12 Best Cheap Elliptical Machine

Right now if you look around, you’ll see how big of a problem obesity is. Almost every other person out there is struggling with his weight but as this journey requires some real-time dedication and effort, most people give up midway. It’s high time for us to pay attention to this problem and shift to a lifestyle that improves our health. It’s not a lot to ask for because here, you just need to start eating clean and incorporate some physical activity in your daily routine.

Exercise is a must for you even if you don’t have any weight issues. A little physical activity everyday can work wonders for your overall health and you’ll witness changes in your body that you’ve never seen before. Here we aren’t referring you to join some expensive gym or opt for a harsh 3 to 4 hours workout session. In fact, only if you use an elliptical machine everyday for at least 30 minutes, things will work out for you.

Why Use An Elliptical Machine?

Without a doubt, an elliptical machine is one of the most useful inventions of all time. When it comes to home exercise equipment, you can easily find a cheap elliptical machine and won’t have to wait in line for hours to use the one in gyms. You might be wondering why choose an elliptical machine where there are several other home exercise equipment that you can try. Well, here are some convincing benefits of this equipment that might come in handy to you;

1- It boosts your stamina and cardio capacity

At the end of the day, when it comes to weight loss, cardio is your best friend. Especially for a balanced exercise routine, you must pay attention to aerobics, also referred to as “cardio” and that’s what this machine does for you. Spending money on affordable ellipticals will probably be the best investment you’ll ever make and once you start using it on a daily basis, you’ll definitely second us here. This machine can boost your stamina, make your heart, lungs and other muscles stronger than ever and your cardio capacity will also increase.

2- It helps burn a lot of calories

Want to burn more calories in a short amount of time? The best solution here is to opt for an elliptical trainer. Depending on your weight this machine can help you burn around 270 to 400 calories per 30 minutes. So if your goal is to lose some weight quickly, you should workout for at least 60 minutes everyday on this machine. 30 minutes in the morning and 30 in the evening will work just fine for you.

3- You can get both an upper and lower body workout

If you buy a cheap elliptical machine with handles, it will help you with both your upper body and lower body. It’s the best workout machine because it targets all the main parts of your body that you need to fix. If you want to get maximum upper body benefits with this machine, it’s important that you balance your weight with the resistance. In simpler words, you have to pump your arms just as fast as you are moving your legs.

These are some important benefits of using an elliptical machine and the list just goes on and on because this exercise equipment is literally the best one to have in your house if you don’t have the kind of time to hit the gym or take part in any other physical activity.

By now, you’ve probably made up your mind to invest in an elliptical machine but as this is your first time you just don’t know where to begin from. Buying an inexpensive elliptical is a little overwhelming because there are hundreds of different options to choose from. Especially since the demand of these machines has increased, the supply has increased too and right now there are several different brands, manufacturing different types of elliptical machines.

To save you from all the hassle and effort, today we are here with the best cheap elliptical machines of all time. These machines are one of kind, they are affordable and top-notch when it comes to quality.

Top 12 Best Cheap Elliptical Machine To Buy This Year

1- Schwinn Compact Elliptical Machine

The very first best affordable elliptical machine that we have for you is the Schwinn Compact elliptical machine that will bring you the best value for your money. One of the best things about this machine is that it offers a quiet operation and its base is very strong and sturdy. Usually people are worried about their machine wobbling but with the Schwinn elliptical, you won’t have to worry about any such thing as the base is strong and heavy enough to keep the operation wobble free.

This machine offers different unique features that give you complete control over your workout. From a unique console, tracking time, speed, calories and heart rate to diverse workout programs, this elliptical has everything you’d need for a smooth workout. Another reason why you should invest your money in this machine is that it’s extremely easy to assemble and it will literally take you a few minutes to put all the pieces together. It offers total 8 magnetic resistances so that you can adjust your workout as per your body needs. A thoughtful addition to this machine is the tablet holder that can help you stream your favorite movies and shows easily while you shed some body fat.

Pros

• Easy to assemble
• Quiet operation
• Great aesthetics

Cons

• It isn’t compact

2- ProForm Hybrid Trainer

If you are a budget conscious shopper who needs a lightweight elliptical machine then the ProForm Hybrid Trainer is just the right pick for you. The best thing about this machine is that even though it has been upgraded with iFit technology, a watts meter and a tablet holder, the price is still reasonable. It’s a low impact exercise machine that serves the purpose of both, a recumbent bike and an elliptical machine in one workout session. As far as the training programs are concerned, this machine offers a total 16 different training programs and on top of that it’s iFit enabled which means that you’ll be able to add your workouts to it too.

