Elliptical machines combine the best of both worlds: the smooth, quiet ride of a stationary bike with the more rigorous exercise of running. Workouts on an elliptical trainer are low impact, don’t stress your joints and can be either low or high intensity.
If you are in the market for a cheap elliptical, then you have probably noticed that some of them are also expensive. That’s what we are going to review here, the top 8 best elliptical under 1000. These machines are not only inexpensive, but also compact and offer the same features as their more expensive counterparts.
All 8 elliptical machines are the best choice I have personally tested. Three of them are Sunny Health & Fitness, three are Schwinn, one is Bowflex, and one is Horizon Fitness. These are the best brands of fitness equipment currently on the market, and you will not regret going with their products.
Table of Contents
Main Features
- Dimensions: 28 L x 17 W x 57 H
- Weight: 68 Pounds
- Levels of Magnetic Resistance: 8
- Monitor: scan, time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, rpm, pulse
- Weight capacity: 220 Pounds
PROs
- Very high cost performance
- 8 magnetic resistances to meet different exercise levels
- Large non-slip pedals
- Display basic exercise statistics
- Not take up much space
- Lightweight and easy to move
CONs
- Lack of good warranty
- 13 inches stride length is a bit short
- No built-in workout programs
The first elliptical machine I recommend today is Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine. Needless to say, Sunny Health & Fitness is a leader in the sports and fitness industry. I have repeatedly recommended some popular treadmills and recumbent bicycles made by this company on my website.
This elliptical machine model SF-E905 has a pair of large pedals and are non-slip. The built-in calculator can count some basic exercise data, including: time, speed, distance, heart rate, calories burned and total distance, etc. With 8 magnetic resistances, it can be adapted to people with different fitness goals.
Although the machine itself weighs only 68 pounds, it can withstand a maximum weight of 280 pounds, which is really amazing. In addition, its overall volume is relatively small, so it is particularly suitable for home fitness equipment.
In general, this Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine is a high-quality cheap small elliptical machine, the current price is only $210, especially suitable for friends who buy an elliptical machine for the first time.
Main Features
- Dimensions: 55 L x 23.5 W x 64.5 H
- Weight: 105 Pounds
- Levels of Magnetic Resistance: 16
- LCD display console: Yes
- Weight capacity: 330 Pounds
- Build-in Workout programs: 24
PROs
- Very high cost performance
- 16 magnetic resistances to meet different exercise levels
- 24 Build-in workout programs
- 330 Max Weight Capacity
- Advanced monitor
- Easy to assemble
CONs
- No online connectivity
- 14 inches stride length is a bit short
This is the second Sunny Health & Fitness elliptical machine recommended today. Compared with the previous SF-E905, various functions have been improved. For example, the maximum weight has been increased to 330 pounds; the number of magnetic resistance has also doubled, with a total of 16. But I think the biggest improvement lies in the built-in 24 workout programs. In addition, this elliptical machine provides a warranty of 3 years for the frame and half a year for the parts.
But the disadvantage of Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912 Elliptical Machine: The stride length is too short, only 13 inches. And this Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912 Elliptical Machine has basically not improved much, only 14 inches. This stride length is still not suitable for those who want to run on it.
But in general, the performance of this SF-E3912 is also quite good, and more importantly, its price currently does not even exceed $500.
Main Features
- Dimensions: 42L x 23W x 60.5H inches
- Weight: 69.3 Pounds
- Levels of Magnetic Resistance: 8
- Monitor: scan, time, speed, distance, odometer, calories
- Weight capacity: 220 Pounds
PROs
- Very high cost performance
- 8 magnetic resistances to meet different exercise levels
- Large non-slip pedals
- Display basic exercise statistics
- Not take up much space
- Lightweight and easy to move
CONs
- 9 inches stride length is a bit short
- No built-in workout programs
- No heart rate monitor
In my opinion, this Sunny Health & Fitness is not much different from the first SF-E905. The difference is that it is more like an cardio climber. The main functions of this SF-E3911 are all, but the disadvantage is that it lacks a heart rate monitor and a smaller stride length, only 9 inches.
For more information about this elliptical machine, please watch its video.
Main Features
- Dimensions: 28.2 x 63.2 x 70.1 inches
- Weight: 189.2 Pounds
- Levels of Magnetic Resistance: 25
- Display: 2 DualTrack blue backlit LCD
- Weight capacity: 300 Pounds
- Workout Programs: 29
- Stride Length: 20 inches
PROs
- Very powerful and comprehensive
- 29 built-in exercise programs, 25 resistance levels, the most among elliptical machines under $1,000
- 4 user profiles, suitable for home use
- There is a cooling fan, which is cooler during exercise
CONs
- Warranty is somewhat inadequate compared to other products of the same level
Next, I will recommend three Schwinn elliptical machines. In my opinion, this Schwinn 470 is the best of the three, and it is not difficult to see from its current price, which is close to $1,000 ($899). Therefore, the function of this product is the best among elliptical machines under $1,000 in all aspects.
