10 Best Ellipticals Under $200: Budget Options for 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is more important than ever. And the last few years, ellipticals have quickly become a staple equipment in our homes, and yet we are not conscious of all the benefits of an elliptical trainer.

However, it’s often assumed that quality fitness equipment comes with a hefty price tag. If you don’t have big bucks to spend on a high-end elliptical trainer but want to get a quality product, you’re in the right place. There are plenty of affordable alternatives that you choose for less than $200.

However, it is not easy to find the best ellipticals under $200.This is what we’re going to discover the best budget-friendly ellipticals for 2024, highlighting their features, benefits, and our experiences. In this buying guide section, you’ll learn how to pick the right models according to your needs and fitness goals.

Best Ellipticals Under $200 for 2024

Before going into more detail, take a look at our ranking for 2024.

• 1. Goplus Magnetic Elliptical Trainer
• 2. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3607
• 3. MaxKare Cardio Training Elliptical
• 4. Marcy Pro NS-40501E Cross Trainer
• 5. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3988
• 6. Body Rider Body Flex Sports BR1830
• 7. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3908
• 8. ANCHEER Mini Pedal Under Desk
• 9. Exerpeutic 1000XL Heavy Duty
• 10. MaxKare Magnetic Elliptical

1. Goplus Magnetic Elliptical Trainer – Top Pick

If you are looking for an elliptical for exercising your whole body, undoubtedly you can choose the Goplus Magnetic elliptical trainer. This is simply the best value for money for those who want a high-performance elliptical trainer for small space. It is suitable for both beginners and advanced athletes.

The sturdy magnetically controlled flywheel provides fluidity of movement and great comfort; you don’t need to worry about the joints. The stride length is also comfortable for smooth workouts. The pedals are good sizes and have non-slip textures. The ergonomic handles are covered with kin-friendly and sweat-absorbent soft foam.

We also appreciate the complete console as well as the 8 levels of resistance; you can adjust the training intensity according to your needs. The digital LCD digital display tracks your workout time, distance, speed, odometer, pulse, and how many calories you burn.

To adjust the rhythm of exercise, the grips on both sides can record the heart rate. It is a complete cardio trainer that provides the same benefits as a treadmill, rower, stepper and exercise bike. The assembly process is easy and requires less than 1 hour if you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Goplus magnetic elliptical trainer also has a large phone holder, which allows you to listen to music and watch videos while exercising. The small size and silence allow this machine to take place in a small room. The transport wheels also help you move easily from one room to another.

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2. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3607 Cheap Elliptical

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3607 elliptical trainer offers the same range of features that we have found in models with medium price ranges. For example, it is enormously comparable with the Fitness Reality E5500XL elliptical which costs nearly $450. However, it does not have the same magnetic tension levels though, but its construction is quite similar.

It features a simple 1-piece frame construction, and it’s not extremely large compared to the Goplus. However, this makes it easily fit in a small room or apartment. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3607 compact elliptical trainer is also easy to put together. It provides a smooth and flowing workout for your upper and lower body and the digital monitor track all of your necessary progress.

The hand pulse monitoring system is built into the stationary bars which help to monitor and maintain your target heart rate. The console also features a tablet holder, but the placement is not good we think (placed right under the three keys). You can design custom workouts with 8 levels of resistance, to meet your fitness goals.

This machine is equipped with extra-large pedals that provide superior adherence during exercise. The front base also incorporates a set of two small wheels for easy transportation. Although this model has 8 resistance levels, we recommend it for light cardio workouts because the top resistance level provides medium cardio at best.

The natural movement of running preserves the joints. The 18 inches stride length provides a full-range workout without any strain on the knees or ankles. Differently, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3607 is pretty much a basic elliptical machine, but it is the best slim-design elliptical under $200 for home gym.

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3. MaxKare Cardio Training Elliptical

MaxKare offers several models of low to high-end elliptical trainers, and in terms of features, the MaxKare Cardio Training Elliptical machine has large stride compared to Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3810 as we described above, but other settings, functions and programs are mostly the same. With 240 lbs of load capacity, this product could be a good choice for both men and women.