This elliptical machine comes with 15’ stride, there are 16 levels of resistance offered and it weighs 13 pounds in total. Mostly people are concerned about the noise when it comes to exercise machines but with the Pro Hybrid Trainer, you can put it all to rest because its resistance system is magnetic which means that you can enjoy a noise-free workout session. Another feature that makes the ProForm Hybrid, the best inexpensive elliptical machine is that it comes with oversized pedals which will make you feel safe.

Pros

• Adjustable seat
• Smartphone compatible
• iFit enabled

Cons

• No wireless heart rate monitor

3- Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3862 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer Machine

With the Sunny SF-E3862 elliptical machine, you’ll be able to reach your fitness goals in the most effective and efficient possible way. This one comes with 16 levels of magnetic resistance and 15.75 stride length which is exactly what you want to shred some fat off your body quickly. The second best thing about this trainer is that it will help you work on your lower body and upper body simultaneously as you can use the full motion handlebars that will help you work out on your pecs, triceps and your back muscles.

The Sunny SF-E3862 elliptical machine will work wonders for you as you don’t specifically need electricity to run it. You can use the machine even when it’s not plugged in and the resistance will remain the same as you last set it for. If stability and safety on the pedals is your concern then with this elliptical machine, you don’t have to worry about any such things. It’s easy to use and it comes with perfectly sized pedals that will keep you stable and safe no matter how hard you are working on the machine.

Pros

• Has a BMI calculator
• Bottle and tablet holder
• With the handlebar motion, you can work on your upper body

Cons

• For tall people, the stride length can be an issue.

4- Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer

Nautilus is a renowned brand when it comes to manufacturing the best and the most innovative exercise equipment. Speaking of innovative, the E614 elliptical trainer is probably going to be the best choice you’ll make this year because this machine comes with the most cutting edge technology and design. It’s most appealing feature is the DualTrack™ LCD monitor with which it comes. The reason why there are two displays is that if you want to put your tablet or smartphone on the top, you’ll still be able to see your workout details like the time and heartbeat etc.

This best cheap elliptical machine is capable of handling 300 lbs and it comes with large pedals with the perfect grip to keep you stable. Just like other ellipticals, this one has a fan, a bottle holder but with that, it also has a media tray where you can charge your phone and use the computer to download different exercise programs. Want to add more intensity to your workouts? No worries because the Nautilus E614 comes with 6 different incline positions and 20 levels of resistance. If you want the best value for your money, you shouldn’t think twice and invest in this machine because it’s rich in features yet affordable.

Pros

• Performance tracking capability
• High inertia, high-speed drive system
• Dual track LCD display

Cons

• Assembling the machine can be a little complicated

5- MaxKare Magnetic Elliptical Machine Trainer

With the MaxKare magnetic machine, you can now mimic the motion or natural running or walking. With this machine, you can work on your body without worrying about any injuries because it’s completely safe and stable to use. It’s a budget friendly machine that won’t disappoint you in any way as it has 8 levels of resistance and as the resistance system is entirely magnetic, you won’t even have to stress about any noise. As an added variety you get to pedal both forward and backward and there’s a place for you to put your bottle to stay hydrated in case of hardcore workout sessions.

The only issue is that if you are tall, you might feel a little uncomfortable using this machine as it only has a stride length of 5’.

If the ground is a little out of level, you can use the adjustment knob on the machine to keep it leveled. In a nutshell, it’s a basic best low priced elliptical machine that offers all the features and functions you expect when you are on a tight budget. Overall the experience with MaxKare trainer won’t be disappointing and you sure will enjoy your exercise sessions if the stride length doesn’t bother you.

Pros

• Comes with a front flywheel design
• Attractive design
• Easy to move due to wheels

Cons

• Short stride length

6- Exerpeutic 1000XL Heavy Duty Magnetic Elliptical

The exerpeutic 1000XL is the best budget elliptical machine that you’ll find in the market. It’s a heavy duty, zero impact machine that will support weight upto 300 lbs. It comes with a very natural elliptical motion so your chances of injury with this one are quite less. It’s the best exercise equipment to buy if you want something that helps you work on both your upper body and your lower body. Moreover, this probably is the lightest and the most affordable of all elliptical machines out there as it just weighs a total of 88 pounds with wheels which makes it very easy to carry and move. With the dual directional flywheel you can move both in backward and forward direction. The flywheel is in the perfect precision balance which means that you’ll be experiencing smoother operations than ever.

