Finding a budget-friendly elliptical trainer for your home can be transformative in your fitness journey. It offers a fantastic full-body workout, making it a popular choice for those looking to improve their cardiovascular health and overall fitness. With the convenience of having a home elliptical, you can kickstart or enhance your fitness routine without the need for a gym membership.
In this article, we’ll explore the 8 best options that provide an ideal balance of affordability, quality, and functionality. Whether you’re just starting out on your fitness journey or you’re a seasoned enthusiast looking for a budget-friendly choice, we’ve got you in mind.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision on which budget elliptical trainer best suits your needs and space constraints.
Best Budget Ellipticals Reviewed
Comparison Table of the top 5 best budget elliptical trainers in 2024:
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
| Best Overall |
| Check On Amazon | |
Editor’s Choice
| Editor’s Choice |
| Check On Walmart | |
Best Service Life
| Best Service Life |
| Check On Amazon | |
Best for Beginners
| Best for Beginners |
| Check On Amazon | |
Best for Both Men and Women
| Best for Both Men and Women |
| Check On Amazon |
1. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical
The Sunny Health & Fitness advanced elliptical offers a multitude of qualities that make it an excellent choice for at-home training. If you’re considering investing in a Carbon Magnetic elliptical trainer, this model could be the perfect fit for your needs.
Indeed, it offers you complete training with many variations. At each of your sessions, your buttocks, legs, arms, as well as your abdominal belt will be solicited. With its 13 lbs inertia wheel, fixed to the front which focuses the work on the resistance of the muscles and their strengthening, this model has everything to please.
Its adjustable degree of inclination allows the elliptical to exercise the different muscles of your buttocks and your legs by providing an effort that will never be the same with each session. In addition, it offers 16 already integrated programs, which will allow you to choose your training or create a personalized session. Also, let’s not forget the availability of recovery, watt, and cardio modes.
Sunny Health & Fitness’s elliptical trainer combines performance and technology. You can monitor speed, the distance you have traveled, the calories burned, and your heart rate. The sensor is fixed on the handles of the device. These are very useful clues that will help you adapt your efforts to your current condition and your goals.
With its design, it almost makes the effort feel effortless. This elliptical trainer provides top-notch benefits to help you reach your fitness goals. Over time, it’ll become an invaluable partner in your fitness journey.
PROS
- Track and log up to 4 user profiles
- 16-level of customization exercise sessions
- Durable frame with device holder
- Quality close to more expensive models
CONS
- A bit hard to join the tension cable from the control to the base
2. Decathlon Domyos EL500 Fitness Elliptical Trainer
Let’s introduce the Domyo Essential+ Elliptical Exercise Machine – your ultimate tool for full-body toning and calorie-burning! This powerhouse has a generous 12.59-inch total stride length, ensuring a comprehensive workout. With its robust 13.2-pound flywheel, you’ll experience smooth, efficient pedaling.
This elliptical trainer is 2 in 1 both an elliptical trainer and an exercise bike with a Cardio Training option. It also has an accurate Heart rate monitor & LCD screen. It supports a maximum weight of 286 lbs and its dimensions are 48.8″ x 26.8″ x 61″. The front position is suitable for those under 5’9″ tall. The rear position is good for people over 6’1″ tall.
This cutting-edge machine redefines how you perceive your workout efforts. You can connect your iRunning, iConsole, and many other sports apps to it to track your progress in real time. It is equipped with built-in wheels for seamless maneuverability. This feature allows you to customize your workout space with ease.
Overall if you just want to do a little elliptical trainer without it becoming your everyday sport, this bike will suffice. The value for money is really very good attention it is reserved for amateurs.
PROS
- Various adjustment
- Easy to assemble
- You have 9 training programs with different levels
- 2-year warranty: parts and labor. 5-year warranty: metallic pieces.
CONS
- For optimal comfort, use DF 920 floor mats under your machine.
3. Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical for Home
The EX-59 allows you to take advantage of a quality elliptical trainer to achieve better cardio sessions at home. It has a four-window LCD screen that allows you to monitor the time, the number of revolutions performed per minute with the RPM, the distance traveled, and also by telemetry, monitor your heart rate.
The reset, Start and Stop options as well as those for adjusting the time are also offered to you by this screen. Also, you have the possibility of performing controlled movements with fluidity thanks to the magnetic resistance offered to home cycling enthusiasts.
