Best Ellipticals Under $1,000 | Reviews and Rankings

By paying attention to the tiniest details regarding an elliptical workout, Schwinn designed this one with a high inertia drive system that is amazingly easy to start up. After you have the setting s as you deem fit and start pedaling, it’s going to give you one of the quietest workouts you’ve ever experienced.

What's even more interesting is that in addition to having an easy startup, it's a high-speed drive system as well that you'll appreciate.

For the display, you’ll be getting a DualTrack 2 LCD screen display which gives you increased visibility to all the programs included in the Schwinn 430 as well as goal tracking.

Speaking of programs, you'll be getting a total of 22 preset workout programs. These include 9 profile programs, 8 heart rate control programs, 2 fitness tests, and a single quick start program. These should be good enough for both the advanced competitive athletes or anyone just starting their fitness journey.

Yet another amazing feature on this elliptical is the resistance levels. To make your workout more productive, you could switch between either of the 20 resistance levels for more intense cardio.

In addition to this, the Schwinn 430 provides 6 different incline positions with the adjustable ramp so you could blend this with the resistance levels to have an even more intense workout session

Being what distinguishes the best of the best from the average elliptical machines, the build quality on the Schwinn 430 elliptical bike is strong enough to support users that weigh as much as 300 pounds.

As far as comfort is concerned, it does have large cushioned footplates which result in low-impact workouts as well. It also has a flexible hand placement as you can also switch between the fixed and moving handlebars depending on your workout and desired comfort level.

For the path stride, it offers 20 inches and on top of this offers a precision foot motion technology which stimulates your natural running motion.

Here’s more…

You will be getting a USB charging port for continuous operation of your phone, tablets and music players which should be quite handy if you prefer to use a workout app during your training

In order to allow you to optimize your elliptical workout, it has the magnetic resistance system and as it turns out, this is much easier to operate as compared to having a manual system.

With this, you will be able to set the resistance between either of 16 different levels which makes it possible to optimize your cardio training in the long run- the perfect elliptical for beginners and advanced athletes.

As far as keeping track of your exercises is concerned, this bad boy features a blue backlit LCD electronic computer display which comes with both the push and turn controls. From the display, you should be able to keep track of the total distance you cover, the RPMS, the energy consumption, the time and it also shows different workout data and graphic dot matrix hill profiles.

From this x trainer, you can also measure the heart rate with the aid of the telemetric hand grips. These have got an optional infrared earlobe clip sensor as well as a wireless heart rate chest strap to get the most accurate readings.

So as to get you to hit your limits, there are an amazing 8 elliptical exercises included on this bad boy. These come with different levels of intensities and variations which allow you to work out different muscles.

Proving to be one of the easiest elliptical machines in the industry, you’ll find it quite easy to use and here’s why:

First, it comes with a quick start feature that activates the machine once you start pedaling it hence no need to switch it on manually. Other than this, there is also a recovery feature for cardio-wellness index calculations. So as to ensure it’s comfortable to use, it has got adjustable foot plates which on 3 different positions with a 20-inch stride length hence you can always vary your elliptical motions and movements.

Boasting to be one of the most durable elliptical trainers under 1000, it features a sturdy, powder-coated steel frame construction which is intended to get you through even the toughest of elliptical cardio workouts. It also comes with a 40-pound flywheel which delivers a smooth operation

The overall weight is 205 lbs and it measures 56 x 32 x 41 inches with a maximum weight capacity of 285 lbs which should prove usable by most people.
What about powering it up…

To get it functional, you’ll only be needing an AC power source of 110 volts.

When it comes down to functionality and the details, the best elliptical machines should have a good enough comfort level so as to get you through your whole workout session without much trouble at all.

To achieve this on the ProForm 695 Cse Smart Strider 695 Cse Elliptical trainer, there are oversized foot pedals included. With these, you should be able to rest the whole of your foot on the pedal comfortably so as to hit your leg muscles well enough.

