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Elliptical machines are a safe way to keep your exercise going at the comfort of your home. Although these come expensive, we went out to find out what is the best elliptical for under $500?
In our little quest, we’ve stumbled across a lot of different options that can quench anybody’s thirst for a good workout. But, we’ve only hand-picked those which we think truly deserves a place among the best cheapest elliptical trainer.
Which Elliptical is best for Home use?
Wait just a sec… aren’t these heavy exercise machines supposed to stay inside the boundary of gyms? Well yes, but elliptical machines are definitely not limited to gyms only. You can use them inside your own home made gym. If you can manage the space that is lol.
Okay, but are cheap ellipticals even worth it? Or are you gonna have to spend more money on maintenance than on the purchase?
Of course, there’s no denying that expensive ones are more effective and can provide better performance. At the same time, the affordable trainers are not to be thrown away at all. If it is about getting a decent workout, staying in shape, keeping a good heart, not having thoughts about fatal injuries; then even the cheapest elliptical machines can do the job.
The 10 Ellipticals under the Spotlight
Schwinn A40 – Best Elliptical for home use
Schwinn 411 – Best Compact & Console Elliptical
Cubii Jr. – Best for under desk use
Cubii Pro – Best mini elliptical in the market
SHF SF-E905 – Best Cheapest Sunny Health Elliptical
Body Power BST800 – Best Tension Elliptical
Body Rider BR1830 – Best dual action Arm Moving Elliptical
Body Champ – Best Versatile Elliptical Trainer
XtremePowerUS – Best Affordable Elliptical under $500
SHF SFE3912 – Best for value Elliptical
1. Schwinn A40 elliptical machine
First of all, there is the magnetic resistance system of the elliptical. And this resistance system is fully controllable and divided into 8 different levels. Each level provides more resistance than the previous level.
One of the most important factors in an elliptical is the measurement of its stride. In case of this Schwinn A40 elliptical machine, the stride length is 17.5 inches.
The most interesting fact about the Schwinn A40 elliptical is the workout programs installed in it. There are 7 preset workout programs and a quick start program. This is a big reason for the high cost of this product.
Heart rate sensor is integrated with the handlebars. These sensors are placed ergonomically in the handlebars so that the users can easily get the measure of heart pulse rate.
Besides, the handlebars perform moving action for the hands. As a result, this machine is capable of providing dual-action workout for the whole body.
Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 59 x 23 x 64 inches
- Resistance system: Magnetic resistance system
- Tension adjustment: 8 levels
- Workout programs: 7 preset programs
- Display: Time, speed, distance, burned calories, scan, RPM and heart pulse rate
- Warranty: 6 months mechanical, 6 months electrical and 2 years on the frames
2. Schwinn 411 elliptical trainer machine
The very first example would be the eddy current brake system along with its 16 levels of adjustable tension. The eddy current brake system is the more improved type of resistance system than the usual ones. It is the smoothest, quietest and best resistance system available.
Apart from showing common workout data, you will also find 13 workout programs installed in it. Furthermore, you can connect to the World App that can connect you with anyone using the app for virtual running.
There is a media tray with the console where you can put a big tablet and connect with this app and have a live feed of the virtual world. You can travel around any place of the earth using this app.
A very important point to remember while buying any elliptical machine is the stride length of that elliptical. The stride length of the Schwinn 411 elliptical machine is about 18 inches.
Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 8 x 24 x 62.5 inches
- Resistance system: Eddy current brake resistance
- Tension adjustment: 16 levels
- Workout programs: 13 programs
- Display: Time, speed, distance, calories, heart pulse rate
- Warranty: 90 days labor, 2 years on parts and 10 years on the frames
3. Cubii Jr. under desk elliptical machine
This elliptical from Cubii Jr. is a type of mini elliptical machine.
This machine is absolutely silent; which makes it compatible for using in the office or anywhere. Whether you are eating or reading or watching TV, you can use this machine without being distracted by any kind of noise.
To provide you with various kinds of workouts, it has 8 separate levels of adjustable tension. As a result, you will have full control of the intensity of your workouts.
There is a very small display monitor installed in it that keep real-time track of your workouts. For example, it keeps the track of your workout time, distance, strides, RPM and the amount of calories.
Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 23.2 x 17.5 x 10 inches
- Resistance system: Magnetic
- Tension adjustment: 8 adjustable levels
- Maximum user weight: 250 pounds
- Display: Time, distance, RPM, burned calories, strides
- Warranty: 1 Year
4. Cubii Pro under desk elliptical machine
After the Cubii Jr. under desk elliptical machine, we are bringing you the Cubii Pro under-desk elliptical machine. The Cubii Pro under desk elliptical machine is the upgraded version of the Cubii Jr.
In the Cubii Pro under desk elliptical machine, you will get all the features of the Cubii Jr. as well as some very new and upgraded features. For instance, the Cubii Pro has connectivity to extra workout apps instead of just keeping the track with the small display monitor. It can connect to any android or Apple phone or the Fitbit smart bands or Apple Health Kit to keep monitor your workout statistics.
The rest of the features of this machine is just like the other one. As they are all same, I am not going to bore you by writing the same things again. You can just look at the description above if you do not remember the features.
However, there remains one little difference. The pro version’s construction is different from the previous Jr. It is more compact and extra stylish. And, there is no monitor in the pro elliptical like the Cubii Jr.
Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 22.8 x 17.2 x 9.8 inches
- Resistance system: Magnetic
- Tension adjustment: 8 adjustable levels
- Maximum user weight: 250 pounds
- Display: No monitor with the body of the machine
- Warranty: 1 Year
5. Sunny Health & Fitness SF E905 elliptical machine
This elliptical is made to occupy less space as well as provide a good workout to the. Its design is also very sturdy so is totally safe to use.
Unlike most other elliptical machines, this Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 elliptical has onboard floor stabilizers to prevent any uneven motion of the machine. Moreover, there are also many more comfy features in this machine.
Both the pedals and the handlebars of this elliptical consist of anti-slip surface and are comfortable to hold. The stride length of this machine is 11 inches.
Then comes the resistance system of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 elliptical machine. It has the usual magnetic resistance system like every other good exercise bikes and elliptical machines. On top of the magnetic resistance system, it has 8 separate levels of tension. And these, by the way, are also adjustable by the user.
And yeah, I just remembered; this elliptical machine is also a total body exerciser. If you look at it carefully you will see it has two pairs of handlebars. And one of them is moving. The user of this machine can use them with their hands for upper body exerciser while they are running with the elliptical.
Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 28 x 17 x 57 inches
- Resistance system: Magnetic resistance system
- Tension adjustment: 8 levels of adjustable tension
- Maximum user weight: 220 pounds
- Display: Time, speed, distance, heart pulse rate and burned calories
- Warranty: 3 years on Frame & 180 days Parts
6. Body Power BST800 2 in 1 elliptical stepper trainer
One of the most exceptional features of this elliptical is its curve crank technology. As a result of this technology, the machine provides constant tension in the X and Y axes.
It is also the prime reason behind its ability to offer the stepping function. Furthermore, because of the curved crank system of this machine, the pedals can move in both directions.
We generally see that the media holder is situated below the monitor. And when any big device such as a tablet is placed there, the monitor gets covered. As the media holder is placed above the monitor of this machine, this problem is not faced.
If you ever want to change its position from one place to another, pulling it up from the ground and moving it is really not an option. Better option for you is to use the wheels that come with the machine. Simply makes the moving easy for you.
Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 42 x 24 x 62 inches
- Resistance System: N/A
- Tension adjustment: 8 adjustable levels of tension
- Maximum user weight: 250 pounds
- Display: Time, speed, distance, heart pulse rate and burned calories
- Warranty: 1 year
7. Body Rider BR1830 fan elliptical trainer
But this product has completely different scenario. You can easily identify many variations in this machine than the other ones.
While others have the console mounted on a stand, this one has it above the fan. If you are confused about the word “fan”; then you should be; we’ll learn about it afterward. In the console, the multi-function LCD monitor shows time, speed, distance, scan and the burned calories with this machine.
Now, the handlebars of this machine are dual-action type. This means you can have a perfect upper as well as lower body exercise with this piece of exercising equipment. And the ability to provide lower and upper body exercise makes it a full body exerciser.
Now the most interesting fact about this elliptical; the “fan” word. Instead of any flywheel and a typical magnetic or friction resistance system, this bike has a fan and the air resistance system. When you pedal the machine, the fan will rotate instead of a flywheel. As the fan moves, it will automatically provide resistance by blowing air. This is the principal mechanism of the air resistance system. And it has infinite levels of tension.
Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 38.6 x 9.1 x 24.8 inches
- Resistance system: Air resistance system
- Tension adjustment: Unlimited but adjustable tension
- Stride length: 12 inches
- Display: Time, speed, distance, burned calories and scan
- Warranty: 6 Month
8.Body Champ 3-in-1 Exercise Machine
If the 3-in-1 design is not enough for you then the digital display is sure to steal the show. Up to 21 programs on the console give you a wide range of workouts to try out. Besides, the quality of the console is pretty good considering the affordable price.
Well there’s no doubt that you’ll love the easy transition of resistance. Not just that, the whole operation is super quiet and smooth. And of course, the three designs give a good workout opportunity depending on your needs.
Can’t complain about the seat! Pretty comfortable and comes with a strong backrest. By the way, the seat adjusts all 4-ways. As a result, anyone can find the right position for a comfortable workout experience.
You’ll continue to see and experience the versatile nature of this bike once you hop onto it. Three sets of handlebars to choose from. And you can even track your heart rate using the integrated pulse sensors on a pair of handlebar.
The Body Champ is not the largest elliptical out there. I do appreciate the fact you can save some precious space if you wanna push it into your home. In addition, you will not have any problem when you try to move it away thanks to a pair of transportation wheels.
Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 60 x 28 x 64 inches
- Resistance System: Magnetic
- Tension Adjustment: Digital
- Maximum User Weight: 250 pounds
- Display: time, speed, distance, burned calories, scan and heart pulse rate
- Warranty: 1 year on Frame & 90 days Parts
9.XtremepowerUS Dual Action Elliptical
Of course, you can only expect so much from something this affordable. Not the most comfortable seat, doesn’t go near to Body Champ’s display, and there’s no fancy pulse sensor either.
But, XtremepowerUS doesn’t disappoint when it comes to burning calories and providing a good workout. This is a dual action elliptical machine for home. What does that mean? Well, you can use the elliptical pedals. In addition, it comes with a pair of moving handlebar to work out your upper body.
Resistance does not have the easiest transition. But, it gives a good intensity for a bike in this price category. Another thing I found impressive about this cheap elliptical is the quality construction. The heavy duty steel parts will hopefully keep the machine going for a long time.
The seat height is adjustable but it doesn’t move forward and back like Body Champ. But, you will not need the forward/backward movement since it doesn’t have the upright or recumbent design.
Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 37.5 x 26.5 x 57.25 inches
- Resistance System: N/A
- Tension Adjustment: Knob
- Maximum User Weight: 220 pounds
- Display: time, distance, speed, scan and calories burned per session
- Warranty: N/A
10.Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912
Listen to this. 24 unique workouts, preset and manual programs, user programs, body fat, heart rate, and so much more that my fingers would retire from writing if I went on to mention them. But, you get the gist, right? There’s plenty of fun on the offer thanks to the console.
Wanna burn some quick calories? Then SF-E3912’s 16 levels of smooth resistance partnered with moving arm exercisers will make you swim in your sweat for sure. Moreover, its rear drive flywheel system means that you’d be able to take longer strides.
Furthermore, it comes with stationary handlebars with integrated pulse sensors to keep track of your heart rate alongside the usual metrics. Anti-slip pedals make it safer to move your feet without worries.
It provides a good stability with maximum user weight capacity of 330 pounds. But, no problem if you want to move because of the bottom wheels.
Overall, it is a good console elliptical that gives you a wide range of working out methods.
Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 55 x 23 x 64.5 inches
- Resistance System: Magnetic
- Tension Adjustment: 16 levels
- Maximum User Weight: 330 pounds
- Display: 24 workout modes & several user programs
- Warranty: 3 year on Frame & 180 days Parts
Buying guide to the best elliptical for under 500
In this buyer’s guide, you will be able to learn every single detail about the elliptical machines. Which elliptical to choose, how to choose the best elliptical, what type of components are present in the elliptical, which components are good and which are bad and many more things will be discussed in this buying guide.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Resistance
By now, you must have already learned a lot about the resistance system of elliptical. The resistance system is required in an elliptical machine so that they can provide their users with various intensities of exercises.
Without a good resistance system, the elliptical machine would provide only one simple workout. But with the resistance system, it can provide several types of exercise in different levels of resistance and different intensities.
There are various types of resistance system used in the elliptical. The most ideal resistance system you will find in elliptical under $500 is either the magnetic resistance system or the air resistance system.
Magnetic resistance system
The magnetic resistance system uses magnet around the flywheel that either attracts or repulses it. And with this force of attraction or repulsion, you get harder or easier exercises.
