10 Best Ellipticals Under $300 in 2024 – Buyer’s Guide

Last Updated on February 7, 2024

Elliptical trainers are highly favored for indoor fitness training due to their versatile design and comprehensive functionality compared to other home gym equipment. Engaging in workouts with an elliptical trainer, you’ll witness noticeable improvements both before and after your training sessions.

Ellipticals priced under $300 are especially ideal for home use, aiding in posture maintenance, enhancing both upper and lower limb strength, and stabilizing the core. However, selecting a high-quality elliptical trainer within this price range can be challenging given the wide range of models available on the market.

After extensive months of research and rigorous testing involving 30 different affordable elliptical options from reputable brands, we reached out to industry experts for consultation. The culmination of this effort has resulted in the creation of a definitive list: the top 10 best ellipticals under $300.

Best Ellipticals under $300 for 2024

Let’s see the comparison table of the top 10 best ellipticals under 300 dollars for 2024:

1. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3911 Elliptical – Top Pick

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3911 is a professional-grade elliptical trainer designed specifically for home gyms. It offers a blend of advanced technology and affordability. It is one of the best inexpensive elliptical trainers under $300 on the market. This model incorporates the elegance and linearity of modern and ultra-functional design.

It is an extremely solid elliptical trainer with its 69.3 lbs assembled weight and extraordinary quietness. Thanks to the heavy flywheel with toothed belt resistance, it offers all the naturalness that is needed for professional training. So if you want to add some good aerobics, the SF-E3911 elliptical trainer could be an excellent choice.

The magnetic brake system allows for quiet operation during workouts, ensuring minimal disturbance to yourself and others. With its dimensions of 23 inches in width and 42 inches in length, this machine boasts a sturdy frame that enhances durability and stability. It can support a maximum of 220 lbs. This unit is also easy to assemble and use.

The joints and buttocks are quite easy. Your workout will be customized and smooth, thanks to its 8 resistance levels. The pedals are designed to be Non-slip and big enough to increase stability and comfort.

While the SF-E3911 offers an affordable price point, some features may be sacrificed to achieve this. One such compromise is the absence of a heart rate sensor, which can be a valuable tool for monitoring exercise intensity and optimizing workouts. Also, the monitor on this elliptical provides basic functions such as training time/duration, speed, distance, total distance, and calorie consumption.

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2. Marcy ME-1017E Magnetic Elliptical – Editor’s Choice

If you have a small space, the Marcy ME-1017E is the best elliptical bike under $300 for your home gym setup. With high-quality materials and outstanding construction, it could be an excellent choice for all sportsmen and for those who want to perform full intensive workouts at their own pace.

It comes with a magnetic and computerized braking system and double self-aligning ball bearings. The resistance goes from somewhat difficult to very difficult. Magnetic resistance offers indoor cycling enthusiasts the possibility of performing controlled and fluid movements.

The large backlit multi-function LCD display allows real-time monitoring of rhythm, time, distance, speed, calorie consumption, and heart rate measurement data. However, the screen is battery operated, you will need to buy some batteries separately.

With a maximum of 300 lbs of load capacity and adjustable stride length, the Marcy ME-1017E is suitable for everyone. However, it is quite heavy, but it is generally a constant for ellipticals.

Using headphones to listen to music while using this model can help mitigate any potential noise concerns, but it’s important to note that this model may not provide a completely silent workout experience. While it is robust and durable, you should exercise caution and proper maintenance practices to ensure longevity.

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3. EFITMENT E006 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer

If you are looking for a low-cost elliptical trainer with a small footprint, then the EFITMENT E00 is the best option for you. It strikes a balance between sturdiness and space efficiency. Its size is substantial enough to ensure stability during workouts, while still being compact and not overly bulky. This allows it to fit comfortably within a home gym or living space without dominating the room.

It can be moved anywhere thanks to the practical transport wheels. You can move the machine backward very easily as well and the arm grips are comfortable for moving. The self-assembly kit device features 8 difficulty levels that can be adjusted using a wheel mechanism.

It features pulse reading at the handles and an on-board console that displays time, speed, distance, calories burned, and heart rate alternately.

EFITMENT E006 elliptical is an ecological elliptical with sporty and modern lines, which is well suited to domestic spaces. It’s compact and fits in a corner of your bedroom or office or pretty much any room.

