It seems as though nearly everyone wants elliptical trainers for their home gym, and why not? These handy pieces of gym equipment are low-impact, provide more of an upper-body workout than a treadmill or stair climber, and they can be fun to use too!
Unfortunately, they can also be pricey.
I’ve done some research, however, and I’ve found some terrific elliptical trainers for less than $600! Some are less than $500!
You may think that inexpensive = cheap, easily broken, and zippo when it comes to fun features, but that isn’t the case.
While elliptical trainers vary considerably, you can always get a great bargain on a highly rated elliptical trainer if you look hard enough.
That takes time, though, right? I’m betting you don’t have too much spare time to read through dozens of review sites, so I did the work for you.
I’ve waded through tons of reviews for elliptical trainers and found a few that are inexpensive, aren’t necessarily stripped-down models, and are really sturdy elliptical machines.
Want to know more?
Keep reading. This article will save you tons of time and prevent you from buying a big clothes hanger that you never use.
Top 5 Best Rated Elliptical Trainers Under $600
I’ve reviewed at least 40 elliptical trainers and came up with this list of the Top 5 best ellipticals under $600.
There are many things to consider, such as the stride length, size, and price.
Not everyone is looking for the same features in elliptical trainers, but based on my experience, I’ve narrowed this list down to what I believe most people are looking for in an elliptical machine and an elliptical workout.
Editor’s Choice: Xterra Fitness FS3.0 Elliptical
This elliptical cross trainer has quite a few features for not much cash – Ola! If you think that an inexpensive machine must be a bare-bones piece of workout equipment, this one will change your mind.
The Xterra Fitness elliptical cross trainer is uses magnetic resistance, which means that it’s virtually silent as you work out. That makes it perfect for those living in apartments or shared dwellings. You won’t disturb anyone while you’re working out.
Its main talking points are:
- A 22-pound flywheel makes this a sturdy elliptical machine.
- There are 20 resistance levels, so you will always feel challenged.
- The stride length is 16-inches.
- The overall dimensions are 54.1″ x 24″ x 65.2″.
- The backlit LCD display is 5.5 inches, and it tracks your time, calories burned, and more.
- You can use a third-party chest strap to monitor your heart rate continuously or use the grip pulse monitor.
- There is an audio input jack and front-facing speakers so you can listen to music or audiobooks as you exercise.
- This can be used in either forward or in reverse.
- It offers 18 workout programs to choose from.
- The maximum user weight capacity is 300 lbs.
- The device itself weighs 103.6 pounds.
To give you a clue as to how sturdy this elliptical trainer is, the company offers a 5-year warranty on the frame and a 1-year warranty on everything else.
This is a whole lot of elliptical trainers for a very small price! If you want an extremely quiet machine, you want a magnetic elliptical, and if you want something that will last, then you want the Xterra Fitness XF3.0.
Does Going Backwards on the Elliptical Do Anything?
Ah! I see you noticed that the Xterra Magnetic Elliptical also goes in reverse!
While it might not seem important, you can get more of a full-body workout by spending at least some time using the elliptical machine in reverse.
Going forward, you will work your hamstrings and glutes, but going in reverse will work your quads and calves, as well as get great little bursts of cardio.
Working in reverse will help improve your balance and posture, and engage those all-important core muscles, especially if you try to avoid holding onto the handles!
Be careful going in reverse, especially if you’re new to the machine. You don’t want to lose your balance and fall!
This will take some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you might find you prefer to go backward than forward!
Best Weight Capacity Elliptical Trainer: Sunny Health and Fitness Advanced Programmed Elliptical Machine
You may not have heard of the Sunny Health and fitness brand, but you will soon.
Sunny Health & Fitness manufactures exercise bikes and other types of workout equipment at budget-friendly prices.
These are not cheap, stripped-down models, either. Many of them have the same features as more expensive, brand-name items.
At less than $500, this elliptical machine has a lot to offer, including the highest weight capacity among elliptical machines that I’ve seen.
Features of this elliptical trainer include:
- Steel frame for durability
- Rubber stabilizers on the feet to prevent floor damage and movement.
- Has a media shelf or tablet holder so you can watch your favorite programs or online workout videos
- Magnetic resistance means this elliptical machine won’t make a sound as you use it.
