features: 15-pound, Inertia-enhanced Flywheel
- 10-Year Frame Warranty
- 1-Year Parts and Labor Warranty
- Stride Length: 19 Inches
Pros
- Tracks your workout data
- iFit programming
- Durable elliptical
- Adjustable resistance
- Great for all fitness levels
- Offers total body workout
Cons
- Basic console
- Fewer features than similarly priced ellipticals
The Proform Carbon EL is a great elliptical machine if you effectively target upper and lower body muscles.
This elliptical machine belongs to an award-winning family of fitness equipment sold by Proform. It combines functionality and features at a more affordable price with no compromise on quality.
Its crowning glory is its 5-inch high-contrast display featuring different metrics, and the adjustable stride length makes your life easier whenever you are working out.
What I liked the most about this elliptical training equipment is its front-drive system which you rarely find in this budget range.
It has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds, which I feel is more than enough for any user planning to buy this budget elliptical.
Overall, its abundance of features and functionality made me list this elliptical machine if you want to achieve your fitness goals without failing you.
3) Proform Hybrid Trainer XT [ Best Elliptical Machine for Joints]
Features:
- Product Dimensions: 24.5″W x 70.5″D x 60.5″H
- Maximum User Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- Magnetic Resistance Levels: 16 Levels of Resistance
- Extra Features: 5-inch High Contrast Multi-Color Display
- Warranty: 5-Year Frame, 1-Year Parts & Labor Warranty
- Stride Length: 15 inches
Pros
- Smooth and natural stride
- A two-in-one machine offering a more challenging workout
- Lots of workout functionality
- Easy assembly and will burn calories more
- Targets several major muscle groups
Cons
- Not ideal for tall people
- Low user weight capacity
- Short stride length
The Proform Hybrid Trainer XT is a great cardio workout machine for beginners looking to jumpstart their fitness journey immediately.
It is a popular workout equipment because it combines the functionality of a recumbent bike and an elliptical machine. As a result, you experience a more challenging and effective workout.
This elliptical is more affordable than most cardio machines and features the iFit programming platform to reach your fitness goals as fast as possible.
With a recumbent bicycle and an elliptical combination, you are bound to have a full-body workout in the comfort of your home while targeting your upper and lower body muscles.
Overall, you will be pleased with the quality of this versatile cardio machine, and you will burn calories more efficiently while using this
4) Schwinn Fitness 411 Compact Elliptical Machine [Best Compact Elliptical Machine]
Features:
- Product Dimensions: 53.8″D x 24″W x 62.5″H
- Maximum User Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Magnetic Resistance Levels: 16 Levels
- Extra Features: 18-Inch LCD
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2 years on parts, 1 year on electronics, and 90 days for labor.
- Stride Length: 18 Inches
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Transport wheels
- Natural and jerk-free elliptical motion
- Great for users with limited space
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 13-workout programs
- Incredible warranty
Cons
- No incline functions
- Light flywheel
- Issues with workout resistance
The Schwinn Fitness 411 is one of the best budget ellipticals on the market today if you are looking for cardio equipment that will burn more calories effectively while featuring a lot more.
With an 18-inch stride length and 13 workout programs, you can maximize its functionality to the fullest while reaching your weight loss goals.
The Schwinn Fitness 411 is a very compact machine, so you don’t have to secure a space for this elliptical trainer.While there’s no listed flywheel weight on their website, I feel it has the same weight as other models, with 13 pounds. For $599, you get a versatile machine capable of achieving your goals without any hitch.
5) Teeter FreeStep Elliptical – [Best Recumbent Elliptical Machine]
Features:
- Product Dimensions: 54″D x 29″W x 53″H
- Maximum User Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Magnetic Resistance Levels: 13 Levels of resistance
- Extra Features: Water Bottle Holder and TeeterMove app
- Warranty: 1 year on frame and 3 months on moving parts
Pros
- Amazing lumbar support
- Patented stride technology for ultra-smooth elliptical motion
- Quiet magnetic resistance operation
- Affordable elliptical with recumbent bike features
- Great for targeting lower body groups
- Good for all fitness levels
Cons
- Short warranty on parts
- No built-in workout programs included
- No preset workouts
For a unique elliptical experience, you might find the Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical as the best elliptical machine for under $1000.
This is a unique machine for a cardio workout because you can target the lower parts of your body by simply sitting on the saddle.
It’s a low-impact, full-body workout that is great for users with lower back issues.
In addition, Teeter is one of the more reputable brands known for their lumbar support products.
It has introduced a patented technology aiming to minimize joint stress by maintaining a smooth and linear stride.
With a 300-pound maximum weight capacity, you ensure it’s here to stay for a while, ultimately improving your cardiovascular endurance in the long haul.
