Love it or loathe it, cardio is an important avenue of almost all fitness journeys. However, some aspects of cardio (looking at you, treadmills) can be pretty hard on your body. Fortunately, ellipticals are here to save the day…or at least, your joints. Ellipticals provide a high-intensity, low-impact cardio burn that can even be done while sitting at your desk and that is why they are both popular and effective.
If you're thinking, ok, this sounds swell, I'd love to hear more, but that elliptical price tag though. Fear not—the best budget ellipticals can help you combine your love of aerobic exercise with affordability. Here are our top picks based on factors like the footprint, price (duh), and portability.
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The Best Budget Elliptical - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Budget Elliptical: Sunny Health & Fitness Programmable Elliptical Magnetic Cardio Power Trainer
- Best Budget Elliptical for Beginners: ProForm Elliptical Hybrid Trainer XT
- Best Lightweight Budget Elliptical: Body Rider Body Flex Sport Elliptical
- Best Budget Elliptical under $500: Sunny Health & Fitness Pre-Programmed Elliptical Trainer Machine Magnetic
- Best Budget Elliptical for Home: NordicTrack Commercial 9.9
- Best Under Desk Budget Elliptical: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical Peddler Exerciser
Best Overall Budget Elliptical - Sunny Health & Fitness Programmable Elliptical Magnetic Cardio Power Trainer
SPECS
- Weight: 103 lbs.
- Dimensions: 62.5 “ x 25" x 67"
- Weight capacity: 265 lbs.
When you are looking for a durable and easy-to-use elliptical that won't bust your budget, you need to check out the Sunny Health & Fitness Programmable Elliptical Magnetic Cardio Power Trainer. This machine offers 16 levels of resistance and a rear flywheel that balances it which allows for intense but smooth workouts.
You can track several factors of your workout, including time, distance, calories burned, and speed, as you get a full-body workout by engaging your upper and lower body at the same time. All in all, the benefits that come from this elliptical are incredible given the cost point.
What We Like
- Smooth and durable
- 16 levels of magnetic resistance
- Programmable
- Performance monitor
What We Don't Like
- Some reports of issues with belt
- Complaints of being hard to assemble
BUY: Sunny Health & Fitness Programmable Elliptical Magnetic Cardio Power Trainer
Best Budget Elliptical for Beginners - ProForm Elliptical Hybrid Trainer XT
SPECS
- Weight: 117 lbs.
- Dimensions: 60.5" x 24.5" x 70.5"
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs.
What better way to begin your fitness journey than by scoring a bargain on a twofer? The ProForm Elliptical Hybrid Trainer XT is both an elliptical trainer and an exercise bike. Better yet, it is easy to switch between the two so you don't have to worry about cooling down if you want to go between both trainers in one workout.
Speaking of workouts, this hybrid trainer gives you access to iFit, which offers live and on-demand exercise classes. However, if you don't want to spend money on this service, you can still get in some incredible training by using one of the 16 (eight for the elliptical and eight for the bike) preset programs.
What We Like
- Can be used as an elliptical or recumbent bike
- Lighter than many other ellipticals
- Quiet
- iFit programming available (one month free with purchase)
What We Don't Like
- Not great for taller users
- Takes up a lot of space
- Can feel a little unstable as ell
BUY: ProForm Elliptical Hybrid Trainer XT
Best Lightweight Budget Elliptical - Body Rider Body Flex Sport Elliptical
SPECS
- Weight: 5 lbs.
- Dimensions: 38.5" x 9" x 25.8"
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs.
The weight and portability of the Body Rider Flex Elliptical make this an exceptional choice for those living in apartments or who need to easily move it from room to room. This elliptical has two transportation wheels, weighs in at 58 pounds, doesn't need electricity, and has a small footprint, and these attributes really open up where you can use it.
You'll be getting your sweat on in no time because the Body Rider Flex is also easy to assemble. Despite the low weight and compact design, this elliptical has a solid weight capacity of 250 pounds. Additionally, given that it is a budget-friendly option, this light elliptical is a heavyweight.
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Space-saving footprint
- No electricity needed
- Easy to assemble
What We Don't Like
- Can feel unstable
- Doesn't have incline options
- Foot pedals are small
BUY: Body Rider Flex Elliptical
Best Budget Elliptical under $500 - Sunny Health & Fitness Pre-Programmed Elliptical Trainer
SPECS
- Weight: 105 lbs.
- Dimensions: 55" x 23" x 64.5"
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs.
Is there much better than a bargain on top of a bargain? Well, that's exactly what you'll get with the Sunny Health & Fitness Pre-Programmed Elliptical Trainer (SF-E3912). Simply put, it is a lot of bang for just a little bit of buck. Coming in just under $500, this sturdy elliptical provides more than two dozen pre-programmed workouts, making your training sessions a breeze.
However, if you don't want to use a pre-programmed this trainer has 16 levels of resistance which will allow you to get a great workout in all on your own. Plus, the SF-E3912 has an above-industry-standard weight capacity of 330 pounds, making it a solid choice for a lot of different exercisers.
