Best Elliptical Machines Under $1000 For 2022
Elliptical trainers are one of the most important trainers to have in your home or gym, so we see why every fitness enthusiast wants to have at least one. There are so many elliptical trainers online that you may feel lost looking for the best one to buy for less than $1000. It can be tiring looking through endless lists of ellipticals and not knowing the right one to buy.
From what we have seen so far, the average user is looking for a cheap elliptical trainer, whether intended for home or gym. Well, this is not impossible as you’d find top-rated elliptical under $1000. However, picking the best elliptical machine under 1000 one for you might be a little difficult because you will come across a whole lot of them and you might get overwhelmed by the endless lists. That’s why we have tried to remove the stress of looking around by creating a list of the best home ellipticals under 1000 USD that will be worth your money.
We are obsessed with cheap fitness gears capable of giving an average user a great workout, therefore, this list features the best ellipticals you can buy for less than $1000, without sacrificing good quality, durability, and the features you want in a gym trainer. Every elliptical that makes it to this list is of good quality and excellent warranty and is certainly worth investing in.
We have highlighted the features and a quick overview of what each elliptical can offer you. We also added a buying guide to help you make an informed decision when buying ellipticals under 1000 USD. Read on to find out the 10 best elliptical you can buy for less than $1000;
Overview of Best Ellipticals Under $1000:
- Horizon Fitness 7.0 AE Elliptical
- ProForm Endurance 520 E Elliptical
- Schwinn Compact 470 Elliptical Machine
- Bowflex M3 Max Trainer Series
- Proform Cardio HIIT Trainer
- Livestrong LS8.0E Cross Trainer
- Sole Fitness E25 Elliptical Machine
- ProForm 495 CSE Smart Strider Elliptical
- Nautilus E614 Elliptical Machine
- Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E3862 Elliptical
Editor’s Top Elliptical Choice Under $1000!
Our experts at BEMH have already picked the top-rated elliptical machines under 1000 in 2022 and reviewed them in detail down below. This part is where I search the market every month and pick the newest and the best elliptical for home use under $1000. My choice for the top-rated elliptical under 1000 in March 2022 is the Schwinn 470. This elliptical machine is affordable, made of solid materials, and has a compact frame, making it perfect for everyday training.
In addition to its beautiful look, this cross trainer boasts a good dual-screen monitor that displays time, distance, resistance, calories per hour, pulse, and tons of other information to keep you motivated to reach your fitness goals. To provide a comfortable workout and allow you to make the most out of your elliptical workout, this affordable model comes with ergonomic pedals, automatically adjustable incline, 29 programs (perfect for all levels especially beginners) and Bluetooth technology.
On top of all the features, I already mentioned in this best elliptical reviews under 1000, this model is equipped with speakers, USB for charging your devices, and an adjustable fan to keep you cool during summer workouts. Thanks to its 20″ stride length, it can accommodate all riders (short, average, and tall) which is unique even among best ellipticals under $1000. Considering hundreds of 5-star reviews from real consumers and tens of awesome features, the Schwinn Fitness 470 is my pick for the top elliptical machine under 1000 in 2022.
Our Top 10 Picks Under 1000 USD:
1. Horizon Fitness 7.0 AE Elliptical
For an Elliptical under $1000, the Horizon Fitness 7.0 AE Elliptical is good value. It’s a great option if you are looking for a durable and stable elliptical for your workout at home. It comes with loads of amazing features that you can only find in expensive models. For an elliptical under $1000, we think it’s a good buy.
Some remarkable features of this ellipticals below 1000 USD are its impeccable 20 levels of power incline, a great flywheel of 23lbs, allowing a smooth overall performance. With this much robust flywheel, you can be happy about a smooth and quiet ride. The resistance level is also impressive. 20 adjustable resistance level affords you all the flexibility you can ever find in any elliptical from this manufacturer. It makes it absolutely easy to work at whatever level you feel comfortable with.
And yes, it has advanced Bluetooth connectivity and integrated speakers to blast your favorite music, and a built-in fan to cool you off. 7.0 AE Elliptical is compatible with your Android and Apple devices. Although it only six workout programs, you can still enjoy a complete workout when you use the incline settings.
It comes with a decent stride length of 20 inches, which is comfortable for most users. The machine has a training app that helps you to stay on track with your goals. Another reason why you might just take a final stop and buy Horizon Fitness 7.0 AE Elliptical is its excellent warranty terms. There is a lifetime warranty on the frame, a 3-year warranty for the parts, and a 1-year warranty for labor. User weight capacity is 325lbs. This is already a good deal for you. Overall, it’s a stable and durable elliptical trainer with features you will love.
