While there are many options available for putting in your cardio workout, but the elliptical trainer takes the cake. Elliptical training is the most effective non-impact fat burning exercise.
Adding elliptical machine to home will save you from waiting in the gym for one. It will also enable you to spend more time on this.
You already know benefits of an elliptical trainer and the plus points of having it at home gym. Now the question arises which one to buy among the many options available.
This article takes care of that question. We have shortlisted the 10 best elliptical trainers that are available within your budget.
Our aim is to help you buy an affordable elliptical machine with all the necessary functions and features to satisfy your fitness needs.
We have considered all the necessary elements and compared many machines to get down to this list, so you don’t have to go through the tedious process of finding the best ones from the sea of options.
Top 10 Budget Elliptical Machines for Home
Your requirement might be basic, or you might need a high-tech trainer, we have covered it all. We have listed and explained main features of each affordable elliptical machines.
Along with the unique advantages we have mentioned the cons of each one to help you make informed decision.
Schwinn Compact Elliptical Machine A40
This high performance fitness machine is one of most streamlined design by Schwinn. With its uniquely designed ergonomic console, all the features of the machine become easily accessible.
Best positioned stationary and moving handlebars provide the flexibility of hand positions. 8 different levels of magnetic resistance provide flexibility of choosing different workout resistance.
With 17.5 inches stride length and precise motion imitating natural movement, this machine makes your workout safer and more enjoyable.
Features:
- 5 inches stride length
- LCD console tracks speed, time, RPM, distance
- Heart rate monitor
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- 7 Pre-set workout programs
- Moving and fixed handlebars
- Weighs 105 pounds
Pros | Cons |
High performance machine at affordable price | Can’t be synced with performance tracking apps |
Precision path foot motion | You may hear some squealing noise |
Fully loaded LCD console |
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Adjustable magnetic resistance |
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Ergonomically placed handles |
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Bottle holder |
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Mobile holder |
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Versatile with 7 pre-set programs |
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Transport wheels for moving the machine |
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Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer
With dual track LCD console and goal tracking functionality the Nautilus E614 elliptical trainer will enable you to set and track your exercise goals. This will help you set your personal goals and track your progress.
This elliptical machine has cushioned large articulating footplates. The ramp can be adjusted to 6 different positions as per requirement manually.
With 20 resistance levels and 22 pre-set programs, this elliptical trainer provides you with wide range of workout intensity options.
The drive system consists of a perimeter weighed flywheel. The high speed high inertia drive systems keep your workouts smooth.
Features:
- Performance tracking capability
- 9 profile, 8 HR control, 2 custom, 2 fitness test and 1 quick start programs
- 20 levels of resistance
- High speed, high inertia drive system
- Dual track LCD display
- Weighs 165 pounds
- 20″ Precision Path Stride
Pros | Cons |
You can set and track your fitness goals | Assembly might be complicated |
You get smooth and consistent workouts |
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Wide range of workout intensity options |
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Can sync with Goal track app |
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Wheels for moving the machine easily |
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Contact type heart rate monitor |
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Manual incline |
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Bottle and mobile holder |
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Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3862 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer Machine
With 15.75 stride length and 16 levels of magnetic resistance, this elliptical machine will help you reach your fitness goals. You will be able to speed up your fitness journey with Sunny SF-E3862 elliptical trainer.
With this elliptical trainer, you can utilise the full motion handlebars to engage pecs, triceps and back muscles while working on the lower body simultaneously.
It utilises 16 levels of computer controlled electromagnetic resistance to push you harder at each level to keep up with your fitness goals. You can also use this machine without plugging in to the power source, in this case the resistance will remain as last used resistance.
The pulse sensors and performance monitors allow you to track time, distance, speed, heart rate, RPM, calories, etc. on the back lit LCD display.
Features:
- 16 level computer controlled electromagnetic resistance
- Transportation wheel
- Textured foot pedals
- 75 inch stride length
- 24 exercise pre-sets
- 7 workout modes
- Heart rate monitor
- Full motion handlebars
- 265 pounds weight
Pros | Cons |
Can be used with or without electricity | Stride length can be an issue for taller people |
Max grip and stability on pedals |
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Handlebar motion helps to work on upper body |
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BMI calculator |
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Bottle and tablet holder |
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Easy shifting with wheels |
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Significantly less noisy |
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ProForm Hybrid Trainer
This hybrid trainer is two machines at the price of one. It can be used for full body cardio as elliptical trainer or also as recumbent bike.
The machine has large LCD window. It has smr silent magnetic resistance with 16 resistance levels.
