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If you’re looking for a versatile piece of equipment that can help you get in shape, an elliptical machine might be the right choice for you.
Ellipticals are available at a variety of price points, and they offer a number of benefits.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best elliptical machines under $500.
These machines are affordable and durable, and they offer a great cardio workout.
So if you’re on a budget, check out these machines!
Table of Contents
15 Best Elliptical Machines Under $500
Below is my list of the top 15 affordable ellipticals.
(Prices may be subject to change)
1. Sunny Health & Fitness Pre-Programmed Elliptical Trainer
This elliptical trainer has a performance monitor that lets you keep track of your calories burned and more.
It has a whopping 16 electromagnetic resistance levels so you can adjust the intensity of your workout.
It also comes with 24 elliptical training programs to keep you motivated, and transport wheels so you can quickly move it from room to room.
Plus, the floor stabilizers ensure that your elliptical trainer stays in place during your workout.
Pros
- The full-motion arms allow for a full-body workout
- Foot pedals are extra wide and grippy
- Includes two convenient holders for your phone and water bottle
- Makes almost zero noise when the hardware is properly tightened
- Easy to transport and fairly compact
- Handles have pulse sensors to track heart rate
Cons
- The 11.5″ stride length is a little short
Details
- Dimensions: 23.4″ D x 49.4″ W x 63.4″ H
- Material: Steel
- Max Weight Capacity: 285 LBs
- Weight: 85.4 LBs
- 3-year frame and 180-day parts warranty
- Flywheel: 11 LBs
2. Cubii JR2+ Under Desk Elliptical
This innovative piece of equipment allows you to get a low-impact workout while you work, so you can multitask like a pro.
The Cubii JR2+ has 8 adjustable resistance levels, so you can tailor your workout to your own fitness level.
Plus, it connects to the Cubii mobile app via Bluetooth and syncs to smartwatches, so you can track your progress and see how far you’ve come.
The built-in handle makes it easy to move the elliptical around, and the built-in display screen lets you see your stats at a glance.
Plus, the attachable Wheel Cup ensures your chair doesn’t roll around while pedaling.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact size
- Provides a gentle workout for your joints
- Burn calories and engage your lower body and core muscles while at work
- Doesn’t make noise
- Very straightforward assembly
- Generally holds stable while sitting in an office chair
- Easily syncs to your phone or smartwatch to monitor essential data for reaching your fitness goals
Cons
- Does not target your upper body muscles
Details
- Dimensions: 22.5″ D x 13″ W x 11″ H
- Material: Plastic
- Weight: 20 LBs
- Magnetic Resistance
- Weight Capacity: 300 LBs
- Stride Length: 6″
3. Body Power Patented 3-in-1 Exercise Machine
This amazing combo machine is a recumbent bike, upright bike, and elliptical trainer all in one, giving you the ultimate workout.
Its heavyweight flywheel and magnetic resistance create a smooth, natural feel that makes working out a breeze.
Plus, its transport wheels make it easy to move from room to room, so you can work out anywhere in your home.
Pros
- Effortlessly transition from an exercise bike to the elliptical
- Includes 3 handle positions (One set has pulse grips for monitoring heart rate)
- Saves a lot of space for a home gym
- You won’t get bored from doing the same type of cardio every day
- Easy assembly
- Fairly low noise level
- The bike seat is comfortable
Cons
- Elliptical lacks stability
- Parts may need to be retightened often
- Basic LCD screen
Details
- Materials: Plastic, Other
- Dimensions: 43.7″ D x 62.2″ W x 29.13″ H
- 1-year parts, and 90-day frame warranties
- Weight Capacity: 250 LBs
4. Sunny Health & Fitness Premium Cardio Machine
This unique cardio machine combines the motion of a stair stepper with an elliptical, making it a great choice for a low-impact workout.
The smooth belt-drive mechanism and 14lb inertia-ready flywheel make for a smooth and quiet ride.
While the pulse sensors and LCD display help you keep track of your progress.