The structure is sturdy and durable, allowing users to be more comfortable and at ease during exercise. These are basic, as an elliptical machine that is close to a thousand dollars. In addition, it has 29 built-in exercise programs and 25 resistance levels. A total of 4 user profiles can be saved, let your family use this elliptical machine together!
What is even more surprising is that it also has the Explore the World App, allowing you to experience the fun of exercise more realistically and improve the exercise experience.
But this does not mean that this elliptical machine is flawless, and Schwinn’s warranty for it is not good. Other companies can provide products with lifetime frame warranty and 1-year labor warranty, while this Schwinn 470 elliptical machine only has a 10-year frame warranty and a 90-day labor warranty. But I think this is not a big problem, as long as you cherish it.
Main Features
- Dimensions: 70.1" L x 28.2" W x 63.2" H
- Weight: 165 Pounds
- Levels of Magnetic Resistance: 20
- Display: 2 DualTrack backlit LCD
- Weight capacity: 300 Pounds
- Workout Programs: 22
- Stride Length: 20 inches
PROs
- Very powerful and comprehensive
- 22 built-in exercise programs, 20 resistance levels
- 2 user profiles, suitable for home use
- There is a cooling fan, which is cooler during exercise
- iPod-compatible sound system
CONs
- Can only be adjusted manually
- No wireless heart rate monitoring
- The labor warranty period is too short, only 90 days
Compared with the previous Schwinn 470, this Schwinn 430 is also very comprehensive, but the configuration of some additional functions is slightly lower. For example, it has only 22 built-in exercise programs, only 20 resistance levels, only 2 user profiles, and no Bluetooth Connectivity.
The 470’s unique Explore the World App does not have this Schwinn 430 elliptical machine. However, if you simply focus on the exercise itself, I think this is not a particularly important function.
The reduction in configuration means that the price will be reduced accordingly. After all, you get what you pay for.
Main Features
- Dimensions: 70.1" L x 28.1" W x 63.1" H
- Weight: 117 Pounds
- Levels of Magnetic Resistance: 16
- Display: 5.5" High Contrast LCD
- Weight capacity: 300 Pounds
- Workout Programs: 13
- Stride Length: 18 inches
PROs
- Most affordable of all
- More compact and lighter
- The function is very comprehensive
- 16 built-in exercise programs, 13 resistance levels
- Explore the World App, make exercise more fun
CONs
- Labor warranty is still short
- The display has no backlight
- Can't tilt
- No speakers
In my opinion, the 411 is the most affordable of all Schwinn’s elliptical machines. Its biggest feature is its compact design, which is suitable for users with smaller rooms. Although the overall size is the same as that of the 430, it is lighter at only 119 pounds, which is very convenient to move. However, the weight of 119 pounds does not mean that its weight capacity will be small. In fact, it can still withstand a maximum weight of 300 pounds. In other features, it has an 18-inch stride, 16 resistance levels, and 13 built-in exercise programs.
What is even more surprising is that this compact elliptical machine actually has a high-end elliptical machine, such as the Explore the World App function that Schwinn 470 have.
If I have to say that it has any shortcomings, then I think it may be the lack of Speakers, and the previous two Schwinn elliptical machines have. But overall, this Schwinn 411 is the most affordable one, as good as the price of an elliptical machine on the market at around $500.
Related: Schwinn 411 Elliptical Review – The Best Under $500?
Main Features
- Dimensions: 68" L x 25" W x 64" H
- Weight: 145 Pounds
- Levels of Magnetic Resistance: 10
- Weight capacity: 275 Pounds
- Workout Programs: 10
- Stride Length: 18 inches
PROs
- Very cheap
- The frame is stable and durable
- Very quiet, suitable for home use
- Lifetime warranty on the frame and 20 years on the motor
- Has several built-in exercise programs
CONs
- Flywheel light weight
- The LCD screen is slightly smaller and has no backlight
- Can't be fold
- No cooling fan
Horizon Fitness is also a well-known fitness retailer brand that has been established for more than 20 years. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about its quality.
This elliptical machine provides very basic features, 10 built-in exercise programs and 10 resistance levels. Only a 4.5-inch LCD display, and can monitor heart rate, but it is a touch handle instead of wireless heart rate monitoring.