This screen provides easy access to essential functions like reset, start, stop, and time adjustments. It enables you to execute controlled, fluid movements, courtesy of the magnetic resistance system adapted specifically for home cycling enthusiasts. However, this bike can be used by everyone because it has an adjustable stride length of up to 20 inches. Also, the 14.3 lbs flywheel offers optimal stability.
Its wide pedals offer all the essential comfort for the perfect use of the device. These also have the option of two-degree inversion and the integration of the sweating system designed by the Drains brand.
The high resistance of its steel frame is also to be highlighted because it is able to support a weight of up to 300 lbs maximum for the user. It measures 25 x 64.5 x 74 inches; with a total weight of 180 lbs. Despite its considerable assembled weight, this elliptical trainer offers excellent value for money.
PROS
- Reliable elliptical at a reasonable cost
- Versatile programs and a sturdy frame
- Portable and ideal for living spaces
- Smart Bluetooth connection
- Quick and easy to set up
CONS
- The console could be durable
- Not silent at all
4. FUNMILY Elliptical Machine for Home Use
FUNMILY indoor bike effectively guarantees a pedaling movement and poses zero risk to your joints thanks to the Extended Motion technology it has. Its pedals can perform several revolutions in one minute.
It has two operating modes: automatic mode and manual mode. In automatic mode, you have access to a variety of pre-recorded programs with adjustable difficulty levels to suit your preferences. The device is able to save up to four different profiles in order to recommend the programs best suited to each morphology.
The color screen can be configured in up to seven display languages. It also offers the display of your training time, speed, the cadence of pedaling done per minute, and the distance that the user travels, all on a simple menu to take in hand. The calories you burn as well as your heart rate are displayed thanks to the pulse sensors it has. These are the tactile feelers and the thoracic belt that come into play.
You will be able to follow training sessions based on your level and check your progress from your smartphone by connecting the device using Bluetooth. Weighing just 77 lbs, this bike is effortlessly portable, thanks to the convenient transport wheels.
PROS
- Low impact and high intensity
- Digital control and App function
- Whisper quiet fluid motion
- Strong and safe design
- Comes with a 1-year worry-free warranty
CONS
- Fixed center handle post
- Stride is not long enough for some people
5. Schwinn Fitness 470 Advanced Elliptical Trainer
The Schwinn elliptical trainer model provides a diverse range of training programs to suit various fitness levels and goals. Indeed, you will have the choice among 29 programs, which allow a variation of the intensity and the speed of your machine. You also have the option of easily adapting your exercise to your daily goals.
It offers a mode that allows monitoring of your heart rate in order to optimize your recovery time and accelerate your progress. Its multi-function LCD screen is quite intuitive and integrates a lot of data such as heart rate, time, speed, distance traveled and calories burned, everything you need for an optimal session.
This equipment has an innovative braking system and its mass of inertia is 20 lbs. With its 28.2″D x 63.2″W x 70.1″H dimensions, it is easy to fold. If you have space, you can easily store it thanks to the transport wheels. Demanding athletes will find something for themselves because this cardio cross-elliptical trainer comes with a cardiac belt.
The cold and bad weather should no longer be a fear for you. Carry out your sports sessions with comfort while staying on your premises. Schwinn Fitness 470 budget elliptical trainer can support up to 200 lbs and for more safety, it has non-slip surfaces.
It is designed with a modern shape and is available in black with red, gray, or silver colors depending on what you prefer. Your core and your muscles will be worked effectively on this high-end machine.
PROS
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 25 levels of resistance
- Stride length is good enough
- Reasonably quiet
CONS
- Need second person help to assemble
- Heavy
6. Sportstech CX625 Elliptical Trainer
This is a complete indoor elliptical. The Sportstech cx625 is not just ordinary fitness equipment but a piece of high-quality elliptical trainer combining durability and efficiency. Indeed, it is a sports machine that offers you a multitude of choices for carrying out your sports activities according to your intensity and frequency.
The good discreet belt system of inertia ensures an optimized movement and contributes to training carried out at home in total comfort. Also, you have the opportunity to train like a true professional, thanks to the personalized programs offered by this bike. You can choose from many programs already registered.