While using this product, I felt the amazing lumbar support, which makes striding easier on the knees.It’s a great tool for mild to moderate exercise for people with issues in the lower back regions.
6) Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical Exercise Machine Trainer SF-E3912 [Best Elliptical Machine for Beginners]
Features:
- Product Dimensions: 23″D x 55″W x 64.5″H
- Maximum User Weight Capacity: 330 Pounds
- Resistance Levels: 16 Levels
- Extra Features: 14-inch Display
- Warranty: 3-year frame / 3 months for other parts and components
- Stride Length: 15.5 Inches
Pros
- Programmable magnetic resistance
- It doesn’t take up a large space in your home gym
- 24 Pre-programmed workouts
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Convenient to use
Cons
- Short warranty on parts
- Confusing assembly
- Shorter stride length
Sixth on our list of the best elliptical machine under 1000 is the Sunny Health and Fitness Elliptical Exercise Machine trainer.
It’s a solid choice for me, considering all its features and functionality within its price range.
While this elliptical is smaller than most elliptical machines on my list, it offers a great workout as you can easily grab its handlebars, targeting several upper body muscles in the process.
In addition, it can track your heart rate while holding onto its pulse grips, which I feel is a fantastic feature, considering it’s not always present in these price segments.
You can also use this machine’s body-fat program, which aims to tailor-fit your body weight to various elliptical workouts.
For the price, it is one of the best choices for the best ellipticals under $1,000!
7) Niceday Under Desk Elliptical – [Best Under Desk Elliptical Machine]
Features:
- Product Dimensions: 22.83″D x 15.75″W x 10.82″H
- Max User Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Magnetic Resistance Levels: Not indicated
- Extra Features: Detachable Backlight Digital Monitor
- Warranty: Lifetime Service Guaranteed
- Stride Length: 18 Inches
Pros
- Convenient to use
- Very small footprint
- Portable and compact
- Great for users with back and joint issues
- Low impact
- 6 slip-resist silicone bottom
Cons
- It does not offer a serious workout
If attending fitness classes isn’t your thing, I highly recommend using the Niceday Under Desk Elliptical.
What makes under-desk ellipticals great is that you can do it while doing other tasks, such as work or watching the TV.
These are convenient machines ready to strengthen your lower body muscles without moving your seat.
It’s not only great for people working behind a desk but also for users still recovering from their injuries.
If you happen to have knee and joint issues or are still recovering from a bad injury, the Niceday Under Desk Elliptical is a good addition
8) Body Rider Body Flex Sports Elliptical Exercise Machine
Features:
- Product Dimensions: 9.06″D x 38.58″W x 24.8″H
- Max User Weight Capacity: 250 Pounds
- Magnetic Resistance Levels: Adjustable
- Extra Features: Smart LCD Display
- Warranty: 1-year
- Stride Length: 18 Inches
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Small size
- Under the $200 price tag
- Transport wheels
- Doesn’t electricity
Cons
- Short stride
- Short warranty
- Limited weight capacity
- It feels flimsy
If you prefer doing your workout routines at home without breaking the bank. In that case, the Body Rider Body Flex Sports Elliptical Exercise Machine might be the elliptical you want.
This elliptical machine is very compact, lightweight, and has a small footprint for small spaces such as your bedroom or the living room.
With a weight of just around 58 pounds, this is by far the lightest one I’ve tested, and with its transport wheels located in convenient locations, you will have no problems transporting this machine in any room of your house.
And I loved that this elliptical machine doesn’t need to be plugged in, which means you don’t have to deal with electricity for it to work.
Assembling the machine is quick and easy, whereas finding the space isn’t a problem. Overall, this product is great if you want an elliptical trainer to get by.
Benefits of Elliptical Machines
As you can see, there are multiple reasons why people often choose ellipticals as their go-to choice for a healthier lifestyle.
To make matters great, there are a lot of health benefits when using this type of fitness equipment.
If you have no budget restrictions and you want the best of the best elliptical machine, you can check out my list of the best elliptical machines!
Burns Calories
Any exercise equipment you bring home for cardio will most likely burn calories, and this is still the case for almost all ellipticals.
In fact, you burn the same calories the same way when using treadmills. And we all know that running on a treadmill is exhausting and burns many calories, right?
So, if your primary objective is maintaining weight or burning serious calories, an elliptical trainer can go a long way. Investing in a good machine is the best way to go!
Boosts Cardio Fitness
An elliptical provides a low-impact cardio workout that aims to boost your cardiovascular fitness in the comfort of your home.
As I’ve mentioned, it activates both the lower and upper body muscles, which makes this machine a great tool for getting the blood flowing in these parts.
In addition, as you stride, your heart rate continues to rise. As a result, your heart will grow stronger and pumps more blood around your body.
This will greatly reduce your blood pressure and resting pulse rate resulting in improved cardio.