The pedals are also cushioned which means the comfort is not compromised and you won’t have to worry about getting fatigued in the middle of your workout session and in addition to this, they are adjustable as well so you can alter their position to hit different muscle groups in your cardio. The elliptical also has an effective inertia-enhanced flywheel which is power adjustable for a quick incline.

For the upper body workouts, this elliptical has got a hard-plastic soft grip for the arms which does not absorb sweat no matter how intense your exercises are. Speaking of intense workouts, let’s see how much this bad boy can push you

With as much as 20 levels for the resistance from the flywheel, you'll find this a good enough elliptical machine if you're an advanced user or are just starting off. The wheel is also rear mounted to save on space and at the same time allow for enough room for limb motion.

For the weight, it’s not really the lightest but there is a silver lining to this: it has got one of the highest weight capacities as compared to other ellipticals in its class, an amazing 300 lbs. and should pretty much be usable by

The overall weight is 190 lbs due to the commercial grade solid steel construction. and though difficult to lift for long distance transportation, you will definitely appreciate the wheels at the bottom for positioning it in your house

Moving on to the interesting part, this cross-trainer machine is designed to give you the most comfortable of your workout sessions.

First, it features an integrated tablet holder which should be convenient if you have your workout program in it and a water bottle holder as well to keep you hydrated. Other than these two, there is an iPod-compatible audiosystem hence you won’t have to worry about boring workouts.

For the built-in workout programs, it features iFit ready and there is also a round watts LED display with as much as 24 workout apps. The elliptical also features an EKG heart rate monitor.

You will also appreciate the easy assembly design right out of the box and the vertical space saver design. For the dimensions, it measures 78 x 17.5 x 29 inches and could easily be set up in your bedroom or living room.

Probably one of the most convenient features that are guaranteed to favor every user while on an elliptical machine is the ability to connect your portable device to it.

By allowing for tablet connectivity, you can be able to use the AFG fitness app in order to control and keep track of your workouts and in the event of doing so be able to track your cardio exercises over time. What’s even more interesting is that it uses a wireless Bluetooth connectivity which just so happens to be really convenient.

Considering it comes with as much as 43 workout programs, it will be much easier to use the AFG app in tweaking the different settings on the AFG Sport 5.9AE Elliptical.

Boasting a design that has been arrived at from extensive biometric research, you'll be getting quite a smooth motion with each stride you take.

It features a heavy duty 23 lb. flywheel with a precision drive system that is guaranteed to deliver a smooth running through a flat ellipse motion while at the same time giving you a 20-inch glide path. This is as natural as an elliptical machine’s motion can get and by doing so, you won’t have to worry about joint pains after your elliptical workouts

Since durability is a priority on the best home elliptical, there's more to this one than just the quiet and heavy-duty flywheel. It comes with a heavy and welded steel frame and weighs 236 lbs. for the dimensions, it measures 76 x 34 x 57 inches.

As for the max supported weight capacity, it can hold as much as 325 lbs.; thanks to the heavy-duty steel welded frame

Yet another thing you’ll appreciate on this elliptical are the controls. Just in case you’ll not be having your tablet, you can always use the multiple LED screens to track your workouts.

There is also an integrated audio system with surround speakers that will definitely have you looking forward to every workout and this can be used with the Bluetooth 4.0 compatibility

The elliptical also includes USB charging ports for your mobile devices and you’ll also be enjoying the fitness fan in the more intense workout sessions. Speaking of intensity, the AFG Sport 5.9AE also has got free chest straps included for wireless heart rate monitoring

Intended to give you the smoothest workout sessions, you will be getting an amazing 5-inch display on this bad boy which also does have a backlight added to it so you’re sure to have the best visuals of the settings. In addition to this, it is also compatible with MP3 players and has iPod compatibility as well to keep each workout interesting.

When it comes to keeping track of your vitals as you work out, this elliptical trainer is bound to do the trick. Right out of the box, it is iFit ready and by using the tablet holder you could optimize your workouts by following the iFit coach workouts.

