Best Affordable Ellipticals for Your for Budget and Needs

Decided to start working out from home? It’s a great choice—you’ll save on gym fees and have workout opportunities right at your fingertips all the time! But finding the right home gym equipment can be a little difficult, especially making sure that it’s within your budget. 

The elliptical is an excellent choice for cardio and gives you a good upper body workout as well as a lower body workout. If you want a cardio machine that gives you the most bang for your buck, an elliptical is probably it! 

Here are the best affordable elliptical options that’ll last a long time, give you a great workout, and fit into almost any budget.

In A Hurry? Here’s Our Best Picks

Why Trust BoxLife? 

The BoxLife team has been gymming for decades! We’ve got experience on every type of cardio machine, including a vast number of ellipticals over the years. 

Aside from our elliptical experience, we also look at cardio machines differently to other people. We place a lot of emphasis on the quality of the machines we choose to use… Because we know how important quality is to prevent injury and optimize performance. 

So the ellipticals we bring you here aren’t just a few we plucked off the internet. We’ve tried, researched, and analyzed each one in detail, so we can bring you the most accurate knowledge. Our knowledge is your basis for making good choices! 

Who Should Choose an Affordable Elliptical? 

We believe these ellipticals are a good choice for anyone looking to get some more exercise. However, these particular options will really work well for: 

• Shoppers who are on a budget 
• Those looking for the best value for money

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How We Chose the Affordable Elliptical For Your Needs 

The BoxLife team sat down and listed all the best affordable ellipticals we’ve used before. Then, we took to the internet to find anything that we may have missed. 

Our research included retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and other big sports-related retailers. We pored over actual user reviews and naked-and-answered questions on Quota, Reddit, and other forums. 

By the end of it, we had a comprehensive list of well-researched ellipticals, backed by personal experience, to bring to you. 

How We Tested Them 

While an affordable price is obviously the main factor here, we had to be sure the ellipticals we were recommending could perform. So we tested them on 7 different factors, namely: 

• Affordability 
• Resistance Levels 
• Flywheel 
• Weight Capacity 
• Built-In Programs 
• Stride Length 
• Warranty 

With these features, we could accurately recommend top-quality ellipticals that are also affordable enough for anyone. 

Best Affordable Ellipticals – The Products

Exerpeutic 6000 QF -Best Overall

For its price, the Exerpeutic 6000 QF is of surprisingly good quality. It’s one of the company’s entry-level machines, but it offers more than enough performance features for almost anyone who wants a decent at-home cardio workout. 

The machine has dual flywheels, which is pretty rare to see. This factor won’t make a huge difference to the intensity of your workout, but it does make the motion smoother. 

You can work your way up 24 resistance levels, plenty for all fitness levels. The resistance is magnetic, which also makes it unusually quiet. So you can get a great workout even if there’s someone else sleeping in a nearby room! 

There’s also a nice range of onboard programs, giving you 24 different options to choose from depending on what your goal is for the workout. 

We also particularly like the 18-inch stride length. Most machines in this price range have a much smaller stride length, so users up to 6’1” will be able to get a good workout on this elliptical. 

With a compact footprint, this elliptical is also perfect for those living in smaller apartments. Weighing just 84 pounds, it’s also pretty easy to move around if you need to. Take note that this may mean very vigorous exercise might cause a bit of wobbling. 

Other features we like include the good-quality screen which displays all the metrics you need, the free MyCloudFitness app, Bluetooth connectivity, adjustable floor stabilizers, and a tablet holder. 

Something important to note is that this elliptical only comes with a 1-year warranty. Consider this carefully if you want to buy this machine—it’s excellent value for money, but the warranty may be a deal-breaker for some.

Key Specs 

Affordability	Extremely affordable for its quality
Resistance Levels	24 resistance levels
Flywheel	Dual flywheels
Weight Capacity	270 lbs
Built-In Programs	24 built-in programs
Stride Length	18-inch stride length
Warranty	1-year warranty

Quality, Versatility, and Affordability 

It might be low in price, but the Exerpeutic 6000 QF packs quite a punch in terms of quality and versatility. As long as you don’t exceed 6’1” and 270 lbs, you’ll find plenty of workout options on this machine. A winner! 

