Having a larger budget gives you a wide array of options to choose from during the search for any type of fitness equipment and elliptical machines are no different.
However, the increased number of options could end up making the search process more cumbersome and thereby increase your chances of making the wrong choice.
We have taken the time to sample the best elliptical machines under $1,000 so you can make a well-informed decision within the next couple of minutes.
Without much delay, let’s take a look at our top picks and what each model brings to the table.
Contents
Best Elliptical Trainers Under $1,000 Comparison Table
Model | Resistance levels | Stride Length | Weight Limit | Rating | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ProForm Hybrid Trainer
| 16 inches | 15 inches | 350 lbs | 3.8 | |
Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine
| 20 | 20 inches | 350 lbs | 4.1 | |
Nautilus E616 Elliptical Trainer
| 25 | 20 inches | 300 lbs | 3.8 | |
Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine
| 25 | 20 inches | 220 lbs | 3.8 | |
Fitness Reality E5500XL Magnetic Elliptical Trainer
| 24 | 18 inches | 220 lbs | 3.6 |
Top 5 Elliptical Machines Under $1000
Our top picks of the best elliptical machines priced below $1,000 are absolute beasts on the market right now.
They are engineered with high-end components to give exceptional levels of performance for all users.
Our picks have been chosen by experts with years of experience in reviewing elliptical machines. Their conclusions have been informed by design, features, performance, and user reviews as well as value for money.
Models available within $1,000 price range also come with lots of built-in workout programs as well as custom settings.
They also give you comfortable accessories ranging from built-in speakers to water bottles and even embedded fans to guarantee enjoyable elliptical exercise routines.
ProForm Hybrid Trainer
Are you on the fence about buying either a recumbent bike or elliptical trainer? Well, how would you feel about getting both?
Even better, how about you get a 2-in-1 machine that gives you the best of both worlds for the price of one?
This is exactly what the Proform Hybrid Trainer brings to the table and why it has to be on top of your list.
It is everything you want in both fitness machines packed into one so the fact that it remains one of the-top selling models available today is not surprising at all.
With respect to versatility, no other fitness equipment probably comes close. It gives you the freedom to switch between cardio workouts on the recumbent to special elliptical routines that tone your muscles.
All you have to do is press the Start button for access to the 16 built-in workout apps which are fully loaded and ready to go.
It is suitable for users of all levels including beginners and those who have honed their bodies and stamina in the gym for many years.
With 16 levels of resistance integrated, everyone gets completely challenging workouts that keep them in shape.
If you love working out while listening to your favorite tunes, the Proform Hybrid Trainer will be an instant hit with you.
Just plug in your iPod, or any other MP3 Player as you pound the machine at top intensity levels while enjoying your favorite playlists.
Buy the Proform Hybrid Trainer here.
PROS
- Hybrid elliptical and recumbent bike for the price of 1
- Quiet enough for intensive workouts without disturbing anyone
- 16 levels of resistance makes it a great fit for everyone from beginners to advanced gym buffs
CONS
- Takes about 2 hours for the average person to assemble
- Some users find the stride on the elliptical setting too short
Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine
The Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine is a top-rated option for anyone who wants a mid-level priced elliptical with an elite design.
If you have finally decided to get fit or looking for a replacement for an old elliptical which doesn’t work for you anymore, you can’t afford to pass up on this machine.
Featuring a dual-track 2 LCD window system, every user gets an arsenal of feedback in the course of workouts. This allows you to re-adjust intensity levels and workout routines to boost the effectiveness of each exercise session.
If you are curious to know whether you have progressed over a specific period of time, the Schwinn Connect goal tracking and data exports may be just what you need.
Each user can also take advantage of the 22 built-in programs, 2 custom settings, and goal tracking functionality to stay motivated.
The fact that it is integrated with 20 levels of resistance makes it perfect for everyone regardless of how fit he or she may be. Every workout is extra fluid and quiet as a result of the high-speed high-inertia perimeter weighted flywheel.
Need to charge your Smartphone or connect your MP3 player while working out at the same time? This elliptical features a USB port suitable for just that.
Assembly is easy and takes about 45 minutes on the average to setup once your shipment arrives at home.
Buy the Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine here.
PROS
- 22 built-in programs, goal tracking, and custom settings gives you ultra challenging workouts every time
- 20 levels of resistance keeps everyone challenged in spite of fitness levels
- USB port for charging Smartphone or MP3 Player
CONS
- Instruction manual has to be more direct
- Built-in speakers can’t be used as stereo
Nautilus E616 Elliptical Trainer
The Nautilus E616 is up to the challenge if you are ready to get fit and looking for a commercial-level elliptical machine.
Designed by one of America’s top producers of sports club-level elliptical machines, this top-of-the-range offering has what it takes to transform your body and fitness.
It is designed with an incredible 29 built-in programs which are fully customizable to meet your fitness needs.
The seemingly unlimited options give you something new to look forward to every time you jump on the elliptical. Whether you are an elite athlete or dedicated sedentary lifestyler, the 25 levels of resistance can push you to the limit.
No matter how dark or dimly-lit your home gym room may look, the Blue back-lit Dual Track LCD display makes it easy to track your progress. It delivers feedback consisting of 13 different performance metrics.
The Dual Track display is large enough for you to read from a magazine or tablet without blocking access to the ability to view your performance numbers.
This ensures everyone knows just how much effort they are investing into each workout at any point in time.
In addition, the built-in Bluetooth LE technology ensures the ability to effortless sync user performance data to a variety of fitness apps including the Nautilus Connect Portal and the Nautilus Trainer App.
If you’re a huge fan of the popular MyFitnessPal app, it’d interest you to know that syncing your data with it is easy as well.