What We Like
- Heavy-duty weight capacity
- Wide foot pedals
- Comes with 24 pre-programmed workouts
What We Don't Like
- Complicated assembly
- Some complaints of foot pedals sliding
BUY: Sunny Health & Fitness Pre-Programmed Elliptical Trainer (SF-E3912)
Best Budget Elliptical for Home - NordicTrack Commercial 9.9
SPECS
- Weight: 244 lbs.
- Dimensions: 68.25″ L x 28.75″ W x 68.5″ H
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
Let's just go ahead and address the fact that yes, the NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 is on the high-end of the price range for a budget elliptical roundup. However, given that you can often catch it on sale for under $1,000, and that this commercial-grade trainer can easily withstand several users a day, we think that it makes this a great bargain for a household.
With its large range of incline options and the iFit interactive programming, this machine will get the sweat pouring and your heart rate climbing. Although this elliptical is solidly constructed and has a high weight capacity, it may not be great for users with a long stride.
What We Like
- iFit programming
- Built-in monitor
- High weight capacity.
What We Don't Like
- Hard for one person to assemble
- Not ideal for taller exercisers
- Can feel more like a stair stepper
BUY: NordicTrack Commercial 9.9
Best Under Desk Budget Elliptical - Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical Peddler
SPECS
- Weight: 24.2 lbs.
- Dimensions: 24" x 19" x 11"
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs.
Sitting for long periods of time can wreak havoc on your body. Unfortunately, many jobs require just that. Fortunately, under-desk elliptical machines, such as the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical Peddler, allows you to keep yourself active even when you're sitting at your desk.
You can adjust the eight levels of magnetic resistance by an easy-to-reach knob at the center of the machine so you can quickly increase or decrease how hard you're working. Also, this machine is compact and will fit nicely under your desk, and can be quickly slid out of the way when not in use.
What We Like
- Easy to adjust the resistance
- Quiet and smooth
- Large non-slip foot pedals
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended for those over 220 lbs.
- Some complaints of noise level
BUY: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical Peddler
Benefits of Budget Ellipticals
Ellipticals are an excellent option to spice up your cardio routine. Not only do they provide the numerous general benefits that come with increasing your aerobic workouts, but for many, ellipticals offer benefits that they can't get on other types of cardio equipment.
- Improved aerobic capacity: If you want to break a sweat and get your heart rate pumping, ellipticals can help you achieve your goals. In time, this can increase your stamina and help you lose weight. This can lead to a decrease in the risk of diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
- Low-impact: Ellipticals are easier on your joints because of the fluid motion. This can often cause you to complete longer sessions than you would have on a treadmill or even running outside.
- Total-body workout: Using a full-sized elliptical machine, allows you to work out your upper and lower body at the same time. Considering that you're combining both parts of your body means that you may not need to spend as much time on your workout.
What to Look for in a Budget Elliptical
When you're shopping for a budget elliptical, there will be plenty of features for you to choose from to ensure that you are getting the best options for your use. However, there are some common factors that you should consider when you're looking for a budget elliptical. Check out the following before hitting “buy now".
Machine Weight and Portability
The weight and portability of an elliptical may be particularly important to those who live in apartments or don't have a dedicated space for workout equipment. Lighter ellipticals that are easier to move from space to space will allow you to quickly move it to different spots. Ellipticals that weigh in on the lower end will eliminate worries about your floor (and, your neighbor's ceiling) being able to support an exercise machine.
Footprint
Some elliptical machines have a large footprint that can take up considerable swaths of space. If you have a large, dedicated area for fitness equipment or if you'll be trying to position your elliptical machine in a corner of your bedroom, you'll need to measure to make sure that your elliptical will fit.
Weight Capacity and Stride Length
If you are a larger or taller exerciser, you will want to make sure that the elliptical that you choose has a high enough weight capacity and a long enough stride length. If it is not constructed to maintain your weight, the machine could break down much more quickly. Ellipticals with short stride lengths may make it difficult for taller individuals to feel like they are getting a good workout.
Incline and Resistance
Increasing and decreasing the resistance or the incline during an elliptical workout can greatly change the intensity. Most budget elliptical machines will have some level of resistance, but you'll need to make sure that it has enough for the type of workouts you're planning on doing. Although some come with incline adjustability, it is rare than resistance. If this is an important attribute for you, make sure that the ones that you're considering have this feature.
FAQs About Budget Ellipticals
Are ellipticals worth the money?
Exercise is a crucial part of maintaining overall health and wellness. Ellipticals are a great way to add cardio that is easy on your joints into your life. Therefore, if you have the budget for it, they are worth the price.
How much should I pay for an elliptical?
This greatly depends on the budget you have for an elliptical. There is a large range of prices for ellipticals, and you can find quality machines that fit into almost any budget.
Can you get in shape just using an elliptical?
It is advisable to add a variety of exercises into most every workout plan, but you can improve your overall fitness by just using an elliptical.
Is walking or elliptical better for belly fat?
Elliptical training and walking both burn calories which can lead to losing belly fat.
About the Author
Sosha is a staff writer for ACTIVE.com and a CrossFit enthusiast. Her work’s been featured in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, MUTHA Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, and The Charlotte Observer. Her weekly column, Soshally Awkward, is featured on the nationally-syndicated radio show, Bob & Sheri.
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