SCHWINN Fitness 411 Elliptical – Runner-Up

If the above elliptical seems a little too much for you, the Schwinn 411 is our well-deserved runner-up choice. It’s great quality for its price, and offers some features usually only seen on more expensive ellipticals. 

The machine has a 10-lb flywheel which uses pulleys to add extra drag, making it feel more like a 30-lb flywheel. Add the 16 resistance levels, and you’ve got more than enough to work with for a great exercise session. 

With 13 built-in programs, there’s plenty of choice for you to just get on and go. It’s a pleasant surprise that the 411 features an 18-inch stride length, which is noticeably more than most in its class. 

Along with being suitable for users up to 6’1” in height, it can support people of up to 300 pounds in weight. Sturdier than it looks! 

One of the best things about this machine is that it supports wireless heart rate tracking, so you can sync up your heart rate monitor and get much more accurate metrics than the handlebar pulse sensors will provide. 

Other features we’re fond of include the 5.5-inch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, the Explore the World app, a water bottle holder, and a handy media tray. 

The warranty in the Schwinn 411 is quite a step above our top choice, with 10 years on the frame, 2 years on parts, 1 year on electronics, and 90 days on labor.

Key Specs 

Affordability	Affordable for its quality
Resistance Levels	16 resistance levels
Flywheel	10-lb flywheel with pulleys for added resistance – feels like a 30-lb flywheel
Weight Capacity	300 lbs
Built-In Programs	13 built-in programs
Stride Length	18-inch
Warranty	10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year electric, 90-day labor

Good Versatility, Excellent Warranty 

Between the array of built-in programs, resistance settings, excellent stride length, and a great weight capacity, the Schwinn 411 elliptical is an excellent choice. It also has a superb warranty for its price bracket. Perfect for those who want a good machine with a great warranty backing it up!

XTERRA Fitness FS2.5 Elliptical – Best Programs

If you’re looking for an exercise machine that has a ton of different programs on it to choose from, the XTERRA Fitness FS2.5 is a great choice. 

It features 24 onboard programs—12 preset programs, 4 user profile programs, 4 heart rate-specific programs, 1 designed specifically for body fat, one for power, 1 for target heart rate, and one entirely manual program. 

Aside from the excellent array of choice, you can set it to 24 different resistance levels for an effective workout. The 22-lb flywheel makes it smooth sailing so you can have a comfortable, sleek ride whenever you want to. 

A nice feature is the fact that you can pedal both forwards and backwards on this elliptical, which means you can target your muscles in a slightly different way. 

With a machine weight of 103 pounds, it’s not super light which means it’ll likely be a little more stable than others in its price category. With an impressive max user weight of 300 pounds, most people can use it safely, and it also has adjustable levelers to make sure it stands flat on the floor. 

We also like that it has a decent 5-inch digital monitor which displays all the necessary metrics, built-in speakers, and a tablet holder. 

Take note that taller users might not be comfortable on this elliptical, due to its shorter 14-inch stride length. If you’re below the height of 5’10”, you’ll be all good—taller users probably won’t enjoy the ride as much.

Key Specs 

Affordability	Under $500
Resistance Levels	24 resistance levels
Flywheel	22-lb flywheel
Weight Capacity	300 lbs
Built-In Programs	24 built-in programs
Stride Length	14 inches
Warranty	‎5-year frame, 1-year parts, 1-year brake

A Program for Every Need 

If you’re looking for a robust elliptical that offers all the built-in programs you need, the XTERRA Fitness FS25 is the ideal choice. The array of programs—both ready-to-follow and customizable—ensures that you’ll never need to subscribe to a fitness app.

Niceday Elliptical – Best Weight Capacity

If a high weight capacity is your main focus on an elliptical, the Niceday Elliptical can handle up to 400 pounds with ease. The rear-flywheel drive adds an extra element of stability, and it’s fairly robust for its price point. 

It has 16 levels of resistance so you can progress as you improve. The 16-pound flywheel isn’t that large, but it does contribute to a smooth flow when you’re pedaling. It’s also surprisingly quiet, which is appreciated. 