The Exerpeutic 1000 XL machine possesses a large display where you can monitor the time, your heart rate and the calories burnt. For someone who wants a challenging workout, this elliptical is just the right machine as it offers 8 levels of resistance adjustments. The large pedals come with a ribbed design which will prevent any sliperage or injuries due to unbalance. In simpler words, this heavy duty machine will give you the best bang for your buck and you sure will enjoy your workout sessions with it.

Pros

• Can support up to 300lbs
• The monitor is very easy to read
• Smooth and less bouncy motion

Cons

• The machine wobbles a little

7- EFITMENT Magnetic Elliptical Machine Trainer

The EFITMENT magnetic elliptical machine is best suitable for small places and small apartments as it comes with a compact design and won’t take up much of your room space. For a total body workout, this trainer is perfect as it will help you experience an impact free, no-strain-on-the-knees movement with its belt driven flywheel. The display is large enough for you to keep a check on your heart rate and pulse. Offering 8 level magnetic resistance programs, the EFITMENT magnetic trainer will be the best cheap elliptical machine to get this year. When it comes to the pedals, you’ll be more than impressed with what this elliptical offers. It comes with oversized pedals that are textured in a way that you will never slip even during vigorous workout sessions.

Furthermore, in order to prevent slipping, rocking and wobbling on uneven surfaces, the EFITMENT magnetic machine comes with leg stabilizers that can be turned and adjusted until it’s all leveled. The wheels on the front make this machine very portable and easy to carry from one room to another. In addition to this, there’s a phone/tablet holder where you can enjoy your favorite music and shows while sweating the fat off.

Pros

• No impact full body workout
• Heart rate monitor
• Non slip foot pads

Cons

• The stride length is short for tall people

8- Technogym Synchro Forma

Looking for an inexpensive elliptical with the best design? You need to get your hands on the Technogym Synchro Forma machine that feels just like the one you find in the gym. It’s a super high quality elliptical trainer with a perfect black matte and satin silver finish. The best part is that it offers 12 different levels of resistance programs which means that you can now challenge yourself to harder and more vigorous workouts. The solid and sturdy construction of the Technogym elliptical trainer will help you get the best value for your money as this is exactly what people look for.

When it comes to the stride length, it’s 20inch which means that you’ll have a smooth workout and due to the sturdy construction, no matter where you place the machine, it won’t wobble. When you crank up the resistance, you’ll actually be able to feel your arms because this trainer comes with long arms that help you work out on your upper body and your lower body simultaneously.

Pros

• 20inch stride length
• Offers 12 resistance levels
• Great in looks

Cons

• Not foldable

9- Fitness Reality E5500XL Magnetic Elliptical Trainer

The next on the list that we have for you is the Fitness Reality E5500XL, the best budget elliptical machine that will help you reach your fitness goals if you use it regularly. It’s a feature-rich machine with 18 inches stride. The most appealing feature of this trainer is that it has 24 different levels of resistance to offer that you usually can’t find at an affordable price but with the Fitness Reality E5500XL, it’s like a dream come true for all the fitness enthusiasts out there. With the smart control computer on top, you can opt for different exercise programs and keep a check at your heart rate and your calories all at the same time.

For a smooth striding motion and operation, this machine comes with a double transmission system. Also, if you are short on space and want something compact then this trainer might fit your needs because it has two flywheel and two belt designs which keep the size smaller than other machines. So whether it’s a condo, a small apartment or a small room, the Fitness Reality E5500XL will fit your space and it will help you get the best out of your workout sessions too.

Pros

• Several different pre set programs
• For safety there’s an extended leg stabilizer
• Oversized, textured pedals

Cons

• No tablet or smartphone holder

10- Body Champ 3-in-1 Trio

On number 10 we have the Body Champ 3 in 1 Trio. It’s affordable, it’s easy to use and it serves as an elliptical trainer, an upright bike and a recumbent bike all at the same time. The best thing about this machine is that it offers a smooth transition without requiring any unmounting or assembling. It’s the perfect exercise equipment to invest your money in because spending half an hour on this machine will help you have the body of your dreams. Moreover, there are 21 programs that are ready at your disposal and a large display for you to keep a check on your burnt calories, time and your heart rate.

Usually, it takes quite some time for people to assemble an elliptical trainer but this one will just be done within a few minutes. The only issue is that you’ll have to tighten the knobs from time to time but keeping all the benefits and features of this machine in view, tightening the knobs isn’t that big of a flaw. There are three different handlebars for you to choose from, as per your workout requirement. Moreover, with this 3-in-1 trio, you can work on your upper body and your lower body all at the same time. Without a doubt, among our top 12’s list, this one’s the best inexpensive elliptical machine with all the benefits you’d want for your hard-earned money.