Improves Balance
Working out with an elliptical improves balance and mobility.
For people having mobility issues around the hip and knee areas, it’s a great tool for rehabilitating these body parts.
If you already went to a hospital’s rehabilitation and physical therapy area, you will likely find an elliptical sitting around the corner.
Under-desk ellipticals, for the most part, are great rehabilitation tools if you have difficulty moving your hips due to recent surgery.
Low Impact
An elliptical is considered low-impact cardio exercise equipment.
It’s one of the primary examples of a closed-chain workout because your feet don’t lift off the pedals.
High-impact exercise equipment such as a stair-stepper and a treadmill is considered a high-impact cardio workout.
It’s because your ankles, hips, joints, and other joints take a pounding when running or doing other exercises, whereas you aren’t experiencing it when using an elliptical.
Builds Endurance
Despite being considered a low-impact workout machine, it can still greatly impact your cardiovascular and endurance abilities.
One of the great things about the elliptical is that you can do faster-paced high-intensity interval training; this can result in your heart pumping more blood and making your lungs work.
As a result, if you use an elliptical consistently, you keep your lungs working while building your endurance in the long process.
How Long Do You Need to Workout on an Elliptical?
There’s no definitive answer regarding how long you will work out with your elliptical. It’s just a matter of how much time you have in your spare time, to be honest.
Even using the elliptical for a short amount of time would do wonders rather than doing nothing at all. Remember, all types of physical activity are good!
If you are hopping on the elliptical, I recommend stretching and warming up a bit. Often, you don’t need a long workout on the elliptical to feel the burn.
Sometimes, you need short bursts to feel your spine tingle and sweat falling down from your head.
Eventually, you’ll find something that works best for you and your time. If you only have ample time, short bursts are great. But if you have enough time, 30-minute workouts would be best.
Still, I recommend starting with a few minutes to try things out and take it from there.
Don’t push yourself from the beginning, or you’ll have yourself the whole week to recover without doing anything.
Start small, and once you get the hang of it, you can try to increase the resistance level bit by bit along with the time you’re working out.
Things to Consider When Looking for the Best Elliptical Trainers Under 1,000
You want an elliptical that is right for the task while keeping costs down.
But for first-time buyers, it can be quite overwhelming to learn all the terminologies associated with ellipticals.
We’ll break it down to help you with this, so you have the right elliptical trainer for your fitness and weight loss journey.
Type of Elliptical Machine
One of the biggest decisions you will probably have to make is to choose what type of elliptical is the best for you.
As you may have already seen from my list, there are quite a few types of elliptical machines. There are standing, recumbent, stair-stepper, under desks, and a combination of both.
I recommend trying either the recumbent or standing because it will give you a good idea of which will provide more comfort for you when working out.
A recumbent elliptical is a seated version, whereas standing ellipticals don’t have any.
Build Quality
You don’t enjoy many options in this price range as your choices are pretty cramped up already.
Still, build quality is the next thing you should consider, as it will be the determining factor if you will be using your elliptical machine for a long period.
Look for an elliptical that has a frame made of durable steel or alloy. Both these metals are known for their durability and longevity of use.
Avoid looking for frames made of plastic, as they aren’t typically the best choice you have. You will just be wasting money without offering a good workout in return.
Size and Space
Elliptical machines require a large space because of how they are designed and built. While some elliptical machines are narrower and shorter than others, some don’t. If space matters to you, consider checking the best compact elliptical machines to get!
However, there are also elliptical machines with foldable features that are great if you don’t have the luxury of space.
Before buying your first elliptical, measure the possible space you will be putting your new elliptical to ensure everything goes smoothly after assembly.
Lastly, if you don’t have enough space, you might want to look for folding ellipticals to ensure they won’t cramp up your space.
Weight Capacity
Most ellipticals can accommodate weights not lower than 250 pounds, and some can go as high as 350 pounds.
But in the price range, you might not have the luxury of choices compared to the mid and luxury-level elliptical machines.
Still, many ellipticals can accommodate weights of up to 300 pounds in this price segment, and I highly recommend going for those just for good measure.
Stride Length
Another important factor to consider when looking for the best elliptical machine under 1000 is the stride length, especially for tall users.
Users well beyond 6’2″ should look for an elliptical with at least a 20-inch stride length, whereas shorter users can go anywhere between 15 to 18-inch stride length.
Most ellipticals under this budget range are just fine for shorter users.
An elliptical machine mimicking a natural stride can give you a more comfortable experience.
But, as I’ve mentioned, if you are on the taller side, you might have to search for more models that can accommodate your height within this price range.
Resistance Levels
Resistance levels are important when looking for the best elliptical machines under $1,000, as this will vary your upper body and lower body workout.
Most ellipticals in this price range have 14 to 16 resistance levels, which I feel is more than enough to start with.