This elliptical also has a fairly compact footprint, so it should fit easily into most spaces. It doesn’t fold, but its compact size means that having a dedicated space is not likely to be a problem in most cases. There are built-in transportation wheels for easy moving. 

Something we like a lot is that you don’t need to be plugged into the power to use this machine. You can get a good workout even if the power’s out, as the small LCD console is battery-operated. 

It’s important to note that this machine isn’t super techy. There are no built-in programs, it’s not Bluetooth-compatible or compatible with wireless heart rate monitors, and the screen is quite basic. 

Aside from the lack of tech, the biggest downside to this particular elliptical is the short stride length. At just 15.5 inches, users close to 6’ aren’t likely to be able to have a comfortable workout on this one.

Key Specs 

Affordability	Fairly affordable
Resistance Levels	16 resistance levels
Flywheel	16-lb flywheel
Weight Capacity	400 lbs
Built-In Programs	None
Stride Length	15.5 inches
Warranty	1-year warranty

Can Handle Users of Higher Weight 

For an entry-level piece of fitness equipment, the Niceday has a surprisingly high 400-pound weight capacity. Heavier users will appreciate the sturdiness of this elliptical machine. Although it doesn’t offer built-in programs, we like that you can use it without power, making it accessible all the time.

Ancheer Elliptical – Best With App

Although the Ancheer doesn’t have any built-in programs, it comes with the Qiber app, which is technically for a bicycle but works well for the elliptical too. 

You can “ride” through a variety of beautiful places, keeping you engaged and interested throughout your exercise session. Important note: the app uses the metric measurement system and can’t be changed, but it’s simple to convert afterwards. 

As well as choosing engaging routes, you can set it to 10 different magnetic resistance levels for extra challenge. The 18-lb flywheel provides smooth and quiet operation. 

It’s also important to note that there are no built-in programs on this elliptical. If you want to follow some sort of program, you’ll need to connect to the app. 

Made of steel, this elliptical can handle up to 330 pounds of weight per user. You’ll also find four handy suckers on each corner to anchor it to the floor. 

We like the fact that it’s got oversized foot pedals with a textured surface for better grip during your workout. Transport wheels also make it easy to move if necessary. 

What we’re a little less happy about is the simple 1-year quality assurance warranty, which basically means they’ll send you free replacement parts within a year. It’s far less than many other warranties, even at this price point.

Key Specs 

Affordability	Fairly affordable
Resistance Levels	10 resistance levels
Flywheel	18-lb flywheel
Weight Capacity	330 lbs
Built-In Programs	None, but uses Qiber app
Stride Length	18 inches
Warranty	1-year quality assurance

Hours of Engaging Fun Through Qiber 

If you like the idea of following along to engaging workouts on the screen, this elliptical is an excellent option. With the free Qiber app, you can enjoy each workout in a different virtual place, making every exercise session fun.

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3865 – Best Stride Length

Taller individuals will appreciate the 20-inch stride length on this elliptical. Users up to about 6’5” will be able to stride fully on this machine, allowing them to perform at their best without being restricted. 

It’s an impressive quality machine for the price, featuring a class-topping 44-pound flywheel that makes for super quiet and fluid motion during your exercise. Plus, you can work your way through 16 levels of resistance for challenging workouts. 

12 built-in programs and 7 different workout modes offer a decent amount of choice when it comes to plug-and-play workouts. You can always set it to manual and adjust it on the go if you wish. 

The warranty is all right but not the best we’ve seen—3 years on the frame and 180 days on structural parts. It’s also important to note that the weight capacity of this elliptical is 265 pounds, so make sure not to exceed that.

Key Specs 

Affordability	Very affordable for what you get
Resistance Levels	16 resistance levels
Flywheel	44-lb flywheel
Weight Capacity	265 lbs
Built-In Programs	12 built-in programs
Stride Length	20 inches
Warranty	‎3-year structural frame, 180-day other parts and components

Great for Taller People 

The 20-inch stride length is impressive in comparison to others in its price bracket. It’s a great choice for people up to 6’4”, who should be able to get a decent stride in and perform at their best on this elliptical. However, it may not be optimal for a shorter person.

Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical – Best Warranty

The warranty is an important factor. Not only does it cover you in the case of mechanical problems, but it’s also a good indication of the confidence the company has in its own products. 

