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Best Elliptical Under $300 That You Can Buy In 2022

Since their invention, ellipticals have become frequently used fitness trainer equipment in commercial gyms. As the need for low-impact cardiovascular fitness exercises grew, fitness machine manufacturers looked to create designs that fit into homes. With compact elliptical machine designs becoming mainstream in the fitness world, elliptical engineers found ways to make them more affordable.

Best Elliptical Under 300

Many ellipticals fall into the category of best elliptical under $300. Unfortunately, for most of them, to make a profit at this price, they remove or reduce the quality of features found in standard ellipticals. However, the good news is that there are still models within this price range that offer decent features and good quality. This article reviews the best elliptical trainers and highlights the best ten.

How to choose Elliptical Under $300

Buying an elliptical under $300 is not the same as purchasing mid-range ellipticals. A lot of factors have to be considered to ensure the product has the right features to give better full-body exercise. When it comes to buying ellipticals in this price category, one should examine these five factors: quality and warranty, size and stride length, drive type and resistance, noise levels, and safety.

Quality And Warranty

Quality factor examines the integrity of the elliptical machine build and design material. When an elliptical trainer is built with strong and sturdy materials, it ensures a longer lifespan of the equipment. It’s common to see some brands compromise on the quality of materials used to reduce production costs.

The structural frame of an elliptical machine is the major component to which other parts are attached. For this reason, an elliptical frame’s construction material must be strong enough to carry the extra weight of the other components. The strongest material used for elliptical machine construction is steel. Several models within this price range come with a steel frame. If possible, ensure other parts are built from steel or strong materials.

Brands offer different duration for the warranty on their products. As a customer, purchasing products with the longest warranty is safer. This helps reduce the after-purchase cost of repairs, replacement, and maintenance.

Most brands do not offer more than 5 years warranty on ellipticals within this price range. Some come without any warranty or just a single-year warranty. New entrants into the elliptical trainer world offer affordable machines and a lifetime warranty promise of replacing parts for free. You’re better off settling for a product with a longer warranty since it proves the brand has confidence in the product.

Size And Stride Length

Ellipticals under $300 are smaller in size when compared to commercial-grade ellipticals. At this price range, brands stick with compact designs. These are mostly built strictly for home use and would need to have a smaller footprint.

The lighter the flywheel weight in an elliptical, the smaller the footprint or floor space it’ll take. In addition, elliptical gliders within this price range offer folding features that reduce the size when not in use for proper storage. When buying these affordable elliptical machines, look for those with a compact design to fit easily into your apartment.

Stride length is the distance of the elliptical pedals when they are apart. Most of the elliptical trainers in this category come with shorter strides than a standard elliptical. This could pose a problem for much taller trainers. However, there are ellipticals with strides that can accommodate short and taller trainers. If you have people in your home with varying heights, it’s best to choose an affordable elliptical that can deliver comfort to everyone.

Drive Type And Resistance

Generally, ellipticals come in three unique drive types — rear-drive, front-drive, and center-drive systems. It’s almost impossible to see ellipticals under $300 with a center drive. However, there are different models featuring front-drive and rear-drive systems. They each have their advantages and drawbacks, but they deliver excellent results.

On the other hand, elliptical air gliders do not necessarily come with a motorized drive system. Instead, they are simple designs that deliver cardio workouts by freely moving the pedals and handlebars with a pivot system.

The flywheel drive also determines and regulates the machine’s resistance. Most ellipticals under $300 come with resistance levels of 8. For a trainer looking for an intense workout routine, this may limit the options. If HIIT is on your mind, you need a sturdy elliptical with a high weight capacity. However, an 8-level resistance system is enough to get a good low-impact cardio workout.

Noise Levels

The flywheel drive system determines the smoothness and quietness of an elliptical. Typically, heavier flywheels deliver whisper-quiet operation than lighter flywheels. Flywheels on ellipticals in this price range are not as heavy as what is available on standard or commercial ellipticals.