There are many advantages of this magnetic resistance system which comes in very handy for us. Among them, smoothness and quietness are mentionable ones. Most of the professional grade exercising equipment uses this magnetic resistance system.
Besides, there are many additional things that can be added to the magnetic resistance system if more money is spent.
Air resistance
Another common, cheap and quite efficient resistance system is the air resistance.
The machine that has the air resistance system does not have a flywheel like others. Instead, they have a fan. When you pedal the machine, it powers a fan that blows against the blades of the drive wheel.
The best advantage of this type of resistance system is that they offer unlimited but adjustable tension. What does that mean?
Well, it provides tension as you pedal. So, the resistance increases as fast as you pedal. You can just make an adjustment to how much force you need to pedal the fan.
The machines with air resistance system usually cost less than the magnetic resistance system. While most of them are silent, sometimes some of the machines may make a little noise.
Flywheel
The flywheel is one of the most important components of this type of exercising equipment. A flywheel is the weighted spherical wheel situated at either at the front side of the elliptical or at the backside.
This is why the elliptical machines are divided into two categories based on the position of their flywheel.
Front Drive Elliptical
The front drive elliptical happens to have the flywheel at the front side of the machine. This type of elliptical machine has a stronger design than others.
However, the front drive elliptical has some throwbacks. A major one of them is shorter strides. Don’t know what stride means on elliptical? We’ve covered that later. For now, just know that the front drive elliptical has a shorter stride length than the rear drive elliptical.
As a result of short stride, the front drive elliptical tends to push upwards a little. But, it is not a problem as long as you do not live in any cave that has a low ceiling.
Rear Drive
You can easily guess from the name what this type of elliptical is. They have the flywheel at the back side of the machine. And they have longer stride length. So, if you are looking for an elliptical that has longer stride length then this type of elliptical are a go to trainers for you.
As the flywheel is at the back and stride length is more, the size of the elliptical becomes more space occupying than the other elliptical. So if you live in any small place or if you have a small space to make room for an elliptical machine, then it might get difficult for you.
Stride length
The stride length is one of the most essential features of an elliptical. Having the perfect stride length of elliptical can give you the chance to have a perfect exercise with it. Similarly, if the stride length of your elliptical does not suit you then you won’t get the perfect exercise.
If you want to run then you need an elliptical with longer stride length. And if you want to perform a mild to light exercise, mostly walking, then a shorter stride length will do fine.
You might ask what the ideal range of stride length of elliptical is. Well, there is no perfect answer. Ideal stride length not only depends on the machine but also on the user and the type of exercise he or she wants to perform with the elliptical.
For taller people, you need a longer stride. This is one of the many factors on which the comfortable stride length depends on. So I might be able to tell you an average range which might not be always correct for every user. But most of the time, stride length from 15 inches to 21 inches may suit many people of average height.
Console
Well, this is a part of an elliptical that you cannot ever miss. NO elliptical is complete without a good console.
The console generally means the computer monitor present at the center. Depending on the price the feature of the console varies.
The elliptical machines that cost less have a normal console. Normally, those consoles are of the LCD monitor and show some of the basic workout stats such as time, speed, distance, amount of calories burned during workouts, heart pulse rate if the machine consists of heart rate sensors, etc.
However, if you are willing to spend more then you might get further advanced console in your machine. Luckily, some of the elliptical machines under $500 have such features.
The advanced features include wireless connectivity with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, speakers, programs, apps, etc.
Additional features
In addition to the above mentioned things, there are still many other features found in the elliptical machines. Though they are not very essential, manufacturers still provide these features in the elliptical machine.
If they are present in your machine then very good. And if they are not present but the machine has above mentioned things and those also with updated features then you can rely on that elliptical. These are just additional bonus components and features.
- Transportation wheels: Make moving easy
- Bottle holder: Stay hydrated without leaving the elliptical trainer
- Media holder: Keep yourself entertained & keep important accessories near at hand
- Stabilizer: To keep the machine sturdy as you pedal hard
Decision time!
Soo… what do you think? Did you find your match? Any doubts whether you can get a good elliptical for an affordable price? Well, you shouldn’t have any confusion now. I think we’ve made things clearer for you. Now, it is up to you to decide which one will be your best elliptical for under 500?
And hey! Don’t forget to comment below and tell us all about the awesomeness you will feel using your elliptical trainer at home.
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