- 16 resistance levels keep you feeling challenged.
- The backlit, LCD performance monitor tracks your speed, time, distance, calories burned, rotations per minute, watt generations, and magnetic resistance level.
- 24 preset workout programs
- The stride length is 15.5 inches, which is nearly the same as a full-sized elliptical.
- Grip pulse monitor in the handles helps you to track your heart rate.
- The full-motion handle grips are padded for comfort.
- Water bottle holder
- User weight capacity is 330 lbs.
The frame has a 3-year warranty and everything else, including the LCD monitor, 6-months.
This is one of the best elliptical machines I’ve seen that has such a high maximum weight capacity. If you are looking for a heavy-duty machine that can take a beating and keep on moving, the Sunny Health & Fitness Advanced Programmed Elliptical is the one you should consider.
Is It Better to Run or Use the Elliptical Machine?
Unless you love running, you’re better off using elliptical trainers.
Running is not only high-impact, which means your hips, knees, and ankles take a real beating, but it does zero for your core muscles or the upper body. The same is true with an exercise bike.
Yes, you could use a treadmill, and later do an upper-body workout such as resistance bands or weight lifting, but why spend more time exercising than you need to?
An elliptical will give you a lower body workout without the joint damage, and work the upper body at the same time!
If you want a lower-body workout, a cardio workout, and an upper-body workout, while enjoying a low-impact exercise, you can’t go wrong using an elliptical trainer.
Best Compact Machine: The Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Trainer
Do you want an elliptical cross trainer, but you’re short on space? The Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical might be just what your living room space ordered.
Measuring only 24 inches by 54 inches, you won’t find another elliptical with a footprint this tiny. In fact, I think Schwinn should have called this a mini-elliptical!
That’s doesn’t mean that this machine isn’t packed with features! I love the high-tech tablet holder and program that this elliptical lets you use, which means you will never, ever, be bored!
Let me tell you about the features of this magnetic elliptical trainer.
- This uses magnetic resistance for ultra-quiet operation.
- There are 16-resistance levels for a challenging workout.
- Stride length is 18 inches, which equals those larger, more expensive machines.
- Built-in water bottle holder
- Features both moving and stationary arms
- The streamlined LCD console tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and heart rate.
- The built-in media shelf holds your cell phone or tablet.
- Use the Explore the World app to access 19 different around-the-world locations and 27 routes for you to enjoy and “walk”.
- Maximum user weight limit is 300 lbs.
If space is a premium for you, and you need a quiet, yet compact elliptical trainer, you should seriously consider this model by the famous Schwinn company.
How Long Should I Use the Elliptical Each Day?
This would depend on your fitness or weight loss goals.
Generally speaking, most people should use the elliptical for 30 minutes of exercise time each day at moderate intensity, six times a week. Always give your body at least one full day of rest.
If you want to lose weight quickly, a more intense workout will work best. Try using the elliptical with a HIIT program, alternating one minute of low intensity followed by one minute of high intensity for 20 minutes each day.
You might also check out some of the many fitness workout videos available online, where you may avail of subscription programs and free programs.
Most ellipticals offer some type of workout programs on the LCD screens, so don’t discount those until you have tried them.
If you’re interested in cardio workouts, you can do a higher intensity routine for 20-30 minutes.
Best Value: Sunny Health and Fitness Elliptical Cardio Climber
Actually, the full name of this elliptical trainer is the Elliptical Cardio Climber Cross Trainer Machine with Stepping Motion. That’s a mouthful! Maybe the model number, Sunny Health Fitness SF-E3919, would be easier!!
Anyway, this elliptical trainer lets you climb your way to cardiovascular fitness and help you lose weight at the same time.
This is a step hybrid machine that uses your body weight to step up the elliptical motion to new heights if you will.
At just under $500, this heavy-duty hybrid trainer is one of the most affordable ellipticals that isn’t short on features.
Let’s see why this piece of fitness equipment offers the best value proposition among ellipticals.
Key Features of this Machine:
- This offers the best of stepping and walking. You can climb to a vertical height of 9 inches and stride or walk a horizontal distance of 5 inches.
- The stride length is 10-inches.
- The multi-function digital monitor does the usual tracking of time, distance, RPM, speed, pulse, and calories burned, but in addition to that, it also comes with a thermometer, clock, scan, recovery mode, calendar, and BMI and body fat percentage calculator!