Cons:
- Having talked about the best features of this machine, it’s only appropriate that we let you know the downsides it may have. It has a limited selection of workout options. Compared to some other ellipticals that may have up to 20, 7.0 AE Elliptical has only 6.
- It’s heavy, so it’s tough to move around.
2. ProForm PFEL55916 Endurance 520 E Elliptical
This one is the cheapest from its series. Its performance shows that you don’t need to shell out big bucks to get a decent elliptical cross trainer. ProForm PFEL55916 Endurance 520 E is a combination of low price and impressive features, making it one of the best selling ellipticals under $1000. For an Elliptical machine under $1000, it has features anyone will be impressed with.
One of the top features you will be happy about is its tons of workout options. It comes with 18 workout programs that you can enjoy without an iFit subscription. If you then decide to subscribe to iFit, there are endless possibilities for your workout options. ProForm PFEL55916 Endurance 520 E is not the kind of trainer that will bore you out with a limited routine. You get to mix and explore many different programs.
At 15lb flywheel, it provides smooth and steady motion in quietness. It has 18 levels of resistance, making it easy for you to work at your comfort level without driving your body to injury. It has a 20-degree incline to work even advanced athletes on high intensity, even though this elliptical is more suitable for beginners. It has a 19 inches adjustable stride length to maintain a comfortable position while working out.
ProForm PFEL55916 Endurance 520 E has its heart rate sensors built into the handlebars. It has a tablet holder to help you conveniently connect with your iFit coach and watch your progress. It comes with a 5″ LCD backlit screen, bottle holder, and dual 2” speakers to enjoy your favorite song while working out.
D520 E is a bit low on warranty. It has a lifetime warranty in the frame, a 1-year warranty in the parts and labor. Like all ProForm machines, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. User weight capacity is 300lbs.
Cons:
- If there is anything unimpressive about this elliptical machine under $1000, it would be the absence of a cooling fan.
- Some cool air can go a long way during a workout. Also, we think the warranty coverage is poor.
- The incline is manually adjustable which means you need to stop the workout if you want to change the incline degree.
3. Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine
The first feature that will attract you to the Schwinn 470 is it is compact design. Many users prefer to buy it because they can use it comfortably anywhere around the house. It belongs to the range of the best home Elliptical under $1000. Although it has a streamlined vintage design, it remains a premium quality at an incredibly cheap price. Cut down your budget because you will be spending way less on Schwinn 470.
Schwinn 470 has 20 inches strides which makes a good option if you want to buy your first home Elliptical trainer. It has 25 different resistant levels, so you can fall into your comfort level easily. With the 29 workout programs, you can enjoy some variation in your workout routine and gain all the elliptical benefits.
It features a grip heart rate monitoring system to help you keep up with your fitness goal. This home elliptical features an oversized console with necessary integration, including a media tray, speakers to keep you entertained during workout, a reading rack, and a water bottle holder to help you keep hydrated. Its operation is smooth and quiet.
This Elliptical is big on comfort and performance, which is why you will find the linkages providing a comfortable and natural foot motion in use. It is also reinforced with oversized stabilizers and levelers to create a solid workout platform. User weight capacity is 300 lbs.
There is a bit of concern about the warranty terms of this machine. They only offered a 2-year warranty on the frame, a 6-month warranty on parts, 6 months warranty on electronics, and a 30-day warranty on wear parts. This could be Schwinn’s way of showing confidence in their products, because, truly, the Schwinn 470 is made with good quality parts considering the price point. Having considered the pros and cons of Schwinn 440, we can say it’s one of the best choices you can make within a price point of home elliptical way less than $1000.
Cons:
- Schwinn 470’s poor warranty may get you thinking twice before making a purchase.
4. Bowflex M3 Max Trainer Series
Featured in tens of elliptical machine reviews under $1000, the Bowflex Trainer M3 is a unique kind of machine that is much different from many elliptical machines you will see around. It creates two natural movements (elliptical and stepping), which is one of the best selling features of this brand. So, if you need an Elliptical that makes you feel like you are doing a natural work out, the Max Trainer M3 will serve you. And well enough, it’s under $1000.
The Max Trainer M3 is not ordinary elliptical. It combines the functionality of a stair stepper making a great calorie burner. It is a zero pact machine designed to be extremely compact, so if you need an entry-level elliptical for home use, you might want to buy the Max Trainer. At 143lb, you can comfortably use it even in a little space.
This Bowman Max series has 8 different resistant levels you can easily navigate through the right handlebar. It comes with 2 workout programs, Max Interval and Manual. Even though you might get bored with just 2 workout programs, you can make the most of your workout using the resistance control and Max interval.