As your fitness journey progresses, you may opt for elliptical machines with higher resistance levels, as this will only help further tone and strengthen your lower body muscle groups.
Reviews
One of the best ways to know how an elliptical would fare well when it’s actually used is to read reviews online.
Bowflex, Horizon Fitness, and NordicTrack have great review sections that give you plenty of insights and customer testimonies regarding their products.
I usually recommend paying special attention to the elliptical’s functionality and durability in the comment section.
Also, look for comments on whether the machine wobbles when operating at high-intensity levels. Reading the review section can also give you a good idea of how a company responds to these comments.
Additional Features
While you don’t enjoy many bells and whistles from this price segment, manufacturers are still willing to go the extra mile for their customers.
Additional features such as fitness tests, ergonomic handles, textured foot pedals, preset workouts, calorie burn trackers, and metric tracking are a great way to make your experience comfortable and entertaining.
The only thing you can do is go the extra mile when searching through the best ellipticals for under $1000.
Some elliptical trainers already have good workout programs included, which makes the deal even sweeter!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you have additional questions regarding ellipticals under $1,000 and everything in general, you might find them below.
How Much Should I Spend on an Elliptical?
An entry-level elliptical should get you around $250 to $500, whereas a mid-entry level will go for around $750 to $1,500.
In this price range, you enjoy different features that can make your workouts more challenging and entertaining.
Anything more than $5,000, and you’ll start to see diminishing returns based on my experience.
Is 20 Minutes a Day on Elliptical Enough?
Of course! It’s better than not using it at all!
In fact, it is recommended by most trainers to use the elliptical for around 15 to 30 minutes a day to ensure your heart stays pumping while sweating out.
Calories burned during this time frame are also enough to lose weight. It’s just a matter of staying consistent and disciplined throughout your journey.
Are Ellipticals Under 1,000 Still Durable?
Yes, most definitely!
Most ellipticals on this list have warranties on parts, frames, and labor, which means these brands and manufacturers have their trust in their products to last long enough for you to achieve your workout goals.
There are still ellipticals under 1,000 made of high-quality steel that can offer you a more challenging workout without failing you in the long run.
What Are the Best Elliptical Brands to Look Out For?
There are quite a number of elliptical brands on the market today known for providing us with the best elliptical machines.
Here are some of the best brands today:
- Bowflex
- NordicTrack
- Proform
- Schwinn Fitness
- Nautilus
- Sole
- Sunny Health and Fitness
Some of these brands already have their products on my list. So, it shouldn’t surprise you that these brands have various products in different price ranges.
Summary
Here’s a summary of my top picks to help you choose which elliptical machine is the best for you.
Best Budget: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912
Features:
- Product Dimensions: 23″D x 55″W x 64.5″H
- Maximum User Weight Capacity: 330 Pounds
- Resistance Levels: 16 Levels
- Extra Features: 14-inch Display
- Warranty: 3-year frame / 3 months for other parts and components
- Stride Length: 15.5 Inches
For the best ellipticals under 1,000, I feel the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912 is up to the challenge of giving you a great workout and functionality.
It feels durable from the get-go and is a piece of good exercise equipment when combined with other high-intensity interval training.
Best Value: Schwinn Fitness 411
Features:
- Product Dimensions: 53.8″D x 24″W x 62.5″H
- Maximum User Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Magnetic Resistance Levels: 16 Levels
- Extra Features: 18-Inch LCD
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2 years on parts, 1 year on electronics, and 90 days for labor.
- Stride Length: 18 Inches
It doesn’t get any better than the Schwinn Fitness 411 elliptical machine. It’s the best value because of how incredible the features are.
For the price, there are only quite a handful of ellipticals that can beat this machine. Overall, a versatile and well-rounded product at a reasonably affordable price.
Best Overall: Bowflex Max Trainer M3
Features:
- Product Dimensions: 49″D x 26″W x 64.6″H
- Max Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Resistance Levels: 8 Levels of Resistance
- Extra Features: Water Bottle & Media Shelf/Tablet Holder
- Warranty: One-year
- Stride Length: 18 Inches
The Bowflex Max Trainer M3 is the best for several reasons. One reason is it comes from a very reputable and trusted brand known for its high-quality exercise equipment.
Secondly, the combination of functionality and features makes this product stand out from the rest of the competition.
Lastly, the quiet operation and durable construction were the icings on the cake, as you rarely find ellipticals with these kinds of features within the budget department.
Conclusion
While most people consider an elliptical a costly investment, there are still quite a handful of options available below the $1,000 price department.
My list of the best elliptical machine under 1000 should provide you with plenty of things to look forward to along with your fitness goals.
I hope this article on the best elliptical machine under 1,000 helped you in so many ways to pick and choose which one is the best for you.