The EKG grip pulse sensors of the machine provide quick estimate of your heart rate keeping you informed in order to get optimum results out of your exercise routine.
With on board sound system you can make your workout more enjoyable. The dual 2 inch speakers can be used to listen to your favourite music or follow trainer instructions.
The pedals of the machine are adjustable. You can adjust these to find your most comfortable position while working out.
Features:
- 16 levels magnetic resistance
- Soft grips on arms
- Oversized, adjustable pedals
- 15 inch stride length
- Inertia enhanced flywheel
- Pulse monitor
- 135 pounds weight
Pros | Cons |
Versatile machine | Stride length short for taller people |
Pedal adjustability | Screws may loosen up |
Ergonomic |
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Water bottle and tablet holder |
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Easy to move around |
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iFit ready |
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ProForm 150I Elliptical
You can start your fitness journey with ProForm 150I elliptical trainer. It is one of the most affordable machines for your home use.
This simple 127 pound machine can support up to 250 pound user. The front drive design eliminates complicated mechanisms.
With 17 inch stride length, soft hand grips and oversized pedals this elliptical machine is made to make your workout enjoyable and free of any unnecessary strain.
With 12 resistance levels, 12 workout apps and iFit ready interface, the possibilities of variation in the workout intensity are limitless.
With iFit powered google maps you can run through virtual paths anywhere in the world. You would need iFit membership for using this facility.
Large LCD display, heart rate monitor and other sensor are there to keep you informed about all the stats at real time to make necessary adjustments in your workout when required.
Features:
- 12 resistance levels
- Wheels for movement
- Inertia enhanced flywheel
- iFit ready, 12workout apps
- Oversized pedals
- Soft grips on handles
- EKG heart rate monitor
- 127 pounds
Pros | Cons |
Big pedal surface for safety | Does not include AC adaptor |
iFit powered google maps | Needs iFit membership to access programs |
Many workout intensity options | A bit wobbly |
Easy to move |
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Ergonomic and simple design |
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Water bottle and tablet holder included |
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iPod compatible audio |
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MaxKare Magnetic Elliptical Machine Trainer
Mimic the natural walking or running motion with the MaxKare magnetic elliptical machine trainer. This helps you work your whole body while reducing the risk of injury.
This budget friendly elliptical machine built with 8 levels of magnetic resistance. The contactless magnetic resistance will help you get different level of workout intensity while making silent operation.
The features like dual handles and bottle holder makes it easy to keep hydrated and have diversified exercise within one session. For added variety, you can pedal forward or backward too.
The transportation wheels make the machine easy to move. The trainer has stabiliser knobs to prevent swaying of the machine on uneven surface.
The pulse monitor grips are on the fixed handles. These, along with the tablet holder and LCD monitor help you to track your exercise data including speed, distance, heart rate calories burned.
Features:
- 5 inches stride length
- Stabiliser knob to level on uneven ground
- Wheels for transportation
- Tablet and water bottle holder
- Dual handle
- Pulse rate monitor
- LCD display
- 8 level magnetic resistance
Pros | Cons |
Front flywheel design | Stride length is too short |
Low noise | Resistance knob may have issues over use |
Ergonomic design |
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Easy to move |
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Variety of workout intensity |
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Monitor the stats while working out |
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Magnetic resistance |
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Fitness Reality E5500XL Magnetic Elliptical Trainer
Get ready for some real results on your belly and your butt with this budget friendly Fitness Reality E5500XL magnetic elliptical trainer.
With large 18 inches stride, smart target control computer and 24 levels of magnetic resistance you can do almost any level of exercise you want. All this while you track your stats and keep your heart rate in the zone.
This elliptical machine has double transmission system for increased momentum and smooth striding motion. The two flywheel and two belt design also reduce the overall size of elliptical trainer.
Safety features like large stride pedal keep you from slippage while working out. The extended leg stabilisers also help prevent tripping.
Features:
- 24 levels of magnetic resistance
- 21 pre-set programs
- 18 inch stride length
- Backlit LCD computer
- Double transmission system
- Transportation wheels
- Heart rate monitor
- 107 pounds weight
Pros | Cons |
Can hold up to 300 pounds | Using a tablet might be difficult |
2 flywheel design makes the machine compact | Foot pads doesn’t have protective railing |
Good number of pre-set programs |
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Water bottle holder |
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Easy to move |
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Extended leg stabilisers for safety |
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Large size stride pedal |
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3 workout goal settings, distance, time, calories |
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Exerpeutic 1000XL Heavy Duty Magnetic Elliptical
This heavy duty zero impact elliptical machine can support up to 300 pounds of weight. This really affordable elliptical trainer has 8 levels of magnetic tension resistance.