Notwithstanding, these affordable elliptical machines come with technologies that still deliver fluid motion operation. As a result, noise levels are greatly reduced.

Safety

Elliptical trainers are safe fitness machines when designed and used properly. However, accidents can occur when ellipticals lose balance and stability. For this reason, floor stabilizers are usually an additional feature included in some models.

When buying affordable ellipticals within this price range, ensure you choose a product designed with sturdy construction and floor stabilizers. Lightweight elliptical trainers may be cheaper, but they can be susceptible to falls and accidents without proper balance and stability.

These are best used intermittently and not every day. If you want an elliptical trainer that can take a serious workout, consider these high-end ellipticals under 1000.

List Of The Top 3 Best Elliptical Under 300

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905
9.7/10
  • Material: Steel
  • Belt drive magnetic resistance
  • 8 Levels of resistance
  • Hand pulse monitor
  • Transportation wheels
  • Multifunctional digital monitor
  • Textured non-slip foot pedals
  • Floor Stabilizer
  • Item Dimensions:  ‎28 x 17 x 57 inches
  • Item Weight: ‎‎60.8 Pounds
BODY POWER BST800
BODY POWER BST800
9.5/10
  • Material: Steel
  • Exclusive Curve-Crank Technology
  • 2 in 1 HIIT trainer
  • 8-level of resistance
  • LCD screen for workout tracking
  • Transportation wheels
  • Textured non-slip foot pedals
  • Maximum User Weight: 250 lbs
  • Item Dimensions:  ‎42 x 24 x 62 inches
  • Item Weight: ‎‎‎96.8 Pounds
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902
9.1/10
  • Material: Steel
  • Air Walk Elliptical Trainer
  • Total body workout
  • Extended 30 inch stride length
  • Full-motion Handlebars 
  • Slim foldable design
  • LCD screen for workout tracking
  • Textured non-slip foot pedals
  • Maximum User Weight: ‎220 lbs
  • Item Dimensions:  ‎25 x 19 x 57 inches
  • Item Weight: ‎‎‎‎35 Pounds

10 Best Ellipticals Under $300

1.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 - Compact Elliptical under 300
  • Compact 11" stride length
  • Digital performance monitor
  • Hand grip pulse sensors
  • 8-level adjustable magnetic resistance system
  • Full motion non-slip handlebars
  • Floor stabilizers

Sunny Health & Fitness Company is a well-known name in the fitness world. They offer some of the best ellipticals at affordable prices. The SF-E905 is a true representation of the brand’s commitment to quality as well as an elliptical trainer that wouldn’t drain your pockets. The build and design of the SF-E905 make it a good low-impact cardio workout machine and a space saver. It is designed to fit into a small apartment floor space easily.

The elliptical trainer has a footprint of 28 x 17 x 57 inches (LxWxH) and weighs 60.8 pounds. It is built with sturdy steel construction that guarantees its durability.

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Summary

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 is designed with steel construction for durability. In addition, its size and footprint make it a great choice for home gym use. Although weighing just 60.8 pounds, it has a weight capacity limit of 220 pounds. It’s a good elliptical machine for fitness beginners, but its low resistance levels offer average workout intensity.

Pros
  • Transportation wheels for relocation
  • Non-slip foot pedals
  • Digital monitor
  • Hand pulse monitoring system
  • Movable handlebars for top body workout
Cons
  • Short stride length
  • Short frame warranty
2.
Body Power BST800 - Best 2 In 1 Elliptical Under 300
  • 2-in-1 exercise machines
  • Exclusive Curve-Crank® technology
  • 8 manual magnetic resistance levels
  • Simple 3.5" LCD screen
  • Media Shelf
  • EKG heart rate sensors

The BST800 from Body Power comes with the company’s patented technology, the Curve-Crank®. The technology promises to eliminate joint stress and give trainers a smooth fitness experience. This elliptical trainer combines the actions of two fitness machines into one – an upright stepper and an elliptical.