The transportation wheels make it easy to move from room to room, and the 8 levels of magnetic resistance let you adjust the intensity of your workout.
Plus, the bottle holder lets you stay hydrated while you exercise.
Pros
- Large non-slip foot pedals
- Large and detailed display screen
- Cushioned handlebars for a full-body workout
- Easy to assemble
- A fairly compact elliptical
- Generally a quiet machine
- Experience the intensity of a stair stepper without the joint strain
Cons
- Some elliptical reviews reported a squeaking noise after usage
Details
- Material: Steel
- Dimensions: 44″ D x 25″ W x 64″ H
- Weight Capacity: 260 LBs
- Item Weight: 95 LBs
- Stride: 5″
- Warranty: 3 years, 180-day manufacturer
5. FUNMILY Exercise Machine (Best Elliptical Under $500)
The FUNMILY Elliptical comes with 10 levels of magnetic resistance and a 7-mode LCD display, making it easy to customize your workout.
The pedals are non-slip and 15 inches long, while the handles are foam-covered for extra comfort.
Plus, with a longer stride length both vertically and horizontally, you’ll be able to get a full-body workout.
When you’re done, simply use the transport wheels to move the elliptical out of the way.
Pros
- Hyperquiet drive system
- Watch a show or read a book using the tablet holder
- The static handles have pulse sensors
- Compatible with the Smart Workout App for virtual workout programs
- Quiet and overall easy to assemble
- Smooth gliding and low impact for aerobic exercise
- Small footprint to fit nicely in your home gym or living area
Cons
- Instructions for putting it together could be better
Details
- Material: Aluminum, Steel Tubing
- Dimensions: 46″ D x 13″ W x 23″ H
- Weight Capacity: 390 LBs
- 1-year warranty
- Flywheel: 18 LBs
6. ANCHEER Cross Trainer
ANCHEER’s cross trainer elliptical is great for people of all fitness levels, and it’s especially perfect for those who are just starting to get into shape.
With 10 magnetic resistance levels, you can tailor your workout to your own fitness level.
The large non-slip pedals are great for stability, and the precision-balanced flywheel and V-belt drive ensure smooth, quiet operation.
The digital monitor tracks your workout progress, and the qiber sports app lets you control your workouts from your smartphone.
Plus, the ANCHEER Cross Trainer is portable, so you can take your workouts from room to room.
Pros
- Anti-slip floor suckers for enhanced stability
- Durable construction
- 21 preset workout programs through the qiber app
- Dynamic handlebars for upper body engagement
- Static handles have pulse sensors
- 18 LB front drive flywheel for intense cardio workouts
Cons
- Difficult assembly
Details
- Weight Capacity: 390 LBs
- Item Weight: 79 LBs
- Dimensions: 47″ D x 24″ W x 60″ H
- Materials: Aluminum, Steel Tubing
- Warranty: 1-year
7. Exerpeutic 6000 QF Elliptical
The Exerpeutic 6000 QF Elliptical is a great workout machine for your home gym.
It is sleek and slim so it takes up very little space and it has a double transmission which makes your workout more effective.
The backlit LCD computer makes it easy to see your progress and the free MyCloudFitness app lets you track your workouts and progress over time.
The water bottle holder is a great feature that keeps you hydrated during your workout.
Pros
- The narrow 6″ Q-factor (pedal distance) makes this a low-impact exercise machine
- Offers preset workout programs
- Glides smoothly and quietly
- Compact and lightweight
- Holds solid on the ground when in use
Cons
- The free fitness app isn’t very good
- Components tend to wear down after just a few months of use
Details
- Weight Capacity: 270 LBs
- 1-year limited warranty
- Dimensions: 46″ L x 16″ W x 64″ H
- Item Weight: 84 LBs
8. Stamina Inmotion (Best Compact Elliptical Machine)
The Stamina Inmotion is the best compact elliptical machine on this list! It’s portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
Whether you’re looking to use it seated or standing, Inmotion has you covered.