The belt-driven flywheel allows movements to be carried out naturally and smoothly. This is a real highlight as an affordable elliptical which is particularly quiet compared to other expensive elliptical trainers. The footrests are non-slip and the stride length is adjustable for small to wide feet.

Adjustment is also very simple. The resistance knob allows you to increase endurance within your workout. The quality of the machine parts is decent, especially for the price. Overall, the EFITMENT E006 elliptical trainer will be the perfect companion for your home sports sessions.

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4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3804 Elliptical

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3804 is a magnetic elliptical, suitable for both beginners and experts. Thanks to its solid and functional frame and 6 kg flywheel, it plays well like the advanced elliptical models we have tested. It’s easy to use and small enough to store in your living room after use.

This model is heavy which provides good stability on the hard surface. With 287 lbs of load capacity, the action of this model is very smooth and stable.

The platforms have a lateral protection barrier and can be manually adjusted to 3 different positions for more comfortable and safe training, a parameter that is not at all obvious. It has a support holder for tablet and smartphone.

With 8 levels of magnetic resistance, you can use a convenient tension knob to adjust exercise intensity. And with simple turns, you can alter your workout aimed to help you meet your fitness goals. You can also set difficulty levels and progress further.

The assembled dimensions are 43L X 24W X 62.5H inches and the stride length is 13.5 inches. It will provide a no-impact flowing workout for the upper and lower body, making it perfect for people who need all the benefits of running more safely for the knees.

The pedals are bi-directional so that you can pedal in both directions. However, continuous use in both directions may loosen the pedal bolts over time. This could potentially lead to stripping the crank arm if not addressed.

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5. MaxKare Elliptical Machine – Best for Home Use

MaxKare elliptical offers the benefit of a low-impact workout by mimicking natural motion patterns experienced when walking or running. It is built with magnetic resistance which provides 8-level tension resistance. It is easy to use and convenient to get different-level workouts at home.

The dual handles make the exercise more diversified. The movable grip can drive the whole body exercise. The fixed grip can track the heart rate, as well as carry on the anaerobic sprint training. The stride length is comfortable. It is suitable for home use for every member of your family. However, it will take about 2 hours to put together.

MaxKare elliptical trainer has an innovative brake system. It does not occupy a large space and moves smoothly. It comes with an advanced pulse grips sensor that monitors the user’s heart rate. Sensor data will aid in enhancing your understanding of your health and fitness status.

The overall dimensions are 38 x 25.8 x 15 inches allowing it to be folded and stored easily. It is easy to adapt your exercise to your daily goals. The maximum weight supported by the elliptical is 150kg. It has non-slip surfaces for more safety during exercise.

The installed water bottle holder allows you to rehydrate as you cycle. There is also an iPad holder, so you can watch programs when exercising. Overall, the MaxKare proves robust and stable in use. It offers an honorable challenge and gives you a nearly silent, stable, and virtually low-maintenance experience.

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6. Body Power 2-in-1 with Curve-Crank Technology

If you are looking for a balanced solution for home training without compromising on technology and prioritizing design, the Body Power BST800 is the ideal elliptical for you. This is not just an ordinary indoor bike but also a high-end fitness machine under $300, that is combined with high efficiency.

It built-in effective inertia-enhanced flywheel, which delivers more natural rides. The optimal, fluid, and pleasant training is guaranteed by the 6 kg flywheel. A magnetic braking system adjustable by the monitor on 8 levels, and a very silent toothed belt transmission system.

It doesn’t take up much room but is plenty capable of giving a good workout at your own pace. It is easy to assemble and move when not in use. The assembly instructions are straightforward.

Body Power BST800 home elliptical trainer looks and feels very professional. The weight limit is 250 lbs, which is pretty much enough for small to medium people. It is incredibly simple to use with a clear LED screen that follows your progress throughout the workout. This machine is smooth, silent, and doesn’t take up much space.

Unfortunately, the Body Power BST800 does not have an adjustable incline. However, it has adjustable tension and the motion for the pedals is more vertical than a typical elliptical machine.

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7. ANCHEER Magnetic Elliptical Trainer

Our next best elliptical machine under $300 comes from ANCHEER. It is a brand that specializes in the design and production of affordable fitness equipment. Each product that comes from ANCHEER has been carefully designed by the R&D team (experienced in bringing scientific results to business).