The display is a basic, making it easy to read the indicators for your burn rate. It comes with a chest strap to monitor your heart rate accurately- chest straps are more accurate heart rate monitors. Bowman M3 has just a 1-year warranty on the entire machine and 6 weeks money-back guarantee.
The Bowman Max 3 is designed for comfort. The dream of the people behind the Bowflex Fitness is to give you a trainer that does look very good and you burn calories faster and comfortably. It’s solid, stable, and sleek. It has a futuristic design that can fit anywhere and at anytime. The user weight capacity is 300lbs. Overall, it’s one of the best compact ellipticals and a good buy if you are looking for something different from the ordinary from an elliptical under $1000.
Cons:
- It has poor warranty coverage.
- No sound system or speakers.
- Only 2 workout programs can become boring in no time.
- Fixed incline/height of steps.
5. Proform Cardio HIIT Trainer
The Proform Cardio HIIT Trainer is undoubtedly one of the top-rated Elliptical under $1000. It offers you a workout motion imitating natural stair climbing and running process. Proform Cardio HIIT makes you feel like you are running up your street lane. Natural and efficient.
There are lots of impressive features in this Elliptical machine. With 24 tension level resistance accessible through the handlebars, Cardio HIIT can test even the toughest athlete. User can always find their comfortable resistance level and work up with time. For an Elliptical under $1000, Cardio HIIT has a commendable hefty flywheel of 28lb. With this kind of flywheel, you have a wide range of ability levels.
Another thing to love about this machine is its long list of workout programs. Even if you have to do a different workout program every day, you can exhaust the list of 32 programs in a month. The console holds workout necessities including a two-speed fan, a tablet holder, a water bottle holder to keep you hydrated, speakers for your smartphone and MP3, and a grip heart rate monitor.
It has an easy to read 7” display, from which you can monitor your speed, time, and calories burned, helping you to monitor your progress easily. It has high quality, soft low impact pedaling that provides comfort for the knees, joints, ankles, and minimizes the risk of injury.
Proform Cardio HIIT Trainer has a lifetime warranty on the frame, 3 years on the part, and 1 year in labor, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. User weight capacity is 350 lbs. Overall, Proform Cardio HIIT is a good buy as it offers great value and flexibility but if you can afford, go for the ProForm HIIT Pro, it has more features.
Cons:
- It has a fixed (non-adjustable) stride length and the climbing motion is more challenging for users who want an easier intensity.
- Incline/step height is fixed (not adjustable)
6. Horizon Fitness Cross Trainer
Horizon Fitness EX59 Elliptical has many desirable qualities that you want in an elliptical. It has a six-star certified frame that ensures the efficiency and comfort of users. The six key elements include ideal handlebar spacing to eliminate overreaching, zero-gap pedal spacing, natural elliptical footpath, straight-up body positioning, hefty flywheel, and smooth drive mechanism.
It has features that you would mostly find in expensive models, so it’s a good run for a home elliptical under $1000.Horizon Fitness EX59 comes with admirable flexibility.
You can easily change your workout routine without stress or strain on your body. It is built with a hefty 20-lb flywheel that enhances fluid motion and smooth performance. Such a heavy flywheel gives an assurance of quality and smooth performance.
Horizon Fitness EX59 comes with 10 resistance level and 18-inch stride length which users can achieve a variety of motions. The adjustable resistance helps you to diversify workout and get faster results. It has 10 workout programs so you won’t be stuck to a routine.
EX59 has a heart rate monitor in its contact grip. It has built-in speakers compatible with your iPod and MP3 to keep you entertained during workout. The display is a 2 window LED and blue backlit to monitor your workout data, including speed, resistance, and others. This machine has a warranty of 1 year on parts, frame, and 1 year on labor. User weight capacity is 300 lbs.
Cons:
- There is no incline adjustment
- The stride is 18-inch fixed and can’t be adjusted
7. Sole Fitness E25 Elliptical Machine
The Sole E25 Elliptical Machine is one of the most affordable cross trainers under $1000. If you are looking for a quality cross trainer like those in your gym without breaking the bank, Sole Fitness E25 is the machine for you. It offers a range of premium features that makes it just perfect for anyone.
You get a thick, heavy-duty steel frame that gives you a stable feel when you get on the ride. Sole Fitness E25 has a unique pedal design. It has double wheels riding behind the pedal steel while many other elliptical under $1000 have only one. Its oversized foot pedals are designed with a slight 2 degree inward slope to give comfortable strides.