From the LCD display, you should be able to watch your mileage, the speed, calorie burn as well as the heart rate. Regarding the heart rate, all you have to do is hold on to the built-in EKG grip which will then sense your pulse and you’ll be able to receive an automatic reading on your console.

Besides the reliable workout options you'll be getting, it also features commercial-gauge solid steel construction and due to this, it has an amazing weight capacity of 300lbs which makes it a viable home elliptical machine for most people.

For the flywheel, it’s a 15 lb. effective inertia-enhanced flywheel which comes with 18 resistance levels so you can step the intensity up a notch for more intense workouts.By blending these with either of the 18 programmed workouts that come with it, you couldn’t go wrong with this one.

It’s a front-drive design which allows for a 19 inch of strode length that is adjustable. Whereas the stride lengths cater for the lower body workouts, the soft grip stationary and movable handles included should be ideal for an arm workout.

As for the pedals, it’sgot both oversized and adjustable ones. These allow your feet to comfortably sit in a place which prevents any imminent fatigue.

For the dimensions, it is 69.3 inches, 34.4 inches and 68.25 inches for the length, width and height respectively and considering it’s fairly heavy, there are front-mounted transport wheels

You can also be able to quickly adjust the power ramp manually to five different positions between 0 and 20 degrees that allows you to hit different muscle groups.

Being able to track your performance using your elliptical machines accurately is the whole point of getting an elliptical trainer. There is an easy-to-read display on the SF-E3804 elliptical bike which will record the speed, the time calorie burns, the distance as well as the RPMs.

Besides the display, there is also a tablet holder built into the design which will make it possible for you to work with online fitness videos or fitness apps.

Besides the above-mentioned functionalities, you will also appreciate the 60-second heart rate recovery function that’s easy to use. One can be able to calculate your body fat percentage and it is also equipped with a recovery heart rate testing function.

The heart rate monitor also functions as the body fat percentage analyzer in the sense that it allows you to keep track of your lean body mass as compared to the fat mass which is one of the best elliptical weight loss features you could get.

There are also four highlighted goal specific target heart rate zones, the age range, and the heart rate beats per minute and with these, you can be able to determine whether or not you are performing in the optimal target heart rate zone.

Moving on to the build quality, this elliptical boasts a heavy-duty frame that measures 54 x 24 x 63 inches for the length, width and height respectively. For transportation, it has got built-in transportation wheels at the front so all you have to do is tilt and roll it out.

Regarding the maximum weight capacity, it’s able to support as much as 287 lbs. While on the elliptical, you will have the front handlebars that allow you to work on the legs exclusively and for a full body workout, you can always use the moving handlebars.

By taking your balance and safety into consideration, this elliptical bike was built with one of the best foot pedals since being non-slip and oversized in nature, it will be able to accommodate all sizes. At the same time, it will prove to be dependable even for the most demanding elliptical workouts

The stride length basically determines how much you are going to get out of your leg workouts. With the 13.5 inches on this one, one is able to achieve both forward and backward pedaling for optimal workout sessions.

If you want to switch between different workout intensities, the 8 levels of magnetic resistance will surely come in handy. Now, not only does this home elliptical intensify your workouts but it also gives you some of the smoothest and quietest workouts while at the same time being less demanding of any kind of maintenance.

It’s definitely the best elliptical if the display is straightforward enough, right? With the ProForm 150i, you’ll be able to see everything on the large LCD display.

What’s more interesting about this is that it comes with 12 workout apps and is iFit ready which means you'll be optimizing every workout session. Still, on the display, you can also see real-time progress upon selecting the street view setting since it is compatible with google maps.

Now, if you are just starting off with this as your first elliptical workout machine, there are 12 workouts already pre-programmed for you in the unit and you can switch between either of them for different intensity levels.

For the design, the unit measures 66.75L x 22.5W x 63H inches and should fit in your Livingroom or bedroom. Considering it has got a long-lasting steel frame, the ProForm 150i stands out to be one of the best elliptical machines under 1000 as far as durability is concerned.