It has 8-level magnetic resistance. With simple turns, you can increase or decrease the resistance to develop the most appropriate exercise intensity for yourself. Similar to many other manual magnetic elliptical trainers at this price range, the first level of resistance offers a pretty light pedaling difficulty.

The heavy-duty construction metal frame features a durable paint finish resistant to corrosion. The large size foot platforms can accommodate all sizes and the soft grip ensure safe pedaling in the most demanding strenuous exercise. MaxKare indoor elliptical trainer also has a large tablet holder, suitable for different sizes of smartphones and iPads.

The slim design can relatively fit in a small space. Its front base also integrates a set of small wheels that facilitate its relocation if needed. You don’t need maintenance too much because internal parts don’t need lubrication. You only have the keep the unit clean and periodically check the bolts or parts.

However, if you are a bigger person (tall or heavy) this model probably isn’t a good choice for you. It won’t bother you but the strides aren’t very long and it wobbles as you use it.

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4. Marcy Pro NS-40501E Cross Trainer

Marcy Pro NS-40501E elliptical trainer is indeed one of the cheapest elliptical trainers under 200 dollars in the market today. This is not the highest quality at this price range, but obviously, this model is good enough for those who are looking for low-impact, light cardio training equipment without breaking the bank.

It is a manual resistance device, with no flywheel. And it is equipped with a basic console that doesn’t have preset programs. However, the LCD screen is battery-powered and lets you keep track of time elapsed, distance traveled, and calories burned.

With eight adjustable resistance levels, the Marcy Pro NS-40501E comes with a tension knob that allows you to turn the resistance up or down to customize your training according to your fitness needs. You can train your upper and lower body simultaneously to strengthen different muscle groups and execute comprehensive workouts.

The construction is solid and can support a heavyweight user of up to 300 lbs. It doesn’t provide as smooth as a more expensive gym machine, but not so bad as to be unusable. Like the previous one, this model includes handy transport wheels so that users can conveniently move it from one room to another.

It is equipped with vinyl-covered handles and the oversized pedals allow you to train safely. The stride is flat and the arms are not too far away, you can keep your grip through the whole movement. To ensure quality, the manufacturer offers a 2-year limited warranty to let you maximize your purchase hassle-free.

The only complaint is, the Marcy Pro NS-40501E doesn’t have a water bottle holder or top support for holding tablets. However, you can put iPhone or tablet, but it blocks the screen.

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5. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3988 Underdesk Elliptical

Sunny Health & Fitness under-desk elliptical combines the striding motion of an elliptical cross trainer with the small footprint of an exercise stepper machine. It helps you to keep your legs, feet, and lower body active. It features heavy-duty construction and going to last a lifetime. However, the stride is a bit short (only 7 inches), but that’s the expected trade-off.

This mini exercise bike is a great choice for testing endurance, burning calories, and overall improving your immune system. The belt-driven mechanism gives you a quiet fitness experience. It has a 220 lbs weight capacity. There is no assembly required at all. The assemble demensions are ‎33.5 x 18.5 x 51.75 inches.

Its magnetic resistance and range of motion keep your blood flowing. The handlebars can be adjustable in 2 ways for all sizes of users. The foot pedals are textured non-slip pedals that accommodate all sizes for safe moving. It is a versatile, Compact Stand Up, space-saving, and lightweight elliptical machine under 200 dollars.

Like most cheap magnetic ellipticals on the market, this underdesk model has 8 levels of resistance, which provide precise control and customization of your workouts. However, there isn’t a lot of difference between its high and low resistance levels.

The built-in digital LCD monitor tracks speed, time, distance, calories and scan. This model also has convenient transport wheels. The handle is easily removable for storage. You can store it in a small space.

However, it doesn’t have the full range of customization as a more expensive one does or the moving arms but you will definitely feel the training after using it for a while in your legs.

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6. Body Rider Body Flex Sports BR1830 Elliptical Machine

The Body Flex Sports BR1830 model was first released over a decade ago. Despite that, it could be an excellent choice for this year. And if you want an elliptical trainer for exercise within your own home, you have to consider the Body Rider Body Flex Sports BR1830.

