The Best Budget-Friendly Elliptical Machines Under $300

If you’re looking for a way to get a great cardio workout without leaving the comfort of your own home, an elliptical machine might be just the right piece of equipment you need. Not only does it provide a low-impact, efficient workout that’s easy on your joints, but it can also be a fun and effective way to burn calories and build muscle.

The problem, however, is that many elliptical machines can be quite expensive, with some models costing well over $1,000. That’s where the best elliptical under $300 comes in. These machines offer all the benefits of a high-end elliptical at a fraction of the cost, making them an excellent choice for anyone on a tight budget.

Thankfully, there are a number of great ellipticals on the market that tick most of the boxes and come at an inexpensive price. From compact machine options that are perfect for small spaces to full-sized machines with adjustable resistance and built-in workout programs, today, you can easily find just the right piece of equipment for you that will provide you with a challenging workout.

So whether you’re a fitness enthusiast looking to upgrade your home gym or a beginner looking to get started on your fitness journey, read on to find the best elliptical machine under 300 for you.

In A Hurry? Here’s Our Best Picks

How Am I Qualified to Write About These Products?

As a fitness enthusiast, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time exploring the world of elliptical machines. With the pandemic limiting gym access, I quickly realized that investing in my own workout setup was the key to consistent training and achieving my fitness goals.

Naturally, I scoured the internet to find the best equipment that offered the most value for my money. Among my fitness must-haves was the elliptical, which can provide a comfortable workout that can help me build my strength and muscles at home. However, building your own workout setup can be an expensive venture, so I made it my mission to find the best elliptical under $300.

In this article, I’ll share the insights I’ve gained from my research and help you discover the best budget ellipticals.

Who Is This Guide For?

If you’re looking to purchase an elliptical machine for your home gym but you’re working with a budget of $300 or less, we’re here to help. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast and want to do more intense workouts, a beginner or just looking for a low-impact workout option to stay active and healthy, budget ellipticals are an excellent starting point.

Furthermore, if you’re in need of an alternative to traditional cardio equipment like treadmills or stationary bikes, the elliptical offers unique low-impact, and effective workouts that can help you achieve your fitness goals without putting undue stress on your joints.

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How We Picked the Best Products?

To kick off our research, we decided to consult credible websites to get more info on the products we selected. We found that the brands’ original websites and popular forums like Reddit and Quora were some of our most reliable sources. This is where users with varying levels of fitness experience share their feedback, satisfaction, and concerns about the budget machines on our list.

Additionally, we kept a close eye on the retail prices of the products on reputable marketplaces like Amazon and the brands’ official websites. We made sure to stick to our budget of $300 and avoided recommending anything more expensive. Our aim was to provide affordable and accessible budget machines to our readers while ensuring that the products we recommended were of high quality.

How We Compared Each Product

We evaluated each product’s construction materials, pedal design, seat adjustability, degree of resistance, and comfort. The overall machine design, size, and colors available also played a role in our comparison method. To help you make an informed buying decision and pick the best elliptical under 300, we also listed the benefits, drawbacks, and unique characteristics of the top elliptical budget machines available on the market. Let’s get to it.

The Best Ellipticals Under $300

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912 – Our Top Pick

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912 elliptical is one of the best budget machines on our list that offers highly effective workouts. With its heavy-duty steel frame, 16 levels of magnetic resistance, and a 15.5-inch stride length, it provides a smooth and efficient cardio workout for users of various fitness levels.

One of the standout features of the SF-E3912 is its large LCD display that shows time, speed, distance, calories burned, and pulse rate. It also comes with 24 built-in workouts, including interval training, hill climbing, and fat-burning exercises, which add variety and challenge to your workout routines.

The elliptical machine also features pulse sensors on the handlebars that allow you to monitor your heart rate and adjust your workout accordingly. Additionally, it comes with a tablet holder, so you can watch your favorite shows or listen to music while exercising.

The SF-E3912 is designed to be comfortable to use, with its large anti-slip foot pedals and adjustable stride length. The machine is also relatively quiet, making it a good option for those who want to get a quick workout at home without disturbing others.

However, one potential downside of the SF-E3912 is that it may not be suitable for taller individuals, as its maximum weight capacity is 330 pounds, and its stride length may be too short for users over 6 feet tall. Also, while the machine is relatively easy to assemble, it does require some effort, and the instructions could be more detailed.

Overall, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912 elliptical is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable, yet effective, exercise machine for their home workout setup. With its sturdy construction, advanced preset workout programs, and comfortable and compact design, it can help you achieve your fitness goals without breaking the bank.