- The built-in tablet or smartphone device holder lets you watch TV or listen to music.
- There are 8 magnetic resistance levels.
- Pulse-sensing handle grips measure your heart rate for the ultimate in calorie burning.
- Transportation wheels allow you to move and store this magnetic resistance machine easily.
- The maximum user weight limit is 260 pounds.
This has many great features that you would expect on an elliptical trainer that costs twice as much! Many users have noted that for taller people, this is the best elliptical machine.
Do Some Ellipticals Have Better Workout Programs Than Others?
Most elliptical trainers have some type of built-in pre-programmed workouts for you to use, but which are “better” would be a matter of personal preference.
Some people enjoy hill-climbing, while others enjoy more of a cross-country skiing type of workout.
You can always use online workout programs. There is a multitude of workout programs suited for nearly everyone, whether you want to lose weight or get in a whole-body workout quickly.
Best Budget Pick: Schwinn A40 Elliptical Trainer
If price is your main concern, check out this incredible elliptical trainer from Schwinn.
At less than $400, this is the best elliptical for the price! It still offers many of the features you would expect from elliptical trainers costing three times as much!
Yes, it does have its limitations, but for many people, this cardio exercise machine is ideal for getting in your workout time with no trip to the gym.
Even at this price, you’ll benefit from the key features of this elliptical trainer.
Key Features:
- It pagnetic resistance using a high-speed, high-inertia enhanced flywheel for a smooth and super quiet workout.
- 8 resistance levels keep you challenged
- The LCD display tracks speed, time, RPM, distance, calories, results, and heart rate.
- Built-in pulse rate monitors in the handles make it easy to monitor your heart rate.
- 7-preset workout programs offer an ideal workout plan.
- The 17.5-inch stride length uses Precision Path Foot Motion technology, which means that it is similar to walking, not like an exercise bike.
- It has both forward and reverse motion.
- There are both fixed and moving handlebars.
- This elliptical trainer weighs 105 pounds.
- Dimensions are 59″ x 23″ x 64″inches.
- The maximum user weight is 275 pounds.
This is one of the best elliptical trainers out there, especially when you consider the weight limit and the overall price.
Remember that magnetic resistance is super quiet, so you don’t have to worry about the neighbors complaining or waking up your toddler from their nap.
What Is the Best Elliptical for the Money?
Someone once told me that the best elliptical (or any exercise machine for that matter, whether it’s an upright bike or a treadmill) is the one that you will use regularly. I couldn’t agree more!
No machine will help you lose weight, improve your fitness levels, and work all your muscle groups if you don’t use it.
Commit yourself to using the elliptical of your choice at least 5 days per week for 30 minutes each day and you can’t help but come out the winner!
The Last Word
I hope you found this review helpful.
If you’re still having a difficult time choosing an affordable elliptical, take a look at what you require from an elliptical trainer.
Do you need a compact trainer? Is price your major concern? Do you need a tablet holder so you can watch programs and not get bored?
Do you need an elliptical that can handle a user weight of 300 lbs?
All of the elliptical trainers listed above are the best elliptical in their class, so no matter which one you choose, it’s sure to be the best elliptical for your home gym!
Affordable ellipticals are plentiful, but finding one that will function properly after a few years of use and has all the features you want can be a bit tricky.
By the way, I realize that some people want a desk elliptical, but I will save those for another article.
If you want the best elliptical machines, budget ellipticals, or ellipticals that are a great value, you can’t go wrong with any of the machines on this list.
Tips for an Effective Workout
- Pay attention to your posture when exercising. Don’t shift your weight forward and slouch over the LCD window. Work on maintaining a neutral posture and let your legs do the work!
- Don’t put all your weight on your toes. This will over-stress your knees and cause pain later on.
- While calorie counters on ellipticals are fun, they aren’t very accurate. Focus on something else other than calories, such as time or distance.
- Challenge yourself! While there are days you will want to put that resistance knob on a lower setting and just zone out, you should limit those easy workouts. Burning calories and improving your cardiovascular health won’t happen that way! Work up a sweat! You will feel better afterward.
- Don’t do the same routine day after day after day. Your body will become accustomed to the routine. Change things up to keep your body guessing!