It has up to 20-degree incline levels and 20 adjustable edgy current brake resistance levels for users to find their comfort with every inclination level attained. With 10 programs option, you can enjoy quality workout sessions each time. It has 20” strides that even the tallest will be comfortable with.
Its heavy 25lb flywheel will have you enjoying an extremely smooth and quiet performance. It has stationary handlebars with built-in sensors to monitor the user’s heart rate. It has a built speaker compatible with the MP3 player to hook on your favorite music, a built-in fan to keep you fool, a water bottle holder, and a vibrant blue backlit 6.5″ LCD to track your progress.
Sole Fitness E25 has a good warranty deal. It has a lifetime warranty on the frame, 3 years on electronics and parts, and 1 year on labor. The user weight capacity is 350 lbs. Overall it’s a good purchase, however, my favorite is the Sole E35, it’s one of the best ellipticals under $2000.
Cons:
- The speakers are not very strong, likewise the fans.
- Also, the stride length is not adjustable from the standard 20”.
8. ProForm 495 CSE Smart Strider Elliptical
Proform 495 CSE is the cheapest folding elliptical by Proform. It’s one of the best rated elliptical under 1000 you can run in your home. It has nice features in a compact body. You can pack it away once you are done working out. You will have this compact goodness in your home for a decent price under $1000.
This cheap elliptical includes many generous features including 18 levels resistance and 18-inch strides, providing users with a dominant performance and easy balance. With 18 preset workout programs and iFit readiness, you can enjoy diverse workout options for less. You can also download new workout programs to enjoy with an iFit membership.
It has a basic, easy-to-read display to track your workout progress and a tablet holder to hold firm your tablet while you watch and train with videos. You can easily connect your smartphone or tablet to the Bluetooth to track your progress online.
Despite being lightweight and compact, ProForm 495 Cse is a durable elliptical machine. It is built from commercial gauge steel, making it durable and long-lasting. It has handlebars reinforced with grip pulse sensors to measure the heart rate. User weight capacity is 275 lbs.
ProForm 495 Cse Smart Strider has a good warranty deal. It has a lifetime warranty on the frame, 1 year on the parts, and one year in labor. As customary for ProForm, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons:
- It does not have a cool-off fan. If that’s something you are looking for, you may need to look elsewhere.
- It’s not suited for taller people due to its 18 inches stride length.
- Incline is fixed and not adjustable.
9. Nautilus E616 Elliptical Machine
Coming from Nautilus, you should be assured that you are buying a great value. The trainer E616 by Nautilus is one the best ellipticals under $1000. It is rated for its premium quality and loads of desirable features. The machine is fully loaded for an Elliptical under $1000.
It has 25 resistance levels to help you hit your fitness goals. The resistance level is adjustable for users to find their comfort level if 25 is too high. It has two user profiles and comes with 29 different workout programs to help you diversify your workout.
It has the standard inches stride expected of an elliptical-22 inches, making it suitable for taller users. The console is an average size with two LCD windows to read to monitor and feedbacks and workout statistics, including resistances, calories burned, speed, etc.
It also holds a charging station for phones and tablets. The handlebars are reinforced with a heart rate sensor to monitor cardio progress on the LCD. Nautilus E616 Elliptical has a flywheel weighted enough to give smooth and quiet operation.
It comes with a 10-degree power incline, a two-speed fitness fan to cool you off while you pick your pace on the machine, and a bottle holder. The machine has 10 years warranty on frame, 2 years on mechanicals, 1 year on parts, and 90 days on labor. User weight capacity is 300 lbs.
Cons:
- Only 10 degree incline degree
10. Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E3862 Elliptical
SF-E3862 Circuit Zone by Sunny Health and Fitness is another quality elliptical in this under $1000 range with solid core performance and good looks. It has a strong built and generally provides maximum grip and stability for users. If you are looking for an impressive home Elliptical under $1000, you should take advantage of this trainer right here.
With 16 levels resistance, 24 preset workout programs, you can intensify your workout and enjoy a smooth and efficient motion while at it. SF-E3862 Circuit Zone has 15.75 inches stride length, which may not be suitable for taller users. It has a non-slip foot pedal with an incline level up to 12.8⁰, which functions to achieve maximum grip and stability while you stride.
This machine has a sturdy steel construction, which is an assurance of stability and durability. The base of SF-E3862 Circuit Zone has 6 contact points with the floor. Each point has an adjustable rubber pad stabilizer to provide a grip on the floor.
The console features a backlit display to track time, speed, distance, and more. The levels and preset programs are accessible through the console. It has a pulse grip that measures the heart rate while working out.