This body trainer provides a smooth and quiet operation that is the same as the expensive elliptical trainers that are very popular in the professional gym. The digital LCD display panel shows time, speed, distance, odometer, pulse rate, and your target pulse rate. You can easily set and change your workout mode, adjust workout settings, and reset your workout from the console as well.

The two sets of handlebars have a comfortable padded design and feature very generic pulse grips to track the heart rate while working out. It allows you to improve your endurance, posture, and coordination significantly.

It has 13 inches stride length which provides a no-impact and smooth-flowing workout for your upper and lower body. The pedals are large enough to fit most of the feet and are made from non-slip material. However, ANCHEER elliptical trainer does not have a cup holder.

It is very slim and easy to store because of its small dimensions. This model is also lightweight, only 35.8 kg, and supports a user weight of up to 150 kg. You should be able to move this without an issue.

Keep in mind that the ANCHEER elliptical is designed for a person who is shorter than 5’10”. It is reasonably sized to fit in a small corner and can be moved by a single person with minimal strength. 

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8. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 is one of the most recommended choices in your budget. The dimensions of the model are 28 x 17 x 57 inches, and the maximum weight capacity is 220 kg. You can use it safely without using the mat.

The elliptical machine operates forward and backward to ensure a great workout. The tension control knob works great for easy adjustment during your workout without having to get off the machine. The transport wheels allow you to move easily so that you can then place and store it wherever you want in your home.

The heart rate pulse sensors are a great feature that works wonderfully, showing your time elapsed, informing you of total distance completed, calories burned, and counting heart rate, and can be adjusted to show all or just one. The smart tracking system enables you to monitor your performance and track your progress effectively.

It is a great elliptical for low-impact upper body and lower body workouts. As long as you have all the equipment and tools as instructed. It provides excellent stability, allowing you to engage in joint-friendly and healthy workouts. This model is small and doesn’t take up much room nor make much noise during use.

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9. Shaofu Magnetic Elliptical – Quiet Driven for Home Use

This magnetic elliptical machine is part of the Shaofu brand. It is one of the best silent elliptical trainers under 300 dollars, with magnetic resistance on 8 levels, a belt drive system, and a rather heavy flywheel compared to the total weight of the tool.

The efficient magnetic resistance offers indoor cycling enthusiasts the possibility of performing controlled and fluid movements. However, this model is specially designed for home training. The program plans to select forward or reverse, which changes the work of the muscles and makes the session more fun.

This screen offers you the options of Reset, Start & Stop, and time adjustment. The LCD display is easy to read and shows the main parameters of the training in progress. Its weight of 78.9 lbs is perfect for providing support on the ground while making it easy to move for storage.

Shaofu elliptical machine looks very thick and strong; sitting on it is really solid and great. Its durability makes it particularly suitable for individuals with joint problems or other health concerns. With adjustable settings, you can increase resistance levels to achieve an intense cardio workout comparable to running.

This model is lightweight and easily portable within a room, yet it remains stable and quiet during workouts. Its compact design allows for convenient relocation as needed. Furthermore, the machine effectively burns calories, aiding in weight loss when combined with a balanced diet.

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10. Doufit EM-01 Lightweight & Portable Elliptical

Finally, the Doufit EM-01 is one of the top lightweight ellipticals priced under $300. Ideal for small home or room use, its portability makes it a convenient choice. Despite its simple design, the EM-01 proves to be highly effective as an elliptical trainer in this price range.

The medium-sized LCD display makes it possible to monitor the essential parameters of a workout in real time, such as speed, distance, time, calories, and more. The heart rate can be measured with the classic Hand Pulse sensors on the handlebars.

Doufit EM-01 elliptical is equipped with transport wheels, which make it carry it anywhere you want. It is extremely quiet because of its super magnetic 6kg flywheel; you feel comfortable working out while watching your favorite shows. It gives you a good workout even at the lowest setting.

With 220 lbs of maximum user weight, the Doufit EM-01 cardio-training device is very simple to use and allows you to act on all your muscles. For extended workout sessions, a convenient and practical feature is a bottle holder located under the electronic console. This ensures easy access to hydration.

For individuals looking for an essential home training tool for medium-light use, the Doufit EM-01 can be a long-term investment. Its combination of functionality and simplicity makes it an ideal choice, especially for those prioritizing practicality over advanced features.