The stepper gives trainers the workout experience of climbing stairs and running, targeting the lower body muscles. Then, add that to its ergonomic moving handlebars for an amazing top body workout.

Body Power BST800 Elliptical Summary

The Body Power BST800 is a simple elliptical trainer that offers one of the best features for its price. It is a compact elliptical machine that fits comfortably into any workout space. Its assembly is fairly easy. Take advantage of the brand’s Curve-Crank® technology for a smooth, quiet, lower and upper-body workout experience. It has a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds.

Pros
  • EKG Heart Rate Sensor
  • 8 levels of magnetic resistance
  • 3.5" LCD screen for workout routine progress
  • Oversized foot pedals
  • Tablet holder
Cons
  • The screen is not backlit
  • 1-year frame warranty
3.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 - Collapsible Elliptical Under 300
  • Non-slip pedals
  • Digital performance monitor to track calories burned, distance, etc.
  • 30" stride length
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Foldable design

The SF-E902 is also referred to as an Air Walk trainer because it offers trainers an easy aerobic workout. Trainers can run, walk, and stretch without stressing the joints. With its moving, stationary, padded handlebars, trainers get a good lower and upper body workout experience.

It has a space-saving feature that allows it to be folded when not in use. This makes storage and relocation easy. Combined with its folding feature, it has a footprint of 43.9 x 17.25 x 9.1 inches (LxWxH).

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Elliptical Summary

The SF-E902 Air Walk trainer is ideal for beginners or trainers not seeking variable workout tensions. It is a lightweight and compact design that finds its use even in small apartments. Since it does not come with a flywheel, there’s only one resistance level to work with. An extendable 30″ stride makes it easy to glide, stretch, or run to increase the number of calories burned. It has a weight capacity limit of 220 pounds.

Pros
  • Upper and lower body workouts
  • Aerobic training exercise
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Stable and sturdy
  • Foldable design
Cons
  • No resistance mechanism
  • No preset workout programs
4.
Gazelle Freestyle Glider - Best Lightweight Elliptical Under 300
  • Fitness computer with thumb pulse
  • 10 workout routines
  • Dual pivot system
  • 2" diameter steel frame
  • 2 workout DVDs

The Gazelle Freestyle Glider is a great elliptical trainer for fitness enthusiasts, irrespective of their experience level. The elliptical trainer offers 10 individual exercises for trainers to lose weight by burning calories and toning muscles. With its wide motion range, trainers can go from slow walking to full runs. Like all elliptical trainers, its low-impact effect ensures zero stress to the body’s joints.

Gazelle Freestyle Glider Summary

The Gazelle Freestyle Glider is a good elliptical trainer for beginners. Its working mechanism allows users to transition between 10 individual exercises, from slow walking to full running. It can be folded and stored safely. To ensure durability, it is built with a 2″ diameter steel. As a compact elliptical, it comes with a footprint of 44 x 33.5 x 53.5 inches (LxWxH). It has a weight capacity limit of 300 pounds.

Pros
  • Range of exercise motions
  • Full body workout
  • Easy to use 
  • Folding feature for storage
  • 2" diameter sturdy steel construction
Cons
  • Short warranty
  • Squeaks over time
5.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3607 - Best Portable Elliptical Under 300
  • Hand grip pulse sensor
  • 8-level adjustable magnetic resistance
  • Full motion handlebars
  • Device holder
  • Built-in transportation wheels
  • 12" stride length

The SF-E3607 is a rear-drive system that guarantees quality lower and upper workouts. Like standard elliptical machines, the SF-E3607 comes with moving and stationary handlebars, a console with a digital monitor, oversized foot pedals, floor stabilizers, a device holder, and an adjustable resistance knob. The digital LCD screen monitors and tracks calories burned, speed, odometer, pulse, time, and distance.