It is a basic model and overall cheaply made. However, the included features are pretty decent. It doesn’t offer a wide range of features and functions like Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3607, but it can supply the required training setting for a light cardio workout.

Body Rider elliptical has a built-in fan resistance system like air rowers. The resistance system features a friction belt that can be adjusted via turning the tension knob on top of the main tube of the frame. There are no specified resistance levels, but this machine offers a really consistent top resistance setting.

The transmission chain drive system connects the fan with the crankset. The crank is pretty solid with steel-made crank arms. With a lightweight design, (weight only 58 lbs) it can support users up to 250 lbs.

The footplates are pretty large and can easily accommodate any size of athletic shoe. Body Rider elliptical also features an anti-slip, ribbed design but is not effective on the top resistance setting. Because the footplates do not feature any type of cushioning or articulation.

Like most elliptical trainers in this roundup, the Body Flex Sports BR1830 offers a pretty smooth stepping motion (do not compare with high-end models), with a minimal impact on the joints. However, it features a short action stride not acceptable for running.

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7. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3908 Stand Up Elliptical

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3908 portable elliptical machine uses a durable belt-drive mechanism that keeps your strides smooth, quiet, and consistent in shared and compact spaces, including bedrooms and living rooms. This is a well-designed elliptical trainer under $200 for home use. It is designed with advanced technology to provide you with incredible health benefits.

You don’t require any assembly, you can jump straight to your workout after unboxing. And with a built-in carry handle, this space-saving machine can be stored easily under the bed or sofa, while not in use.

The adjustable height top half of the handle is easily removable. When the handle is removed, you can store it under a normal-height dinner table. With excellent stability and the 220 lbs maximum user weight limit, you will feel confident standing or sitting on this home-use cardio machine. And definitely feel the effective workout after using it, especially in your legs.

You can control your workout intensity with the easy-to-use 8-level resistance dial. However, as a cheap elliptical trainer, there isn’t a lot of difference between high and low resistance, but there is some adjustment. This small fitness device won’t give you a hard workout, but it is great for a regular, mild exercise plan.

The wide-textured non-slip foot plates are designed to keep the user’s feet steady and secure during activity. However, for large feet people, it’s very difficult in the standing position. Also keep in mind that this model doesn’t design for a whole-body workout, but it’ll help you develop muscles in your lower body and improve blood circulation through consistent exercise.

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8. ANCHEER Mini Pedal Under Desk Elliptical

ANCHEER is always famous for providing affordable fitness equipment. This is a 2-in-1 under-desk and stand-up elliptical from ANCHEER. With a V-belt drive mechanism and 20 lbs weight, you can use it for a regular whole-body low-impact aerobic workout at home, in the office, or wherever you see suitable.

The large pedals are anti-slip and measure 5.11 x 13 inches. You can move in two directions- forward and backward and are able to target different muscles. You can simply use it in different sitting positions.

Surprisingly, ANCHEER mini indoor elliptical comes with an integrated advanced LED display, which monitors the distance of travel, time, calories, speed, counter and time. You’ll also get a remote control with the Power, Start/Stop, Function, Direction, Mode, Speed up and down buttons.

It is very compact and quiet. You can start workouts when you’re sitting at a desk or on your couch while watching TV or reading a book. It does not make any unpleasant sound, so you can use it quietly in the office.

However, you can only use this model in a seated position and not standing. It is smooth at all times as it is a low-decibel exercise machine that will not disturb your work or whatever you’re listening to.

ANCHEER Desk Elliptical trainer is also portable, so you can carry it with you when traveling. The overall dimensions are 18 x 14 x 10 inches, so you can move it between your house and office easily by holding its handle. You can choose from 5 levels of manual speed or one of the three automatic programs.

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9. Exerpeutic 1000XL Heavy Duty Magnetic Elliptical

Exerpeutic 1000XL is one of the cheapest high-capacity elliptical trainers in the market with maximum advanced features. It’s compact, however, weighs 76 pounds and the dimensions are 23″ W x 54″ L x 76″ H.