Plus, its ability to connect to the muuv fitness app makes it even more versatile.
And if that wasn’t enough, the Inmotion also allows you to pedal forward or backward, allowing you to work different leg muscles.
Pros
- Textured pedals for improved grip
- muuv is an all-in-one fitness app that offers custom workout programs with no subscription required
- Includes a tension knob to adjust the resistance level
- Digital monitor screen to track calorie burn, time, and strides
- Easily multitask while you exercise
- Good quality design
- Low noise and compact
Cons
- The display screen is very small and basic
- You have to bend over to adjust the resistance levels
Details
- Dimensions: 17″ D x 24.5″ W x 11.38″ H
- Magnetic Resistance
- Item Weight: 26 LBs
- Warranty: 1-year frame, 90 days for parts
- 250 LB weight capacity
9. Sunny Health & Fitness Essential Series (Best Budget Elliptical)
The Essential Series is the best budget elliptical on this list, with eight resistance levels and a digital monitor.
It’s also partially pre-assembled, so you can start using it right away.
Plus, its small footprint means it’ll fit in any room.
Pros
- Full-motion dynamic arms and static handles with pulse sensors
- Texturized foot pedals
- Comes with wheels for easy transportation
- Convenient programmable magnetic resistance
- Offers an upgraded version for access to the SunnyFit app
- Fits nicely in most homes
- An affordable elliptical that provides good cardio workouts
Cons
- Not ideal if you have a larger build
- Takes a while to put it together
- Does not have phone or bottle holders
Details
- Magnetic Resistance
- Dimensions: 17″ D x 28″ W x 57″ H
- Material: Steel
- Item Weight: 60.8 LBs
- Weight Capacity: 220 LBs
- 3-year frame, and 180-day parts warranty
- Stride: 11″
10. XTERRA Fitness FS2.5 Elliptical Trainer
This ergonomic machine has a 14-inch stride length and a 22lb heavy-duty flywheel, making it perfect for a serious workout.
The large, dual-color LCD display is easy to read, and the built-in speakers let you listen to your favorite music while you train.
There are 24 workout programs to choose from, and 16 levels of resistance to keep your workouts challenging.
Pros
- Capable of pedaling forward and backward
- Stable and quiet
- Fairly hassle-free to put it together
- Gives you a lot of control over your workout routine
Cons
- Loses lubrication and bolt tightness rather quickly, causing it to squeak
Details
- Dimensions: 51″ D x 24″ W x 63″ H
- Item Weight: 103.6 LBs
- Weight Capacity: 300 LBs
- Warranty: 5-year frame, 1-year parts
- Resistance: Magnetic
11. ANCHEER Foldable Elliptical Trainer
No more boring workouts! The ANCHEER Foldable Elliptical Trainer is perfect for at-home cardio.
Bluetooth capabilities allow you to connect to the FITSHOW app for a personalized workout experience.
While the 10-level reluctance control system ensures a challenging workout every time.
Transport wheels make it easy to move from room to room, and the 7-mode LCD keeps you informed of your progress.
15″ non-slip pedals and foam padded handles provide a comfortable experience.
Pros
- Smooth and quiet operation
- The pedal and handle designs help improve workout efficiency
- Adequate range of motion for most users
- Lightweight and great for a small space
- Sturdy build with a quick assembly
- Doesn’t make any noise
- You can pedal forward and backward
- Pulse sensors for monitoring heart rate
Cons
- The flywheel is only 18 LBs (may not be enough resistance if you’re at higher fitness levels)
Details
- 1-year quality guarantee
- Dimensions: 34″ D x 28″ W x 70″ H
- Material: Aluminum, Steel
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Flywheel: 18 LBs
- Weight Capacity: 390 LBs
- Item Weight: 78 LBs
- Stride Lengths: 15″
12. HIROLLOP Elliptical Cross Trainer
This zero-impact machine is perfect for anyone with joint pain, and its digital monitor and pulse sensor make it easy to track your progress.