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3607 Elliptical Summary

The SF-E3607 comes with the features of basic machines delivering a low-impact workout. It has a compact design with a footprint of 39 x 23.5 x 63 inches (LxWxH) and weighs 71.5 pounds. In addition, it has a maximum user weight of 220 pounds. However, unless you’re a short trainer, the 12″ stride may feel uncomfortable during a workout.

Pros
  • Transportation wheels for easy relocation
  • Pulse sensor for body vitals
  • Built-in tablet holder
  • Upper and lower body workout
  • Oversized foot pedals
Cons
  • 3 years structural frame warranty
  • Short stride length
6.
Body Rider BR1830 - Best Elliptical Cross Trainer Under 300
  • Durable chain drive system
  • Smart LCD monitor screen
  • Included video workout
  • Transport wheels
  • Floor stabilizers

The Body Rider BR1830 is a dual-action fan elliptical machine with a compact design. It is an affordable elliptical trainer for beginners and intermediate-level trainers. It has a sturdy frame constructed from steel. It has floor stabilizers that help keep the machine stable when used on uneven floors. It is a front chain-driven machine that allows for resistance level changes with a simple adjustable knob.

Body Rider BR1830 Elliptical Summary

It is no surprise the Body Rider BR1830 is featured in the best elliptical machine under $300 list as it comes with features that can deliver a total body workout. It is a good elliptical to start with, considering low-impact cardio machines. With little or no experience, it can be used by amateur trainers with zero difficulties. With a footprint of 38.58 x 9.06 x 24.8 inches (LxWxH) and reliable transport wheels, relocation and storage is super easy.

Pros
  • Easy to assemble
  • Easy to use
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Quiet and smooth working operation
  • Full body workout
Cons
  • 1-year warranty
  • No tablet holder
7.
Marcy NS-40501E - Best Home Elliptical Under 300
  • Tension control knob
  • Oversized foot pedals
  • 8 levels of magnetic resistance
  • LCD monitor screen
  • Full motion handlebars

The Marcy NS-40501E Elliptical Trainer is designed strictly for home use and comes with a compact build and design. The machine offers trainers an easy alternative to get the best aerobic workouts without compromising on their budget. This budget elliptical trainer takes the stress away from your joints and helps you burn those calories and tone muscles. It does this with a combination of its ergonomic dual motion handlebars and oversized pedals.

Marcy NS-40501E Elliptical Summary

The Marcy NS-40501E is a perfect example of the best elliptical machine under 300. It may not have some of the additional features of standard ellipticals, but it delivers a low-impact total body workout as promised. It has a weight of 77 pounds but can hold a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds. In addition, its lightweight design, footprint, and wheels make it easy to store away and relocate.

Pros
  • Ergonomic pedals
  • LCD monitor screen
  • 8 resistance levels control knob
  • Compact design
  • Full motion handlebars
Cons
  • 2 years warranty
  • No heart rate monitor
8.
XTERRA Fitness FS2.5 - Best Ergonomic Elliptical Under 300
  • 5.59 blue and yellow backlit LCD display
  • 22 pounds flywheel
  • 14" stride length
  • 24 magnetic resistance levels
  • 24 workout programs

Compared to most of these best ellipticals under 300, the XTERRA Fitness FS2.5 can be regarded as a beast with its packed features. This rear-drive elliptical is a perfect blend of affordability and functionality. While others settle for basic features, the FS2.5 steps things up by including additional features seen in standard ellipticals.

XTERRA Fitness FS2.5 Elliptical Summary

For obvious reasons, the XTERRA Fitness FS2.5 stands out in the list of the best elliptical under 300 with its amazing features. When other ellipticals struggle with fitness programs, the FS2.5 comes with a whopping 24 workout programs. Add that to its intense workout options with 24 adjustable resistance levels. With an assembled weight of 103.6 lbs, it can support a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs.