Key Specs

Dimensions:	56″ L x 24″ W x 64″ H
Weight capacity:	330 pounds
Resistance levels:	24
Console:	Backlit LCD display with pulse sensor
Programs:	16 built-in programs
Connectivity:	Bluetooth connectivity for tracking workouts with the Sunny Health & Fitness app
Transport wheels:	Yes
Warranty:	3-year structural frame warranty and 180-day parts and components warranty
Price:	$299

Who It’s Best For

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912 elliptical is a versatile machine that is suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to experienced fitness enthusiasts. The adjustable resistance levels and incline allow users to customize their workout intensity, making it a good option for those who want to challenge themselves and improve their fitness levels. 

Cubii Jr. – The Best Mini-Seated Elliptical

The Cubii Jr. pedal exerciser stands out in the market due to its meet-in-the-middle design, solid array of additional features, and affordable price. However, it is important to note that not all Cubii Jr. machines for elliptical workouts are created equal.

With a range of color options, such as trendy Silver or stunning Turquoise, the machine can provide a quality cardio workout while also adding style to your office or living room. Additionally, the scratch-resistant construction ensures the machine maintains a new appearance despite heavy daily wear and tear.

Regarding features, the Cubii Jr. is hard to beat. Its ergonomic design allows for natural joint movement, contributing to an excellent low-impact, efficient workout without the risk of injury. The machine also boasts eight levels of magnetic resistance, providing versatility comparable to full-sized models.

The Cubii Jr. operates silently and offers a smooth gliding motion, making it ideal for those who prefer to work out in silence. The built-in and user-friendly digital monitor displays time, stride, distance traveled, calories, and RPM, making it easy to track progress.

Key Specs

Dimensions:	23 x 17.5 x 10 inches
Weight capacity:	250 pounds
Resistance levels:	8 levels of magnetic resistance
Console:	Tracks strides, time, distance, calories burned, and RPM
Programs:	No preset workout programs
Connectivity:	Can sync with Fitbit and Apple HealthKit via Bluetooth
Transport:	Built-in handles for easy portability
Warranty:	1 year
Price:	$249-$299

Who It’s Best For

The Cubii Jr. mini elliptical is ideal for individuals experiencing back or neck pain from prolonged sitting, seeking ways to improve posture and encourage proper spinal alignment. It is a top-notch machine for business people who enjoy fitting in a lower-body workout during their busy schedules.

Xterra Fitness EU 100 Hybrid – Best Combo Elliptical

The Xterra Fitness EU 100 Hybrid elliptical is a versatile fitness machine that combines an elliptical and an upright bike into one. This combination provides users with the option to perform their full-body workout routines in the comfort of their homes, making it an excellent investment for those looking for budget machines that can maximize their fitness results.

One of the standout features of the Xterra Fitness EU 100 Hybrid elliptical is its tough frame. The machine is built to withstand heavy use, making it durable and long-lasting. The wide foot pads and comfortable high-density foam handlebars also add to the machine’s overall comfort and ease of use. Plus, the machine’s adjustable and comfortable seat is a great feature for those with back or joint pain, as it allows them to adjust the machine to their specific needs.

The Xterra Fitness EU 100 Hybrid elliptical also features manual 8-level magnetic resistance, which allows users to adjust the intensity of their workout to suit their fitness level. While it lacks automatic resistance adjustment, the manual option still provides users with versatility and offers a multitude of workout options. 

Another advantage of the Xterra Fitness EU 100 Hybrid elliptical is its functional monitor that tracks workout stats such as time, distance, speed, calories burned, and pulse rate. This feature is helpful for those looking to monitor their progress and stay motivated on their fitness journey.

Key Specs

Dimensions:	42.5″ x 24.5″ x 61.5″
Weight capacity:	265 lbs
Resistance levels:	Manual 8-level magnetic resistance
Console:	LCD display: time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse rate
Programs:	None
Connectivity:	None
Transport:	Transport wheels
Warranty:	1-year frame, 90 days parts, and labor
Price:	$300-$400

Who It’s Best For

The Xterra Fitness EU 100 Hybrid elliptical is best for people who want to achieve great fitness results with a straightforward and effective piece of fitness equipment. It is ideal for those seeking a total body workout that activates major muscle groups efficiently.

The machine’s combination of an elliptical and exercise bike provides versatility and a sizable footprint. Additionally, the machine’s comfort and ease of use make it an excellent option for people who are seeking a low-impact, full-body workout.

Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer – Best Air Resistance System

The Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer is a versatile and sleek machine for less than $300 that combines the benefits of an elliptical trainer and a fan bike to offer a full-body workout. This machine is designed to provide an intense cardiovascular workout that targets multiple muscle groups while burning calories efficiently. The Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer is an ideal fitness equipment for anyone looking to improve their overall health and fitness level.

