Best Budget Ellipticals Under $1000 2021

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine best elliptical under 1000

Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine

The Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine is one of the cheapest elliptical machines you can get. It is all around sturdy, and has a max weight limit of 275 pounds which is impressive considering the price point. It’s from a well known manufacturer so no worries if you ever have to deal with support.

The machine is uncompromising, not modest and feeble like others in this value range and you won’t lament purchasing this elliptical machine.

The shipping dimensions of the A40 elliptical machine are 59″L x 23″W x 64″H and the assembled dimensions are 64″(h) × 22.5″(w) × 59″(l). It is a lightweight elliptical machine weighing only 90 pounds.

ModelSchwinn A40
Rating  95%
Dimensions59″ x 23″ x 64″
Resistance8 levels
Resistance TypeMagnetic resistance
Stride Length17.5 “
Max. Weight275 lbs
Programs7 preset
Heart RateErgonomically placed grip heart rate contacts
DisplayLarge LCD console
Upper BodyYes
Media ShelfAvailable
PortableYes
Cup HolderYes
WarrantyFrame – 3 years Mechanical and electrical – 1 year Labor – 60 days

Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical

Pros

  • moderately priced
  • 10 built-in workouts
  • features Bluetooth speakers, USB charging port, and tablet holder
  • interest-free financing available
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • fewer resistance and programmed workout options than other models
  • not ideal for taller people
  • may not be as smooth as other models due to its lightweight flywheel
  • doesn’t include a touch screen

Additional specs and features of this elliptical include:

  • Dimensions: 74 inches × 25 inches × 64.5 inches (188 cm × 64 cm × 164 cm)
  • Weight: 145 pounds (66 kg)
  • Stride length: 18 inches (46 cm)
  • Flywheel weight: 14.3 pounds (6.5 kg)
  • Weight capacity: 300 pounds (136 kg)
  • Resistance options: 10
  • Workout presets: 10
  • Other features: Bluetooth-enabled speakers, USB charging port, tablet holder, drink holder

Sunny Health & Fitness Advanced Programmed Elliptical Machine Trainer with Electromagnetic Resistance (SF-E3912)

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912 features a steel frame construction with the base frame completely covered by ABS guards. All the steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish, gray in color, this being the only color available for this elliptical.

The machine does not fold, but compared to other elliptical trainers, it has a smaller footprint. With the frame fully assembled, it is only 59″ (150 cm) long, and 23.5″ (60 cm) wide.

Features and Specs

  • Assembled dimensions: 59L x 23.5W x 64H inches (150L x 60W x 163H cm)
  • Assembled weight: 104.8 lbs (47.5 kg)
  • Supported weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
  • Stride: 14 inches (35.5 cm)
  • Incline: No
  • Resistance: Motorized-magnetic, 16 levels
  • Console: 24 programs, Recovery function
  • Extras: Tablet holder, bottle holder
  • Warranty: Frame 3 years, Parts 180 days

Pros

  • Sturdy construction – can support users up to 330 lbs;
  • Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
  • Transport wheels on the front base;
  • Fixed and mobile handlebars;
  • Balanced flywheel providing a smooth and steady pedaling motion with a consistent momentum;
  • Extra-large, non-slip, durable pedals;
  • 16 levels of eddy current resistance;
  • Multi-window LCD display console to show all the workout metrics simultaneously;
  • LED backlight on the console display

Cons

  • The calories reading isn’t too accurate
  • No online connectivity. (maybe a Pro to some)

XTERRA FS3.5

The XTERRA FS3.5 is one of the elliptical trainers released by XTERRA Fitness in 2018. It features a longer stride and more resistance levels compared to the older models. It’s a machine equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system made for home use. It also has a slightly smaller footprint than other front-drive elliptical trainers.

Features and Specs

  • Assembled dimensions: 57.1L x 20.5W x 63H inches (145L x 52W x 160H cm)
  • Assembled weight: 110 lbs (50 kg)
  • Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
  • Flywheel weight: 15 lbs (7 kg)
  • Stride: 17 inches (43 cm)
  • Incline: No
  • Resistance: Digital magnetic, 24 levels
  • Console: 24 programs, recovery
  • Extras: Accessory holder, sound system
  • Warranty: Frame 5 years / Parts 1 year

The XTERRA Fitness FS3.5 elliptical machine features a pretty solid steel frame but it also incorporates several ABS parts in its construction. For example, the covers of the drive system and the pedal trays are made of heavy-duty ABS plastic. All the steel bars are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The only exceptions are the covers of the pedal sliding rails which are aluminum-made and they don’t have any paint finish.

Pros

  • Sturdy construction – can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg);
  • Transport wheels on the front base;
  • Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
  • Fixed and mobile handlebars;
  • Medium-weight flywheel (15 lbs) for a more consistent pedaling motion;
  • Large, non-slip pedals;
  • Eddy current, automatic resistance (24 levels);
  • Multi-window LCD display with LED backlight;
  • The console tracks all the important workout metrics, including time, distance, total distance, speed, RPM, watts, calories, and pulse

Cons

  • A heart rate chest strap is not included;
  • No bottle holder.

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine (Our Choice)

Yet another ellipitcal from Schwinn but this one is really a good bang for buck and as with all Schwinn brands, holds up to the name. This is our favorite pick

Features and Specs

  • Assembled dimensions: 70.1L x 28.2W x 63.2H inches (178.1L x 71.5W x 160.5H cm) 
  • Product weight: 168.7 lbs (76.5 kg)
  • Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
  • Stride: 20 inches (51 cm)
  • Incline: Manual, 6 positions, up to 10° incline
  • Footplates: Articulating, with cushioning
  • Handlebars: Both mobile and fixed (with pulse sensors)
  • Resistance system: Eddy current, 20 levels
  • Console: 22 workout programs
  • Bottle/Accessory holder: Yes
  • Media tray: Yes
  • Fan: 3-speed, incorporated in the console
  • Speakers: Incorporated in the console
  • Warranty: Frame 10 years, Mechanical 2 years, Electronics 1 year, Labor 90 days.

Pros

  • Sturdy frame, with an appealing design.
  • Bases with levelers.
  • Articulating pedals, for minimum impact on your joints.
  • 10 lbs flywheel, perimeter-weighted for smooth pedaling.
  • Quiet machine, ideal for apartment use.
  • 20 levels of eddy current resistance
  • Basically no wear and tear on the brake pads (no replacement needed).
  • 22 workout programs.
  • 6 levels of incline.
  • DualTrack monitor system that allows you to see your workout data even if you have a tablet on top of the console.
  • Cooling fan.
  • USB charging port.
  • Schwinn Connect and MyFitness Pal compatibility.
  • Sound system, in case you don’t want to workout with earplugs.
  • Media tray for your tablet or book.
  • Bottle / accesory holder.
  • Low maintenance.
  • Excellent warranty plan.

Cons

For its price, the Schwinn 430 doesn’t lack much. We can mention though:

  • No backlight on any of the two monitors.
  • Lack of pulse sensors on the mobile grips.
  • Console not telemetry enabled.
We may may earn a small commission on sales of affiliate offers