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How to choose the best ellipticals under $300?

When considering purchasing an elliptical trainer, it’s important to evaluate several key elements and features to ensure you select the right one for your needs. Here are some main aspects to consider:

Training intensity

Generally, an elliptical trainer builds with two pedals and two movable dumbbells. It is designed to allow the user to stimulate the lower and upper limbs. The movements are performed with three tools namely the treadmill, exercise bike, and the stepper to offer a complete fitness exercise experience.

Although elliptical is a tool that allows more gentle type of activity than others, training can still vary and be more or less intense. For this reason, the first factor to consider for the choice of the elliptical concerns the training intensity that your machine is able to perform with a specific instrument.

Resistance level

The number of selectable resistance levels is a crucial aspect that distinguishes one elliptical model from another. These levels range from 6 to 8 in basic models and can go up to 16-18 in more advanced models. The highest resistance level is well-suited for intense workouts, making it an excellent choice for sports enthusiasts or fitness aficionados looking for a challenging regimen.

However, for beginners, it’s advisable to start with lower resistance levels and gradually increase the intensity to prevent any strain or potential damage to joints, particularly the knees. Gradually progressing from lower to higher resistance levels allows for a safer and more sustainable fitness journey, allowing the body to adapt and strengthen over time.

Structure & weight

The stability of an elliptical trainer is among the primary criteria. It ensures the reliable design and robustness of the device. So select the one that best suits the build and needs the athletic of the user who will use it.

The weight of the elliptical ensures the stability of the structure. Furthermore, it provides us with some important information on the maximum user weight that the device can support. Also, keep in mind that you choose a device that is structurally comfortable as well as solid.

To get a general idea of ​​which design is best suited to your physical formation, consider the lighter models that weigh about 20 kg and can support people up to about 100 to 120 kg. In the medium position, we find ellipticals that weigh from 20 to 35 kg and support users even up to 150 kg.

The flywheel

A heavier flywheel is more sturdy and stable on the ground. However, the flywheel structure depends on how you use the device. For regular and intensive use, you will need a wheel of at least 20 kilos. We don’t recommend choosing an elliptical trainer with a flywheel weighing less than 7 kilos because the flywheel weight significantly influences comfort during exercise.

The location of the flywheel is also important. A wheel located at the back of the bike will gain endurance and promote weight loss while placement at the front of the wheel favors muscle gain.

Distance between pedals

The distance between the pedals should be as small as possible so that your pelvis has an optimal alignment. The movement of the hips must take place naturally.

The braking system

There are three types of braking system elliptical models available on the market.

• Manual Magnetic Braking: This braking system is activated by a wheel located on the handlebars of the elliptical. It is commonly found in models designed for occasional use.
• Motorized Magnetic Braking: In this system, the braking is activated by a thumbwheel on the console rather than manually turning a dial. It offers more convenience compared to manual magnetic braking.
• Electromagnetic Braking: This advanced braking system is controlled by the console using a precise and silent electromagnet. It provides enhanced comfort during pedaling. Electromagnetic braking is found in high-end models used by experienced athletes or in professional gym settings due to its higher cost and superior performance.

Range of pedaling

The amount of pedaling is an essential factor in targeting what training you want. A circular amplitude is recommended when you want to lose weight or improve your endurance by using an elliptical. The faster movements are based on the weight of the body and not on the push.

A flatter amplitude will be appreciated by athletes who wish to gain muscle mass insofar as this amplitude demands all the muscles. The pace is slower and we take the time to work the muscles in depth.

The handlebar

The Handlebar of an elliptical trainer is an essential part to take into consideration before buying an elliptical trainer for less than 300. Because the handlebar will allow you to build your upper body or not. A stationary handlebar allows you to target the effort on the lower part of the body.

On the contrary, a fixed handlebar with movable handles allows the whole body to work harmoniously. It is better to use the movable bars connected to the pedals so that you can do the lower and upper body work at the same time. However, there are many best elliptical models under $300 with fixed handlebars and movable handles to alternate efforts and do more specific work.

Note that the weight of the handlebars affects the resistance of the machine.

Training programs

When you start using an elliptical trainer, there are several options in the training program. Make sure you can follow one of the pre-recorded programs in the console depending on what you want to work on. For example, weight loss and muscle maintenance require different training approaches. A tailored program can optimize results based on specific goals.