With 16 LBs of flywheel weight and 8 magnetic resistance levels, this cross trainer can be tailored to a beginner fitness level.
The large textured plastic pedals and slip-and-tear resistance foam/rubber handles ensure a comfortable, stable workout every time.
And if you’re in need of some entertainment during your workout, the built-in device holder will keep you occupied.
Pros
- Nearly silent when in motion
- Easy to move around
- Sturdy and easy to operate
- Can be used without plugging it into a wall
- Simple elliptical that provides effective workouts
Cons
- The light flywheel may not offer enough resistance for people with high cardio fitness levels
- Basic features
Details
- Stride length: 15″
- Lifetime warranty with free part replacements
- Material: Steel
- Weight Capacity: 390 LBs
- Item Weight: 74 LBs
- Dimensions: 40″ L x 20″ W x 63″ H
13. Fitness Reality E5500 XL Elliptical Trainer
The E5500 has 21 pre-set workout programs, 24 levels of magnetic tension resistance, and a backlit LCD computer.
Plus, its double transmission system ensures a smooth, comfortable ride.
And with an 18″ stride length, it provides a reasonable range of motion for your legs.
Pros
- Operates smooth and noiseless
- Compact and sturdy machine
- Comes with wheels to move it around
- Great resistance for more advanced fitness goals
- Lots of options for programmed workouts
- There is a manual mode
Cons
- The instructions and tools to set up the machine are low-quality
- It is a bit too compact and may not be good for users over 5’10”
Details
- Dimensions: 57.5″ D x 24″ W x 66″ H
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight Capacity: 270 LBs
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Item Weight: 93 LBs
14. SNODE Loyo Magnetic Fitness Elliptical
The SNODE Loyo Magnetic Fitness Elliptical is a high-quality, full-featured elliptical machine with a unique design that makes it easy to move and store.
The oversized pedals provide extra stability during your workout.
While the 8 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance let you easily adjust the intensity as needed.
Pros
- Heavier duty belt system with a 3-piece crank
- Stay entertained with the iPad holder
- It’s quiet so you won’t have to worry about waking anyone up
- Low-impact cardio machine
- Small enough for most rooms
- Amazing customer support
Cons
- No water bottle holder
- Not the best Range of motion for tall users
Details
- Material: Aluminum, Steel
- Free replacement parts for 1-year
- Weight Capacity: 300 LBs
- Item Weight: 63.9 LBs
- Dimensions: 41.7″ L x 21.3″ W x 64.2″ H
15. Exerpeutic Durable Elliptical
This Exerpeutic features 8 levels of magnetic resistance, allowing you to choose your desired intensity level.
The 3.4″ LCD tracks time, distance, speed, calories burned, pulse, and scan.
The device holder allows you to use your tablet or smartphone while you exercise so that you can stay connected even as you work out!
Pros
- The compatible MyCloudFitness app has 3 settings to set your fitness goals
- A similar motion to a stair stepper for added intensity
- Fits in small spaces
- Low noise level
- Lightweight and easy to move with the wheels
- Convenient tension dial for adjusting the resistance
- Holds stable on the ground
Cons
- Does not have a water bottle holder
- Inaccurate computer readings
- Tricky to set-up
- Short stride lengths
Details
- Dimensions: 54″ D x 23″ W x 63″ H
- Material: Steel
- Item Weight: 74.5 LBs
- Weight Capacity: 300 LBs
- Warranty: 1-year limited
Common Types of Elliptical Trainers
Elliptical trainers are a popular choice for people who want to get in shape, as they offer low-impact workouts that are gentle on the joints.
There are three main types of elliptical trainers: rear drive, front drive, and center drive.
Each type has its own unique benefits and drawbacks.
Rear Drive Ellipticals
A Rear drive elliptical is with the flywheel located at the rear of the machine.
This type of elliptical is said to be a more natural feeling and easier on the joints since the user’s body weight is pushing directly down on the pedals.
They are also said to be more stable because of their weight distribution.