Pros
  • Forward and reverse movement
  • 5.59 dual backlit interactive LCD
  • 24 workout programs
  • 22 lbs flywheel for fluid motion
  • 24 levels of magnetic resistance
Cons
  • Short stride length
  • 5 years frame warranty
9.
Body Champ BRT3858 - Best 3 In 1 Elliptical Under 300
  • 17+ workout programs
  • 3 sets of ergonomic handlebars
  • Easy machine mode transition
  • Rear-drive system
  • Pulse sensor
  • 3" LCD monitor screen

The Body Champ 3 in 1 Trio comes in as a steal for under $300. It combines three unique workout machines into one at this price. Trainers can get results by using the elliptical machine as an upright bike, recumbent bike, and elliptical. To make things super easy, it features a smart design that makes the transition smooth and hassle-free.

Body Champ 3 In 1 Trio Elliptical Summary

The Body Champ 3 in 1 Trio brings three training machines into one and offers trainers the option of switching workouts. This offers a total body workout with its ergonomic 3 sets of handlebars. It also comes with an adjustable seat to enable trainers to stay comfortable when using the machine as an upright or a recumbent bike. This best elliptical machine comes with a weight of 79.8 pounds and a maximum weight recommendation of 250 pounds.

Pros
  • Adjustable seat
  • 3 sets of ergonomic handlebars
  • 17+ workout programs
  • Hand grip pulse sensors
  • Easy transition between machines
Cons
  • 1-year frame warranty
  • No device holder
10.
HASIMAN E30502 - Hyper-quiet Elliptical Under 300
  • LCD monitor
  • 8-level resistance system
  • Non-slip foot pedals
  • Quiet 15 lb flywheel
  • 13" stride
  • Device and water bottle holder

Hasiman may be a new name for many elliptical lovers, but the E30502 can hold its own compared to other best ellipticals under 300. It comes with features many brands would exclude for a quality elliptical trainer of this price. In addition, the company promises a lifetime service warranty on the product. To back it up, they promise to ship replacement parts for free to customers.

HASIMAN E30502 Elliptical Summary

The HASIMAN E30502 is a rear-drive elliptical exercise machine with a 15 lbs flywheel. This drives and gives the machine a fluid, quiet motion. The non-slip pedals and dual-motion handlebars guarantee full-body workouts but with average intensities. It comes with only 8 magnetic resistance levels.

Although it has no preset workout programs, it has a device holder where you can place your tablet and work with fitness apps. It is designed for home gym use and has a footprint of 38 x 16 x 14 inches (LxWxH). It has a maximum user weight limit of 350 pounds.

Pros
  • Built for 4'9" to 6' trainers
  • Performance LCD monitor
  • Large non-slip pedals
  • Quiet flywheel
  • Device holder
Cons
  • No workout programs
  • Low resistance levels

FAQ

1. Is elliptical better than walking?

There are many reasons why to choose an elliptical over a treadmill. Elliptical machines are designed to mimic outdoor walking and running exercises. However, the advantage they have over outdoor walking exercises is that they can be used at any time of the day, irrespective of the weather condition.

2. Are ellipticals good for losing belly fat?

Since ellipticals guarantee full-body workouts by burning calories and toning muscles, they can help lose belly fat. However, the belly muscles are not part of the muscle groups targeted by elliptical machines.

Conclusion

Most people are always on the lookout for good ways to save money. Whether shopping with coupons or enjoying discounts, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with getting a better deal. So, looking for the best elliptical machine under $300 is not a strange way to buy your first or next elliptical exercise machine. 

There are many types and shapes of the best elliptical machine under $300, and knowing which to buy can be challenging. They come as gliders, under desks, and compact elliptical cross trainer designs. The guide examines the factors to consider when buying these budget elliptical trainers.

Matthew Fletcher

Matthew Fletcher

Matthew is a fully qualified fitness trainer specializing in weight management and strength training. He is a certified trainer with more than 15 years of training experience. He uses his technical know-how's with his passion for fitness to provide thoughtful curation of objective exercise equipment reviews. His insightful reviews will help you find the best fitness product for the price.

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