On the CX625 model, you have 5 pre-recorded programs in its memory. You can observe your daily progress and the variation of your exercise program enhances your cardio training. It has a tablet holder, which is very practical for placing your mobile device or tablet directly under your eyes so that you can follow everything that will make you happy during your exercise.
With its transport wheels, you can move around in complete peace of mind. You can store it afterward in a much more suitable place. It can support a maximum weight of 110 kg for the practitioner.
PROS
- An optimal choice for full body workout
- Train with a heart rate belt
- Very useful transport wheels
- Very cheap price
CONS
- Small flywheel
7. Marcy Magnetic Elliptical Cardio Workout Machine
The Mercy magnetic elliptical is much more than just an indoor bike; this device is a real coach. With its program and screen, your sports sessions and progress will be studied and evaluated in the most precise way. The sessions become pleasant and easy because of its ideal size that adapts to any adult.
The manual configuration of the level of difficulty makes the training of each user conform to his rhythm and allows a progressive increase in the effort provided in order to promote a continuous practice of bodybuilding. And all this, in an extraordinary harmony and sweetness.
You can choose between forward or reverse. In this process, the work of the muscles can be effectively modified, which makes your sessions more fun. With its weight of 77 lbs, it provides good support on the ground and offers ease during movement or storage.
It contributes to the loss of calories thus fighting against being overweight in parallel with a good diet. Also, to ensure your progress, you will be able to record your heart rate, energy expenditure, and other information.
Unlike the classic exercise bike or outdoor bike, this elliptical trainer ensures the engagement of your whole body and not just localized work on your legs. The action of the arms and legs involves the work of your whole body and promotes better blood circulation in each area of your body.
PROS
- All-in-one workout station
- Ergonomic handles and pedals
- Durable and easy to transport
- 2-year warranty
CONS
- Manual elliptical machine
- Make an unnatural noise
8. [Body Power] Patented 2-in-1 Elliptical Machine
The Body Power BST800 elliptical trainer is highly effective for sculpting your body. Whether you aim to enhance endurance, tone muscles, maintain your physique, or reduce excess fat, this model will meet all your fitness goals. With incredible softness and the assurance of preserving your joints, this very simple cardio-training machine will allow you to exercise all your muscles. It empowers you to take control of your environment, choosing the place, time, and duration that best suits your needs.
Also, the Body Power Patented 2-in-1 elliptical trainer, due to its small dimensions, promotes easy movement and storage. It weighs 96.8 lbs and has transport wheels to ensure even more easy movement. To avoid dehydration during a long session, the machine has a bottle holder installed under the electronic console.
Your pedaling sessions will take place smoothly and calmly. Thanks to its electronic LCD console, the BST800 has several speed settings and tests, session duration, distances traveled and pulse and calorie readings, recovery test after carrying out an exercise, and above all control fat rate.
It is a perfect partner to follow your progress and help to reach the desired objectives. Your pulse is constantly measured on the handles. This model can support a user weight of up to 250 lbs.
PROS
- Build with curve-crank technology
- 2-in-1 HIIT trainer
- Versatile design for all family members
- Smooth heavy-weight flywheel
- Most compact design in the class
CONS
- Assembly instructions could be better (visually) for small diagrams for older eyes
Types of Elliptical Trainers
If you are interested in the elliptical trainer, then you should know that there are two different types on the market to choose from.
The first is the front inertia elliptical trainer. This elliptical has a flywheel installed in the front. It has really imposing dimensions, and that’s what allows it to work the cardio system. You can also use it to strengthen your muscles. However, this type of elliptical trainer is much more suitable for professional use, that is to say in gyms. It is indeed quite bulky and expensive, which is not ideal for private use in an apartment.
The second type of elliptical you will find on the market is one that has a rear flywheel instead. It is more compact than the previous model, making it the preferred equipment for individuals who want to train at home. It takes up less space and is rather practical. However, it is more fragile with its small components. It is the most widespread model on the market because it adapts to any type of athlete. It allows you to reproduce the movements of jogging or brisk walking, making it ideal for losing weight or slimming your figure.
How to Choose the Right Elliptical Trainer at an Affordable Price?
Navigating the plethora of available elliptical trainer models on a budget can be a daunting task. Making the right choice on your first attempt is not always straightforward. To steer clear of potential missteps and ensure a wise investment, consider the following crucial factors when purchasing this essential piece of cardio-training equipment:
The resistance or braking system
Resistance is the element that determines the intensity of the work provided by the user and the results of his training on his body. It is often adjustable. The higher it is, the more you put your body to the test. At this level, you will have the choice between 3 types of braking systems. These are electromagnetic, magnetic and mechanical systems.