Front Drive Ellipticals
The front drive elliptical has a flywheel in the front.
This makes it feel like you are stepping up and down a staircase.
Front drives are compact and easy to use, making them a great choice for home usage.
Center Drive Ellipticals
The center drive elliptical has the flywheel in the center of the machine.
This makes it more stable and easier to use. It also takes more stress off the joints.
A major downside to center drive is that there are no options to adjust the incline resistance.
How To Choose the Right Elliptical Machine for You
When choosing an elliptical machine, it is important to consider your needs and budget.
Look for a machine that has a variety of features and offers a comfortable workout.
Consider the following factors when shopping for exercise equipment:
Price
Price is often the most important factor when choosing an elliptical machine.
You can find machines that range in price from around $100 to $3,000.
It is important to choose a machine that fits your budget.
Workout intensity
If you are looking for a challenging workout, you will want to choose a machine with high resistance levels and a variety of programs.
If you are just starting out, you may want to choose a machine with lower resistance levels.
Some machines even offer custom programs that you can create yourself.
Heart rate monitoring
This feature allows you to track your heart rate during your workout.
This is important for people who are trying to lose weight or improve their cardiovascular health.
Smoothness of movement
If you are looking for a smooth, comfortable workout, you will want to choose a machine with a high-quality flywheel.
A high-quality flywheel will provide a smooth, consistent workout.
Space requirements
If you have limited space, you will want to choose a compact machine.
Some elliptical machines even fold up for easy storage.
How To Get the Most Out of Your Elliptical Machine
If you’re new to ellipticals, start by walking on the machine at a moderate pace.
As you become more comfortable with the motion, gradually increase your speed.
You can also increase the resistance level to make the exercise more challenging.
When using an elliptical, be sure to keep your back straight and your shoulders down.
Move your arms in a circular motion as you pedal.
This will help to tone your arms and upper body.
Always wear appropriate shoes when using any cardio machines.
Sneakers or running shoes are best.
Do not wear sandals or flip-flops, as this could lead to injuries.
Be sure to drink plenty of water, especially if you are working out for extended periods of time.
The Importance of a Good Cardio Workout
Cardiovascular exercise, or cardio for short, is any type of physical activity that raises your heart rate.
When you do cardio, your body needs more oxygen than it does when you’re at rest.
The increased demand for oxygen causes your heart rate and breathing rate to go up.
Cardio is important because it helps keep your heart healthy.
It makes your heart stronger and more efficient, and it reduces your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Cardio also helps control weight and blood sugar levels by burning calories and can improve mood and energy levels.
If you want to stay healthy, it’s important to include cardio in your fitness routine.
There are many types of cardio routines, such as High-Intensity Interval Training, Elliptical training, and Walking.
Find one that you enjoy and stick with it.
Start with moderate intensity and work your way up as you get stronger.
And be sure to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
FAQs Related to the Best Elliptical Under $500
Is 20 Minutes a Day on Elliptical Enough?
20 minutes on an elliptical is a great starting point to gain physical health benefits.
In order to see more significant results and improvements, it’s recommended that you increase your time on the elliptical as well as add other forms of exercise into your routine.
What Happens if You Do Elliptical Everyday?
Doing the elliptical every day can be a great way to get fit and stay healthy.
It can help tone up your muscles, increase your endurance and strengthen your cardiovascular system.
However, overdoing it can lead to injury or exhaustion.
To avoid this, make sure to take rest days in between workouts, focus on proper form and technique, and listen to your body if something doesn’t feel right.
Get Started on Your Elliptical Fitness Journey!
When it comes to the best ellipticals, there are a lot of factors to consider.
Price, features, durability, and more all come into play.
I’ve taken a look at some of the top-rated ellipticals on the market and weighed the pros and cons of each machine.
This way you can make an informed decision before you buy.
So if you’re in the market for a new elliptical trainer, I hope this guide can help you make the right decision for your individual needs.
Be sure to check out my round-up of the best shoes for elliptical workouts.
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