In short, this is a relatively low price, but full-featured product. In addition, EX-59 also provides financing, ranging from six months to two years, with an interest rate of 0%.
Main Features
- Dimensions: 49" L x 26" W x 64.7" H
- Weight: 143 Pounds
- Levels of Resistance: 8
- Weight capacity: 300 Pounds
- Workout Programs: 2
- User Profiles: 2
PROs
- Compact design, small footprint
- Combines an elliptical machine and a stepper
- Wireless heart rate monitoring
- The display is easy to read
CONs
- All warranty is only 1 year
- Too few resistance levels and workout programs
- No built-in speakers
- No Bluetooth Connectivity and App Experiences
Bowflex Max Trainer M3 is an entry-level home fitness equipment, but it has received unanimous praise from owners and professionals. The reason is that it is equipped with a lot of excellent functions.
It is also a compact elliptical machine, especially suitable for the home gym. It has a total of 8 different resistance levels, which are relatively few in similar products. But even less is its built-in workout program, only two, interval training and manual mode. Other general elliptical machines either have no built-in exercise programs, or at least 10. But at least it also has 2 User Profiles.
In addition, Bowflex Max Trainer M3 does not have a high-definition touch screen display, but it can also display some basic exercise data including heart rate. It is worth mentioning that the heart rate is monitored by a wireless chest strap, which is said to be more accurate than a contact grip monitor.
Quick Guide - Choose the Best Elliptical under 1000
Next, I will briefly teach you how I chose a suitable elliptical machine from several aspects. In fact, there is never the best, and the one that best meets your needs is always the best.
Quality of Products
The quality of any product is the most important thing. Fitness equipment will continue to wear out in daily use. Of course, you want to be able to use it for a lifetime without spending too much time and energy to maintain it. After all, frequent maintenance is a headache.
The elliptical machine is a kind of fitness equipment that you can use from 20 to 80 years old. When buying a durable elliptical machine, the big brand is obviously better than the average small brand. At least they are doing very well in terms of warranty. Many big elliptical machine brands such as Schwinn and Horizon Fitness provide lifetime frame warranty. At the same time, this also reflects that they are very assured of the quality of their products.
According to my actual experience, the life span of the above reliable elliptical machines is at least ten years.
Adjustable Resistance Level
If you want the elliptical machine you buy to be a long-term exercise partner, then as you continue to improve in your exercise, you must be stronger than you now in 2 years. In that case, the level 1 resistance from the beginning will definitely not satisfy you, you need a higher resistance level.
Elliptical machines below $1,000 are in the low-end grade, and most of them do not provide high resistance levels. For example, Schwinn 470 has 25 resistance levels, so its price is close to $1,000. But of course it depends on your needs. If you are an elderly person and are using an elliptical machine for recovery training, you certainly don’t need to spend a lot of money on a very high-end elliptical machine with a high resistance level.
Suitable Stride Length
Stride length is a unique attribute of an elliptical machine, compared to treadmills and exercise bikes. It is important because different stride lengths can affect different areas of your exercise. The shorter strides are for the quadriceps, while the longer strides are for the gluteus maximus, back muscles, arms and other muscles.
Judge how long your stride is suitable for, just run once on the actual ground. If you just want to use the elliptical machine to walk, the stride does not need to be very long. You will see that some elliptical machines have a maximum stride length of 9. These ellipticals are obviously for walking training.
Necessary Data Statistics
Now any fitness equipment will provide some necessary data generated during exercise. These are necessary for your planned exercise. It can periodically let you see the effect of your hard work. Scan, time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, these are the most basic exercise data, and an excellent elliptical machine is essential.
But I found that heart rate is actually very important, but there are many low-end elliptical machines under $1,000 that cannot count heart rate. Some elliptical machines only provide a contact-grip heart rate monitor, and some can provide a wireless heart rate monitor. In contrast, the heart rate monitoring of wireless heart rate monitors is generally more accurate, but the price is usually more expensive.
Other Considerations
In addition to the above core factors, you can also consider whether you need the following factors before buying:
- Can it be inclined
- More workout programs-enrich your exercise process, so that your exercise is no longer boring
- The level of noise at work-this is very important if you are working out at home
- Phone or tablet holder
- Has cooling fan
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Built-in App
Final Conclusion
So far, our list of the best elliptical under 1000 in 2021 has all been recommended to you. You already know very well that you can even buy a household elliptical machine for even about US$200. This is the Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine. If you want a machine with no more than 1000 but full-featured, Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine is your best choice.
If you want low-intensity exercise without damage to joints, knees and other parts, choose your favorite elliptical machine, which is the top alternative to treadmills.