The 20-inch stride length gives comfortable workouts for people of all heights while the built-in heart rate monitor complements a strap for easy monitoring of your heart rate.
Buy the Nautilus E616 Elliptical Trainer here.
PROS
- 20-inch stride length gives comfortable workouts for very short to extremely tall users
- Stereo sound from the built-in Acoustic chamber speakers
- Bluetooth LE Connectivity allows effortless syncing with third-party fitness apps
- Charging USB port
CONS
- Failure to tighten parts well during assembly leads to wobbling sounds
- Nautilus’ customer service could use some improvements
Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine
The Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine is engineered to give users an ergonomic fat burning workout with integrated intuitive controls and customization options.
As long as you exercise consistently and take advantage of the sophisticated features integrated into it, no fitness objectives will be beyond reach.
Featuring 29 customizable programs that can be leveraged to meet your personal fitness goals, this elliptical is a beast.
The newly designed Schwinn Dual Track LCD display and goal tracking functionality allow you to configure and track data such as Distance, Calories, and Time.
At your own convenience, this data can be uploaded via a USB drive to the Schwinn Connect website for easy tracking of your progress daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. Apart from Schwinn Connect, your data can also be readily uploaded to 3rd party apps such as MyFitnessPal.
If you are tired of ellipticals that make squeaking sounds, you’d be pleased with yourself many years after owning this model.
It operates completely quietly thanks to the high-speed high-inertia perimeter weighted flywheel that guarantees smooth workouts every time.
25 levels of integrated resistance allow even complete newbies to reach impressive stamina levels within a short time-frame.
All you have to do is to workout consistently and keep adjusting resistance levels up to make your sessions more challenging for the body.
The USB Port is perfect for charging all kinds of gadgets from Smartphones to MP3 players.
It also comes in handy as a data exchange tool when syncing with other fitness apps on the market.
Buy the Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine here.
PROS
- 10-degree motorized ramp gives ergonomic weight loss workouts to users
- Fluid and quiet movements thanks to specially designed high-inertia perimeter weighted flywheel
- Integrated heart rate monitor lets you know when you are in the fat burning heart rate zone
CONS
- Assembly tools shipped with the machine are far from the best
- You need to download a complete assembly manual from the manufacturer’s website
Fitness Reality E5500XL Magnetic Elliptical Trainer
The Fitness Reality E5500XL may be priced at the lower end of the $1000 budget but don’t let the generous price tag fool you. Most current users have reported achieving real results and this is one of the reasons why it has become one of our top picks.
It gives you a wide range of workout programs to stay in shape while tracking progress accurately along the way. Every user gets 21 pre-set workout programs to be exact to prevent boredom while ensuring that the overall fitness goals are met.
Additionally, the LCD display can be easily set so you can track workout data such as Distance, Time, and Calories burned. This keeps you on track during each session so you can put in more effort when necessary.
While Back-lit Displays have traditionally been integrated into the most expensive cross-trainers, it is refreshing to see this feature in the Fitness Reality E5500XL.
The Display supplies performance figures such as Speed, Pulse, Odometer and Calories Burned as well as Time, Distance, RPM, and Watts.
A smoother riding motion and enhanced momentum is guaranteed thanks to the Double Transmission system design.
This is one of the best all-round elliptical machines for people of all heights. From 5’2” to those over 6”, everyone gets comfortable workouts without straining the knees and ankles, thanks to the 18-inch stride length.
The Fitness Reality E5500XL Magnetic Elliptical Trainer is constructed to be more compact than many other models you can buy today.
It therefore helps you save space at home during use or storage.
Buy the Fitness Reality E5500XL Magnetic Elliptical Trainer here.
PROS
- 18-inch stride length guarantees comfortable workouts for everyone
- 24 levels of Magnetic Tension resistance is perfect for all users
- Backlit LCD display tracks distance, time, and Calories
- Built-in heart rate monitor keeps you in your target heart rate zone
CONS
- Not for users weighing over 270 pounds
- Shipment arrives packaged with too much Styrofoam
Best Elliptical Under $1000 Buying Guide
Lots of work has gone into compiling and coming up with our top 5 picks for elliptical enthusiasts with budgets of up to $1,000. Let’s take a look at some of the variables that informed our conclusions.
Value for Money
Our experts believe pricing is the number one variable that determines whether a specific model of elliptical is worth buying.
The fact that you may have up to $1,000 to spend doesn’t necessarily mean picking the top-priced model within that price range.
Online Customer Reviews and Ratings
Nothing comes close to giving genuine insights into a particular model of elliptical than individual customer reviews and ratings.
We didn’t just look at the average rating garnered by each model on Amazon.com and other online retail giants, we actually delved deeper into what each customer had to say in order to judge for ourselves.
This helped us eliminate flukes that had gained impressive ratings due to whatever reason.
Build Quality
Our top picks are all designed to give you that sturdy foundation required to workout at extreme levels of intensity. Any models with hints of instability were quickly discarded during our research.
We also dug in and chose those designed to last for significant periods of time.
Product Specifications
Our reviews also paid close attention to the specifications and functionality integrated into each model. This allowed us to look out for excellently priced units with exceptional specifications, especially those that stood out.
Performance Levels
Performance is another important factor that cannot be overemphasized and our top picks score impressively when it comes to this variable.
We specifically gave preference to those with ergonomic designs that allow extensive use without the risk of injuries and discomfort.
Conclusion
The 5 models we have reviewed are the best of the best elliptical machines under $1,000. From their price tags to the arsenal of features, any model you opt for is guaranteed to give great value for money.
You can also expect to take your fitness to the next level if you workout consistently on any of them.
After all, research has shown that elliptical machines are superior to treadmills and other popular fitness machines.