The weight of the handlebars
The handlebars are a really important element on an elliptical trainer. You will have the choice between devices with a movable handlebar to work the whole body and those with a stationary handlebar. Also, you can find handlebars of different weights on these devices. What you need to know is that the heavier they are, the better the resistance of the machine. This will allow you to train more effectively.
The price
The price for such a device depends on the brand, features, available options, and construction quality. If you want to get high-performance, silent and smooth equipment for home use, you will need to allocate a budget of at least 600 dollars. On the other hand, if you simply need an effective model for your daily training, you can find a good quality elliptical trainer for around 300 dollars.
The flywheel
Here, what you need to know is that this criterion must be decisive in the choice of your elliptical trainer. So if you want an elliptical device for occasional use, you can opt for a model with an inertia weight of at least 7 kg. It will be necessary to go up to 20 kg at least for intensive training.
The presence or absence of a training console
Today’s elliptical trainer is much more efficient and has several interesting features when accompanied by a training console. If you want advanced performance, then you need a model with an onboard computer.
The size and the level of clutter
This criterion is quite relative, but it can become crucial for people who live in rather restricted housing. You will therefore have to choose the type of bike to buy, the dimensions, and the height according to the size of your apartment.
Why Choose to Use an Elliptical Trainer?
Choosing an elliptical trainer is very important when you consider all the benefits that can result from its use. Discover all the benefits of using an elliptical trainer.
A video that explains a little about the strengths of an elliptical trainer
‘Who is This Cardio Machine for?
The elliptical trainer is a gym equipment that you can use to lose weight quickly and evenly. It is also a very powerful piece of cardio equipment, which allows you to achieve many other objectives.
So who is it for?
Well to all people who wish to take care of their bodies and preserve their health through regular physical activity. If you are really motivated to get back into sport and if you are serious about maintaining your physique, then this is the equipment for you. Whether you are an individual or a professional, it does not matter, because there are models suitable for each type of user.
You should know that the elliptical trainer will be suitable for several circumstances. It will therefore be perfect, both for simple fitness sessions and for intensive training programs. Therefore, if you want to exercise every day without leaving home, we recommend this device.
You can use it among other things to keep the line, improve your endurance, lose a few pounds, train with the aim of participating in a sports competition, etc. You can even use this device for physical rehabilitation after an accident or injury. In addition, whether you have a small budget or a small space in your apartment, you will find the ideal model for you.
Most Asked Questions
What is an ideal stride length for a budget elliptical trainer?
For comfortable and effective workouts, look for a stride length of at least 18 inches. This allows for a natural and smooth motion and reduces stress on your joints.
How important is the user weight capacity of an elliptical?
It’s significant to choose an elliptical trainer with a weight capacity that exceeds your own weight. This ensures stability during your workouts and prolongs the lifespan of the machine.
Are there any specific maintenance requirements for budget ellipticals?
Regular cleaning and lubrication of moving parts are essential, no matter if it is budget-friendly or high-end. Check for loose bolts or parts and tighten them as needed. Keep an eye on the condition of the resistance system and make any necessary adjustments.
Are there any features I should consider?
Look for trainers with features like heart rate monitoring, built-in workout programs, and adjustable incline options. These can add variety to your workouts and help you track your progress.
Can I use a budget elliptical if I have limited space at home?
Yes, many budget elliptical trainers are designed with space-saving features. Look for models with a compact footprint or ones that can be easily folded and stored when not in use.
Final Thoughts
Elliptical trainers are popular fitness machines, but with all the models available, it can be difficult to choose the best one for your needs. We have covered everything to help you figure out which model is right for you. Thanks to our ranking and comparative analysis, you’re now able to choose the model that suits you.
For a better choice, focus your attention on the size of the device, its braking system, comfort, ergonomics, inertia wheel, onboard computer, as well as the training programs it has. If you’re tall and have a strong build, consider opting for an elliptical trainer with a large stride length. This will ensure a comfortable pedaling experience without any discomfort.
We are at the end of our guide, we hope it will be of great help to you how to choose a cheap elliptical. Also make sure to read our buying guide for elliptical trainers under 500.