One of the main features of the Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer is its fan wheel that creates a gentle breeze as you exercise. This feature allows you to experience a cooling sensation while you work out, making it easier to exercise for longer periods without feeling fatigued or overheated. The resistance level of the fan wheel is adjustable, so you can increase or decrease the intensity of your workout as you progress.

The Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer also has a functional monitor that shows your speed, time, distance, and calories burned. This feature allows you to track your progress and set fitness goals that are realistic and achievable. The display is easy to read and use, and it provides accurate information about your workout.

Another great feature of the Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer is its dual-action handlebars that allow you to work your upper body while you exercise your lower body. This feature makes it an ideal machine for anyone looking to tone their arms, shoulders, and back while also burning calories and strengthening their legs.

The Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer is an affordable elliptical that has a compact footprint, making it easy to move and store. It has a sturdy frame and a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds, making it suitable for most users. It also comes with a one-year warranty, giving you peace of mind knowing that you are covered in case of any defects or malfunctions.

In conclusion, the Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer is a highly effective and sleek machine for under $300 that offers a full-body workout. Its features, including the fan wheel, digital display, and dual-action handlebars, make it a great option for anyone looking to improve their fitness level. The compact and lightweight design, along with the one-year warranty, make it an excellent value for its price.

Key Specs

Dimensions:	36.38″ L x 28.75″ W x 57.5″ H
Weight capacity:	250 lbs
Resistance levels:	Adjustable
Console:	Basic console displays time, distance, speed, and calories burned
Programs:	None
Connectivity:	None
Transport:	Built-in transport wheels
Warranty:	1-year frame, 90-day parts
Price:	$150-$200

Who It’s Best For

This is a great workout machine for everyone, regardless of athletic experience or fitness level. The Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer is a versatile and effective exercise machine that offers a full-body workout. Its features, including the fan wheel, digital display, and dual-action handlebars, make it a great option for anyone looking to improve their fitness level. The compact and lightweight design, along with the one-year warranty, make it an excellent value for its price.

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Tips on Buying an Elliptical Machine

When buying an elliptical machine, most people don’t realize there are so many important factors to consider. From the machine’s footprint potential and weight limit to its features and price, making the right choice can be a challenge. Let’s take a closer look at the key factors to pay attention to when buying an elliptical exercise machine.

Size and Weight Limit

Before you even begin to look at features and prices, it’s important to consider the size and max weight of the elliptical. First, think about the space you have available in your home and see if your priority should be buying an elliptical with a compact footprint. Measure the area to make sure the machine will fit comfortably without feeling cramped.

You’ll also want to ensure that the machine has a weight limit that can accommodate your body weight. Many ellipticals have an impressive max user weight, but it’s important to check this specification before making a purchase.

Resistance Levels

The resistance level determines how hard you have to work to use the machine, which can impact the intensity of your workout. Look for a machine that allows you to control workout resistance and comes with a range of resistance levels that can be adjusted to suit your exercise goal.

Stride Length

The stride length of an elliptical machine is the distance between the pedals when they are at their farthest point apart. A longer stride length allows for a more natural and comfortable motion, making the elliptical workout more effective and less stressful on your joints. Look for a machine with an adjustable and efficient stride to accommodate different people’s needs and exercise goals.

Console Features

Most modern elliptical machines come with a console that displays important workout metrics like time, distance, and calories burned. Some machines also include additional features like a heart-rate monitor and pre-programmed workouts that can help you achieve your fitness goals. Consider which additional features are important to you and make sure the elliptical type you choose includes them.

Price

The price range is always an important factor to consider when making a purchase, and elliptical machines can significantly differ in price. Consider the current price range you’re after and the features that are most important to you when making a decision. Remember that a higher-priced machine may offer more features and better durability, but you can still find a quality elliptical at an inexpensive price and within your budget.

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Noise Level

Elliptical machines can be quite noisy, which can be a problem if you live in an apartment or have young children in the house. Look for an elliptical with a quiet operation or one that comes with noise-reducing features like padded and non-slip pedals or a belt-driven system.

Warranty

Finally, it’s important to consider the warranty when purchasing this type of piece of fitness equipment. Look for a machine with a warranty covering parts and labor for at least one year. Some machines may also offer extended warranties for an additional cost.

In conclusion, there are many factors to consider when purchasing any elliptical type. From the size and weight capacity to the resistance levels and console elliptical features, taking the time to evaluate your needs and goals will help you make the best decision for your fitness journey. Remember to consider your budget and look for a machine that offers a warranty for peace of mind.