With its natural elliptical motions, it eliminates the bouncy motion and hence chance of injury. The dual action handles make it full body workout machine.
The dual directional flywheel enables you to ride in both forward and backward direction. The flywheel is precision balanced, this along with the use of V-belt makes its operation smoother.
This machine is easy to move. It come with transportation wheels attached and the weight of the machine is just about 88 pounds.
Features:
- Large pedals
- Dual direction flywheel
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- 300 pound weight capacity
- Large LCD display
- Transportation wheels
- Heart rate monitor
- 13 inches stride length
Pros | Cons |
Natural elliptical motion | Very short stride length |
8 level tension adjustment | Machine can be a bit wobbly |
Can support up to 300 pounds | Feet position is wide |
Easy to read monitor |
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Displays target and current heart rate |
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Quite operation |
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Less bouncy motion |
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Easy to assemble |
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Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer
This elliptical machine is a low impact, budget friendly cardio trainer built for your home use. With Sunny SF-E905 elliptical machine you can accomplish smooth upper and lower body workouts.
This is very compact machine, the stride length is 11 inches, the machine is best suited for small spaces.
With easy to operate 8 level magnetic resistance and digital monitor displaying scan, time, speed, distance, you can monitor and control your workout intensity as your fitness needs.
With durable transportation wheels and gross weight of just 68 pounds the machine is very easy to move around.
Floor stabilisers help you to level the machine on the floor. This prevents tipping or rocking while working out.
Features:
- Multi-function workout computer
- Anti-slip platform
- Hand pulse monitors
- 8 level magnetic resistance with micro tension controller
- 11 inches stride length
- Transportation wheels
Pros | Cons |
Very compact design, suitable for small spaces | Assembly is not easy |
Digital monitor display | Very short stride, not useful for tall people |
Can support up to 220 pounds | Machine is not as stable as you expect |
Easy to adjust micro tension controller |
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Anti-slip handle bars and foot pads |
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EFITMENT Magnetic Elliptical Machine Trainer
For those who want all the benefits of running without the impact on the joints at an affordable price then the Efitment magnetic elliptical machine is the one for you.
The belt driven flywheel makes the workout smooth and noise free. The pulse monitors help you monitor and maintain steady heart rate.
The machine has simple 8 level magnetic resistance.
This is a very compact and lightweight elliptical trainer. It is easily movable with transport wheels. The stride length is 11 inches. There are leg stabilisers to keep this compact unit level on the ground.
Features:
- Weighs only 63 pounds
- 8 level magnetic resistance
- Foot pedal Q factor 13 inches
- Oversized non-slip foot pads
- Compact design
- Transportation wheels
- Tablet and mobile holder
Pros | Cons |
No impact full body workout | No water bottle holder |
Small space requirement | No pre-set programs can be stored |
Digital display monitor | Stride length too short for tall people |
Heart rate monitor | A bit swaying while in use |
Smooth and quiet operation |
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Very lightweight |
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Easy to move |
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Safe oversize non-slip foot pads |
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Can hold up to 220 pounds |
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What to Look for When Buying a Budget Elliptical Machine?
We have eliminated too expensive and good for nothing machine already and brought this list of budget friendly and better than the alternatives elliptical trainers.
Buying a new home gym equipment can always be difficult, and a big one like elliptical machine is more confusing than others. To make it easy for you, here is a list of things you should look for in an affordable elliptical machine before buying.
- Consider the space requirements for the machine
- Your budget and the price of the trainer
- Take into account your body type.
- Consider the design types. There are front, rear and centre drive type elliptical machines. Each have their own advantages and drawbacks
- The stride length should be comfortable for you
- Resistance should be adjustable
- Incline adjustability is an advanced feature
- It should have a digital display and a heart rate monitor
- There should be no or minimum swaying while in use
- As you will be buying this elliptical trainer for home use, you may need to move it form one room to another, you should consider the availability of transport wheels and the weight of the equipment
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Which elliptical machine is best for you then?
Ellipticals are a great option to perform full body workout without worrying about having jarring impact on your joints. These can be the first step or an accessory all the way in your journey towards achieving flat belly and muscular lower body.
Buying an elliptical trainer for your home use is one of the best investments you can make. Before buying give a thorough consideration on your exact requirement and your budget. This will help you choose the best suited machine for you.
Here, we have shortlisted the best affordable elliptical trainers available that can meet your needs and fall within your budget range. We have considered almost all the factors while compiling this list so you don’t have to. All you need to do is choose and buy one of the above list and start training.