For the stride length, you’ll be getting 17 inches of these and with every stride you take, the front drive motor should give you a smooth action operation.

To get the upper body workout for your arms, it’s got both the soft grip stationary and moving handles.

It’s always a good workout if it gets to be as intense as possible, don’t you agree? Well, with the 12 levels of resistance, you’ll find this convenient as you advance in your workouts. Considering this elliptical bike features oversized pedals and an inertia-enhanced flywheel, the operation will be smooth as well.

Also…

It includes transport wheels that make it easy to move around, a water bottle holder to keep you hydrated as well as iPod audio compatibility to keep the workouts interesting.

If you’re serious about getting in shape and reaching to your set fitness goals, then you’ll definitely appreciate the magnetic resistance present on this cross-trainer machine. With 8 different levels of magnetic resistance, you’ll get optimal results from all of your workouts.

So as to adjust the resistance, all you’ve got to do is use the convenient tension knob to have more intense exercises with just a simple clockwise or counter-clockwise motion.

Its always important to keep track of your progress and there’s no better way to do this on this elliptical other than with the digital screen, on it, you’ll be able to see the time spent, speed, the distance covered, the pulse rate, the calories burned and also see your results to maintain power and speed.

There is also a convenient scanning mode that allows you to keep repeating these functions so as to be up to date with all the calculations.

For heart rate monitoring, there are additional stationary handlebars that take your pulse.

Even with the capability of being able to set the intensity level as you prefer, you’ll be enjoying a smooth & quiet driven operation.

There is a precision balanced flywheel as well as a V-belt both of which ensure you get the most silent elliptical workout sessions. Considering you’ll probably be having this in your living room or bedroom, this feature will come in handy.

The overall weight of the machine is 35.8 kg which makes it fairly heavy to move. So as to take care of this, there are front wheels on the unit which allow you to move it around from one room to the next with ease

Besides the wheels at the front, there's more to look forward to in the design of this elliptical machine. It features a steel tube construction which measures 40.9 inches x 18.9inches x 63 inches for the length, width, and height. It also comes with a flywheel that's 121 lbs. heavy and with this and the durable frame working hand in hand, this elliptical bike will be able to support a max load weight of 256 lbs.

For the feet, it comes with a 13-inch non-slip foot pedal which provides a no impact and smooth flowing workout with higher stability and comfort

In order to ensure that you get to meet all your fitness goals, there is an LCD monitoring technology on this trainer, with this, you’ll conveniently be able to plan and record all of your fitness statistics.

You’ll get to see the distance covered, the number of calories burned, the time taken, the speed, scan and the target zone of heart rate monitoring. When it comes to heart rate monitoring, there are the pulse rate grips that make this possible.

Besides being reliable when monitoring your vitals, the build quality is just as good. Weighing 35.5 kgs and being 40.9 x 18.8 x 63 inches for the dimensions, it should be easy to move around. Despite having a compact design, the base is wide enough to ensure you don’t topple over regardless of how intense the workout gets.

The elliptical features a tubular steel construction so despite weighing less than most ellipticals in its class, it’s really durable should prove viable for persons weighing as much as 250 lbs.and be usable for a long time as well.

So as to ensure you’ve got the most comfortable elliptical cardio exercises, the pedals are large and have got ridges to keep your feet from slipping. 

There's a12 lb. built-in flywheel on this bad boy and considering it has got a precise balance and a V-belt drive as well, you’re sure to get a quiet and smooth operation. This makes it a good enough home elliptical to get those cardio workouts done.

At the end of the day, we all want to be as fit as possible, right? Well, there’s no better way to do this other than getting some of the most intense workout sessions.

With the included 8 different levels of magnetic resistance, you should be able to get a more challenging workout as you strive to be an advanced-level athlete.

For a smooth flowing workout, you’ll be getting a 13-inch stride length which should allow you to target your leg muscles effectively. Whereas you can use the stationary handles to focus on your lower body, there are the moving handles which allow you to get an effective upper body workout. Each of the handles is comfortable enough to get you through your workout sessions.