Compared to other indoor ellipticals under $200 on our list, this unit features heavy-duty construction and has a high load capacity. It can hold up to 300 pounds and it is designed to give the user a zero-impact workout that is easy on the hips, knees and ankles.

However, the Exerpeutic magnetic elliptical will take almost two hours to put together, if you never had it before. But the process is very simple if you follow the instruction manual.

It has eight levels of resistance, which the trainee adjusts by turning a knob. However, the lowest setting had a high amount of resistance compared to the highest setting (You may notice that most of the cheap ellipticals have the same issue).

It has a mini workout monitor that can display data about distance, calories burned, time, speed and heart rate. We like that heart rate is estimated through sensors on stationary handlebars. It provides a dual-action workout to improve tone and strengthen the upper and lower body simultaneously.

Exerpeutic 1000XL elliptical also features a natural elliptical motion that eliminates any bouncy movement and delivers smooth workouts. The precision-balanced flywheel allows forward or backward. It is a piece of family-friendly gym equipment and an excellent addition to any home gym.

However, because of the low price tag, the manufacturer has used some very basic and rather low-quality components. For example, it has 13” stride length, which is about a third shorter than the average adult’s most natural-feeling stride. Also, it doesn’t have workout program settings.

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10. MaxKare Heavy Magnetic Elliptical Trainer

For our last pick, we wanted something cheap but rich in features, the MaxKare. This is an affordable and simple magnetic elliptical with a lot of things that may just make it worth your while. The heavy-duty construction and noticeable Magnetic Resistance are good for Cardio workouts. It provides a low-impact workout that is enjoyable for your knees.

It can hold a maximum weight of 286.6 pounds, so it can even withstand pedaling from professional athletes. The stride length of the MaxKare Magnetic Machine is 14.17 inches, which is the largest on this list. And with a bottle holder and tablet holder, it is definitely worth the price.

It has a large LCD backlit display panel that allows you to monitor your form during workouts, including exercise time, distance traveled, current speed, pulse rate, calories burned, and scan. You can hold the handles to see the real-time heart rate changes during training. You can also use the data to keep track of your fitness.

It has two wheels in the front, making it very easy to move to another place. Even you can move forward and backward to meet all your training needs without any problem. The instruction is also easy to read, even if you are a beginner, you won’t feel any difficulty assembling it.

However, it is very heavy because of the solid construction and heavy flywheel. But the heavy flywheel means the foot pedals are extremely smooth. Overall, It could be a good choice for consistent and natural workouts.

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Buyer’s Guide: Cheap Ellipticals Under $200

Let’s see the features you have to consider before buying a cheap elliptical under $200.

The structure

The structure of the elliptical trainer must be adapted to your morphology so that you can perform the movements with ease. In terms of length, your chosen elliptical trainer should be between 1 m and 1.30 m long depending on your height. The wheelbase on the ground is also an important element for better stability. The wider it is, the more stable the bike is during exercises.

Some models are also equipped with level compensators intended to correct unevenness in the ground. Apart from comfort and stability, make sure that the structure of the device is sturdy and durable.

The flywheel

Flywheel is the key element of an elliptical trainer because it has a close relationship with the smoothness of the machine when in use (although most cheap ellipticals don’t have flywheels). This wheel is located at the front or rear in the large block, often round, at the end of the pedal supports.

A quick rule of thumb is: the heavier the flywheel, the smoother and quieter the elliptical will run because the extra weight helps it turn more efficiently.

Resistance or braking system

With more resistance levels, you are able to increase the difficulty of your workout more gradually. When there are few resistance levels, you are forced to adapt to challenges that you may not yet be ready for. Or you will end up with a sports machine whose limits you will quickly reach. In general, cheap elliptical trainers have 8-12 resistance levels.

Stability

In general, a heavier elliptical trainer will be more stable. However, it also remarkably depends on their design. The difficulty is sometimes finding the balance between the weight of the assembly and the need to move or bend it. Indeed, some models with a front flywheel can fold to save space.