It also features a table holder and a bottle holder. User weight capacity is 285lb. SF-E3862 Circuit Zone has a 4-year warranty on the frame and 180 days warranty on other parts and components.
Cons:
- It has no speaker, no USB port, no connectivity. That can be quite boring.
- The stride length is pretty short (15.5″) for average and taller users.
- Fixed incline so you can’t change the steepness and work harder on your calves or buttocks.
Best Ellipticals Under $1000 Compared
| NAME | IMAGE | STRIDE | PROGRAMS | CONNECTIVITY | RESISTANCE | INCLINE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horizon Fitness 7.0 AE Elliptical |  | 20" Fixed | 20 | Bluetooth | 20 Levels Electromagnetic | 0-20-Degree Electronically Adjustable |
| ProForm Endurance 520 E Elliptical |  | 19" Fixed | 18 | Bluetooth | 18 Levels Electromagnetic | 0-20-Degree Manually Adjustable |
| Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine |  | 20" Fixed | 29 | Bluetooth | 25 Levels Electromagnetic | 0-20-Degree Electronically Adjustable |
| Bowflex M3 Max Trainer Series |  | 5" Fixed | 2 | N/A | 8 Levels Electromagnetic | Not Adjustable (12" Step Height) |
| ProForm Cardio HIIT Cross Trainer |  | 5" Fixed | 4 | Bluetooth | 24 Levels Electromagnetic | Not Adjustable (10" Step Height) |
| Livestrong LS8.0E Cross Trainer |  | 20" Fixed | 9 | N/A | 16 Levels Electromagnetic | 0-25-Degree Manually Adjustable |
| Sole Fitness E25 Elliptical Machine |  | 20" Fixed | 10 | N/A | 16 Levels Electromagnetic | 0-30-Degree Electronically Adjustable |
| ProForm 495 CSE Smart Strider Elliptical |  | 18" Fixed | 18 | Bluetooth | 18 Levels Electromagnetic | Not Adjustable |
| Nautilus E614 Elliptical Machine |  | 20" Fixed | 22 | N/A | 20 Levels Electromagnetic | 0-20-Degree Manually Adjustable |
| Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E3862 Elliptical |  | 15" Fixed | 24 | N/A | 16 Levels Electromagnetic | Not Adjustable |
Buying Guide!
Do you want to buy an Elliptical under $1000 or looking to buy the best elliptical machine on the market? Despite that you may have your personal goals, there are important features you should never sacrifice when choosing an Elliptical trainer. These features include; Adjustable incline, Smooth elliptical motion, Quiet operation, Natural movement, Adjustable resistance, Number of custom programs, Warranty, and last but not least, the stride length (the longer the better).
Extra features that make your workout productive, e.g. speakers, internet connectivity. We have discussed how important all of these features are in an elliptical throughout this article. Even for a budget under $1000, the elliptical you are buying shouldn’t skimp on these features.
They are important and that’s why we have expanded the features with each Elliptical. Also, you should look out for your personal specifics when buying an Elliptical. For instance, if you are in love with listening to music during workout, you should only choose one with a speaker.
FAQs
Is the Elliptical good cardio?
The elliptical machine is a staple for cardio. It gives you extensive cardio to strengthen your lungs, heart, and muscles. Although, they don’t use as muscles as rowing machines do.
Is an elliptical under $1000 effective?
Most ellipticals under $1000 are effective and will help you achieve your fitness goal. However, there are many that are only built for entry-level users.
Are ellipticals good for a beginner?
Certainly! They come with varying resistance levels, allowing beginners to fit in their individual comfort level. Some of the top ellipticals under 1000 in this review feature multiple programs that are perfect for starters.
Final Verdict
A budget of $1000 or less is well enough to buy a premium quality Elliptical machine. All you have to do is watch out for the important features and how they suit your fitness goal. The good news is that all the ellipticals on this list are worth their sale price!
Hi, my name is Sayed Hamed Hosseiny. I am a professional health and fitness trainer with nearly 20 years of experience using ellipticals, rowing machines, and spin bikes. I also have my own EU-based Rock Fitness Pro fitness brand where I design, import and sell exercise equipment such as rowing machines and spin bikes. I and writers on my team also often receive fitness equipment to review and evaluate their functionalities and performance from tens of different exercise machines manufacturers. Fitness equipment tips, guides, reviews, and comparisons on this website are my opinion (and opinions of my fitness expert colleagues) based on tens of criteria. I never accept payment to write reviews of products or say positive things about fitness equipment products. If brands are interested to have me review their rowers, ellipticals, or spin bikes, they can get in touch with me via email provided on the contact page and send a sample of their product.