Pros

• Can be used as an upright bike, recumbent bike, and an elliptical
• Large display
• Easy to assemble

Cons

• Comes in a single color

11- Schwinn A40

If you are looking for something more advanced and innovative then you should try Schwinn A40. The high inertia flywheel makes this machine quiet and smooth in terms of operation and 7 pre-set programs that can help you set your fitness goals easily. You can adjust this trainer as per your needs as it has 8 different resistance levels. The handles are big enough for you to work on your entire body, especially your arms and they are ergonomically designed with a heart pulse sensor so that you can keep a check on your heart rate.

Overall, the construction of this best affordable elliptical is outstanding and you’ll love keeping it in your room as it will add some sporty aesthetic value to your space. The construction is quite solid and sturdy so even if the ground isn’t leveled, the machine won’t wobble and it will stay firm even during vigorous workout sessions. The Schwinn A40 is going to be a good addition to your exercise equipment and it sure will help you stay fit and slim if used regularly.

Pros

• Ergonomic handles
• Large display
• 8 resistance levels

Cons

• Not portable

12- Doufit EM-01

The Doufit Em-01 elliptical trainer deserved a place in our top 12’s list because this one’s exceptional in terms of functionality and affordability. Looking for something that’s a little more advanced and modern? If yes then the Doufit EM-01 definitely is the right pick for you as it comes in a very modern design with black and white colors. It’s sturdy and stable due to the heavy duty stainless steel body and the pedals are huge so that you can easily workout on it without worrying about falling or slipping.

The pedals are probably the most appealing part of the Doufit EM-01 trainer as they are textured properly so that you never slip and injure yourself. There are 8 tension levels offered by this trainer and pre-set programs for you to enjoy your workout in the best possible way. Furthermore, there are transportation wheels attached to this elliptical machine which make it portable and easy to move from one room to another. Without a doubt, it’s the best inexpensive elliptical that’s rich in features and excellent in terms of functionality.

Pros

• Easy to use LCD
• Oversized and textured pedals
• Study steel construction

Cons

• You can just set the distance in kilometers and not miles.

These are the top 12 best cheap elliptical machines that we have for you today. There’s no doubt in the fact that you can find hundreds of such machines out there but if you are on a tight budget and don’t want to compromise on quality and features that you sure should pick one machine out of this list.

Things To Consider When Buying An Elliptical Trainer?

Elliptical trainers are one of the fastest growing machines in the fitness categories and it all makes sense because these machines can help you work out on your upper and lower body and make them strong at the same time. If used properly and regularly, this cardiovascular equipment can work wonders for your health and give you the right body that you’ve been dreaming of.

Here are some features to consider when buying an elliptical trainer;

1- Adjustable Incline

When buying an elliptical trainer, you must consider the adjustable incline feature as this is how you’ll experience what a true cross trainer is. By adjusting the incline, you’ll be able to focus on different muscle groups and it will help you prevent boredom or working out at the same pace.

2- Adjustable Resistance

When buying the best budget elliptical machine, do consider if it has the option of adjustable resistance because that’s what an elliptical is about. Always remember that a good unit will offer multiple levels of resistance settings. It also prevents any injury due to repetitive use and it will bring some excitement in your workout sessions as you’ll be able to challenge yourself by increasing the resistance levels.

3- Forward And Reverse Motions

Most ellipticals out there have this option where you can move forward and in reverse motion. Again, this feature is important to add some variety to your workout sessions and prevent any injury due to the same repetitive use.

4- Quiet and smooth operation

When buying an elliptical, do try it first and check if it offers a smooth and quiet operation. Especially as you are buying it for home use, you don’t want to end up with something that wobbles a lot or makes a lot of noise. Nowadays, mostly trainers offer a quiet operation with all the flywheels and belt designs but you should still try it out first and then make a final buying decision.

5- Display

The display of your machine should be large enough for you to check your burnt calories, the distance and most importantly your heart rate. Moreover, there should be space for you to put your smartphone or tablet so that you can enjoy exercising while watching videos or listening to your favorite music.

These are some features that you need to be considerate about when buying an elliptical trainer. With all these features and functions in check, you sure won’t be disappointed with the trainer you invest your money in.

Overall Verdict

Now that you know about the best affordable elliptical machines and the features they must include, it will be easier for you to buy one. Buying an elliptical trainer will be a life-changing decision as you’ll be able to focus on your health and your lifestyle even if you don’t have the kind of time to join some gym.

It’s high time for you to make a decision concerning your health. A workout session of just half an hour regularly on a trainer can make a huge difference for you in the long run. So don’t wait any further, check out the ellipticals we have jotted down above and buy one right away.