The Horizon Fitness EX-59 features one of the most impressive warranties of its price range. You’ll get a lifetime warranty on the frame, plus 20 years on the brake and flywheel. There’s also a 1-year parts and labor warranty. 

It’s a pretty good budget machine for beginners too. With 10 resistance levels, 5 preset programs, and an 18-inch stride length, it’s got enough for users of up to 6’ to use it effectively. 

The 14-lb flywheel makes it smooth and fairly quiet, and it can easily handle weights of up to 325 pounds. Between the weight capacity, the nice stride length, and a step-up height of just over 10 inches, it’s a good choice for users who want to shed some pounds. 

Other features we like include Bluetooth-enabled speakers, a water bottle holder, a no-fuss LCD monitor, and a tablet holder so you can read, stream workouts, or watch your favorite shows.

Key Specs 

Affordability	Excellent affordability for its quality
Resistance Levels	10 resistance levels
Flywheel	14-lb flywheel
Weight Capacity	325 lbs
Built-In Programs	5 built-in programs
Stride Length	18 inches
Warranty	Lifetime frame, 1-year parts and labor, 20-year brake and flywheel

Great Entry-Level Machine, Excellent Warranty 

This isn’t the most performance-oriented of the ellipticals on this list, but it does offer more than enough features for a newbie looking to build a cardio habit or lose some weight. The warranty is far above anything else in its class.

Buyer’s Guide: What To Look For In the Best Affordable Elliptical 

Considering buying an affordable elliptical for your home use? Here’s what you should be looking at in order to figure out if it’s the right one for you. 

Price Range 

The price range is obviously a big factor when you’re looking for an affordable elliptical! “Affordable” means different things to different people, so it’s up to you to decide what would fit into your own budget. 

All of the ellipticals on this list come in at under $1,000. However, if you can’t find something suitable for you in this price range and can afford to go higher, it’s totally up to you what the ceiling is. 

Performance Features 

Many of the more affordable ellipticals lack some of the features that more expensive machines have. Incline, for example, is hard to find on an affordable elliptical. 

But they all feature a certain number of adjustable resistance levels and built-in programs. Make sure the elliptical machine you choose has all the performance features you need to get a great workout. 

You don’t need plenty of features if you’re not going to use them all, but you do need the right ones to support your fitness goals.

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Built-In Programs 

What’s considered to be good here will depend on your personal preference. Do you need 24 preset workout programs, or can you make do with 10? It’s also worth noting that some ellipticals have no built-in programs, which means you’ll need to do a “manual” workout each time. 

Flywheel Size 

The size of the flywheel on an elliptical trainer makes a difference both the stability of the machine and the smoothness of the pedaling motion. The heavier the flywheel, the smoother the motion is likely to be, as it builds momentum much better.

Also, heavier flywheels make the machine more stable. Flywheel location also plays a role here, with rear-drive ellipticals being known for enhanced stability over front-drive ellipticals. 

Weight Capacity 

A well-built machine can naturally hold more weight. So even though you may be on the lighter side, a machine with a capacity of 400-lb is likely to be better quality than one with a capacity of 250-lb. 

Of course, the machine you choose needs to be able to accommodate your own weight. But if you’re looking for quality, it’s always better to go with a higher weight capacity, regardless of your own weight. 

Stride Length 

Stride length is important for comfort and performance. If you can’t get a full range of motion, you won’t be able to perform at your best. Conversely, if the stride length is too long for you, you’ll be overstriding and prone to injury. 

Typically, a budget elliptical will have a shorter stride length. Ellipticals in this price range don’t usually come with an adjustable stride—that’s reserved for more expensive elliptical machines. 

A stride length of 18 inches is suitable for users between the heights of 5’4” and 6’1”. If you’re shorter or taller, you’ll need to find a smaller or bigger stride length to match.  

Warranty 

The warranty is important as it both covers you from manufacturing defects and gives an indication of the company’s confidence in its own product. 

Many of the ellipticals within this price range don’t have the best warranty in comparison to more expensive machines. However, you can find those with surprisingly good warranties; it’s just a case of finding one that matches up with your needs.

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