The amplitude of the stride

Stride length varies from model to model and it is more important to some people than to others. Here is what you should look for depending on your height:

• You are less than 1.65 m tall: 30 to 39 cm stride length.
• You are 1.65 m to 1.80 m: Stride length of 40 to 50 cm.
• You are over 1.80 m tall: Stride length greater than 50 cm.

Console board

Not all elliptical trainers come with an on-board computer or display. But it is essential to get the most out of your session. Indeed, the digital display will serve you at least to create tailor-made workouts and reduce the risk of you getting bored on your machine.

However, before making a purchase make sure the console is easy to read, even while you are in your midst. Backlighting is a plus, but not necessarily fundamental.

Data showed

The best displays will give you a range of data including distance, stride speed, session time, and heart rate with a supplied sensor or smartwatch. Some of the advanced elliptical trainers offer the option of uploading your data to external devices or websites to track your progress. Others allow you to connect a smartphone or tablet and are compatible with various paid or free applications.

Training programs

This capability goes hand in hand with your device’s electronic console. Your elliptical should include a number of programs that focus on weight loss, HIIT intervals, cardio, muscle tone, and more.

Size and weight

Size is also a factor to consider. Professional-grade machines take up a lot of floor space. If you are limited in this regard, it might be worth looking for the best foldable or at least easily movable elliptical trainer with fixed wheels that touch the ground when lifted a bit.

FAQs

What is the best cheap elliptical brand?

Sunny Health & Fitness is undoubtedly the best high-quality but cheap health and fitness products distributor and importer. They offer you fitness and sports equipment that is both light and very quiet. They come in different ranges to suit all budgets.

Goplus offers quality products at a mid-range price. In terms of advantages, you will receive one year warranty worldwide. Goplus is not the best elliptical supplier but their low price of fitness equipment is pleasing.

Are ellipticals under $200 suitable for intense workouts?

While budget ellipticals don’t have as many advanced features as higher-end models, many still offer a decent range of resistance levels. They can provide a good workout, especially for beginners or those looking for low to moderate intensity exercises.

Can I track my progress on these budget ellipticals?

Yes, many budget ellipticals come with basic monitoring features like time, distance, speed, and calorie burn. Some models may even have heart rate sensors, which allow you to keep track of your workout intensity.

How often do you use the elliptical trainer every day?

Elliptical trainers should be used on average between 15 to 60 minutes per day. However, this frequency will depend on your goal and your physical condition.

Is it possible to build muscle with an elliptical trainer?

As an ideal piece of equipment for cardio training, elliptical trainer can strengthen both the upper body and the lower body.

How long does it take to see the first results?

The first results depend mainly on the frequency of use. They will only be seen if you use the elliptical machine regularly. The gluteal muscles, thighs, and calves are the most visible.

How many sessions for a better result?

The number of sessions may vary depending on each user, their physical form, and their goals. Some people will be able to get significant results in just a week of use while others will not.

Can I get replacement parts for these budget ellipticals?

Yes, most reputable manufacturers offer replacement parts for their elliptical machines. It’s a good idea to check the availability of replacement parts before making a purchase.

Final Thoughts

Elliptical trainer is undoubtedly one of the most effective cardio devices, appreciated by sports fans. You benefit from 15% more calories burned compared to the exercise bike since it will also work the upper body.

In the quest for affordable fitness equipment, finding the right elliptical that combines quality, functionality, and budget-friendly pricing can be a game-changer. Our guide of the top 10 Best Ellipticals Under $200 for 2024 has highlighted some fantastic options for those looking to incorporate low-impact, full-body workouts into their routines without breaking the bank.

However, we would like to point out that we have NO interest in promoting elliptical trainers over other fitness equipment because each device has different benefits.

We hope this guide gives you all the information you need to make a well-informed choice.

Read Also…

• Best Ellipticals Under $300 for Home Use
• Best Ellipticals Under $500 (In-Depth Reviews)
• Hybrid Elliptical Machine Buyer’s Guide
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