However, some individuals, particularly seasoned athletes, may opt for a more intuitive approach for adjusting resistance levels according to their fitness level and goals. This method allows for flexibility and caters to individual preferences and capabilities. It is more commonly favored by experienced athletes who possess a deep understanding of their abilities and fitness needs.

Taking pulses

Currently, the vast majority of ellipticals even cheap models under 300 offer to take your heart rate during your exercise. This can be done in two different ways. The first is to take your contact heart rate. This pulse is taken when you put your hand or arm on the metal sensors. This method is quite limited since depending on the location of the sensors your position may be uncomfortable.

In addition, the results are not always very reliable. This is why the mechanism is recommended for beginners and occasional practitioners. For all those who want a real follow-up whether for a sporting purpose or health obligation, it will be necessary to privilege the chest belt.

Comfortable to use

Different models are not all equivalent in terms of comfort. It will be necessary to lock certain points on your expectations. Indeed, the weight machine weighs on average 27 kilos which can make it painful to move. For comfortable use, it is necessary to check the presence of small complementary rollers to move your elliptical easily.

Some elliptical trainers have stabilizers to have better stability during physical activity. If you have very little space to store your device, there are foldable models.

Display

This information varies both in number and in display mode. Digital display provides information at a time. Let’s start by seeing a complete list of how many data you can view during training with an elliptical:

Some best elliptical machines under 300 dollars allow you to record these data to keep track of your workouts and monitor progress or goals achieved over time.

Adjustable programs

We come to another aspect that makes the difference in training or the possibility of selecting programs already set by the elliptical. A factor that makes its use easier and more comfortable. At the same time, program adjusting features also make its price decidedly higher.

But what is a pre-set training program? This is the possibility of performing a type of training the elliptical automatically set whose duration and intensity are based on a criterion established by the user. Or maybe the time you want to move.

Furthermore, you can perform a workout using specific programs such as HRC, which regulates exercise intensity based on the cardiac activity recorded.

Brands

This is the reason we picked all the models from reputed brands. A professional elliptical trainer from a reputable brand is always preferred over an unknown brand. It’s because branded products are built with high-quality construction, well-researched use cases, and reliable customer support options.

Space requirement

The last factor to take into consideration when choosing the best elliptical trainer under $300 is relative to its bulk. It is a very important factor especially when you have a specific space to place or store your equipment. Remember that elliptical is a type of machine that requires a sufficiently large space to allow users to train and perform the correct movement with both the upper and lower limbs.

Positive Effects of Using Elliptical

Like any physical activity, the elliptical trainer influences your state of health. Here is the benefit of using elliptical:

Using an elliptical trainer offers numerous health benefits:

• For Heart Health: Elliptical training is highly recommended for cardiovascular health and is often incorporated into physical and motor rehabilitation programs. It helps stimulate blood circulation, lower cholesterol levels, and improve overall cardiovascular fitness.
• For Joint Health: The elliptical movement mimics running without putting excessive stress on the joints. This makes it an ideal exercise for individuals looking to reduce the risk of joint injuries and alleviate joint problems. Elliptical training is commonly prescribed during fitness routines or rehabilitation after injuries.
• For Respiratory Health: Effective breathing management is essential for athletic performance, and the elliptical trainer allows users to exercise at various intensities, which facilitates breath control and respiratory improvement. Paying attention to the diaphragm while using the elliptical can lead to enhanced breathing efficiency.
• For Weight Loss and Muscle Gain: Regular elliptical workouts are effective for weight loss and reducing body fat. The elliptical engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously. A 30-minute session on an elliptical trainer can burn approximately 400 calories, making it a highly effective calorie-burning exercise compared to other forms of exercise like rowing, cycling, or jogging.

Final words

Elliptical trainer has many advantages over all other weight loss tools. From this compilation, you can see that the list of these products on the market is endless. You can find models from 100 to 2000 dollars, which means you have to take a turn and do some thoughtful research to make a good purchase.

However, because of the intimidating nature of this task, we recommend you find the desired model from our list above. On the other side, if you can follow this guideline and read the entire compilation as well, there is no risk that you will miss out on a good elliptical trainer under $300.

If you liked this article, share it with other members on your social media. If there is any problem with the list or if there is a product worth adding to this list but is not already present, do not hesitate to put your opinion in the comment section below.

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