Fitness enthusiasts worldwide are looking for low-impact fitness equipment that would burn calories and help tone muscles. Ellipticals are the best low-impact cardio machine on the market and occasionally come as cross-trainers. Like most machines, trainers are always on the lookout for affordable options.
As brands looked toward building and designing the best ellipticals for home gym use, there have been many cheaper elliptical machine options for trainers. However, to help reduce the cost, some brands sometimes offer fewer features or use less durable materials. This becomes a problem for fitness trainers looking to get quality machines on a tight budget.
To help wade through the flood of cheap elliptical machines, the article brings the list of the best elliptical under 500 that guarantees effective full-body workouts. However, before jumping off into the selected ten best elliptical trainers under 500, it’s best to get started with the comprehensive features to look out for in an elliptical machine buyer’s Guide.
Contents
- 1 How To Choose The Elliptical Under 500 Dollars
- 2 List Of The Top 3 Best Elliptical Under 500
- 3 10 Best Ellipticals Under 500 Review
- 3.1 Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912 - Best Rated Elliptical Under 500
- 3.2 Exerpeutic 2000XL - Best Heavy Duty Elliptical Under 500
- 3.3 Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3919 - Best Climber Elliptical Under 500
- 3.4 Body Champ BRT7989 - Best Recumbent Elliptical Under 500
- 3.5 Fitness Reality E5500XL - Best Compact Elliptical Under 500
- 3.6 Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3862 - Best Elliptical Machine Under 500
- 3.7 Exerputic 6000 QF - Best Elliptical For Home Under 500
- 3.8 Cubii GO - Best Under Desk Elliptical Under 500
- 3.9 Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E320002 - Best Home Elliptical Under $500
- 3.10 XTERRA Fitness FS3.0 - Best Cheap Elliptical
- 4 FAQ
- 5 Conclusion
How To Choose The Elliptical Under 500 Dollars
When it comes to the best elliptical trainers under $500, the five main features to consider include flywheel and resistance, stride length, console, smart features, durability, and portability.
Flywheel And Resistance
Elliptical trainers come with their flywheel positioned at the front or back of the machine. Although, new designs have them located in the center of the machine. The flywheel is the drive system and powerhouse of an elliptical. Depending on your preference, the best elliptical under $500 comes with rear-drive and front-drive systems.
Flywheels determine the fluidity and quietness of the machine when in operation. Generally, heavier flywheels produce quieter motion than lighter flywheels. To be fair, these best ellipticals under 500 are not expected to carry heavy flywheels like their commercial counterparts but should have one that ensures fluid motion. When looking at the flywheel weight, ensure it’ll guarantee peace when working out in your home.
Resistance is yet another feature that’s generated by the flywheel. For ellipticals under 500, most of the resistance mechanism used is magnetic. They also come in different resistance levels to provide intense workouts to trainers. For these price categories, some elliptical trainers offer maximum resistance levels from as low as 8 to 20.
Stride Length
The stride of an elliptical machine ensures trainers have comfort during a workout session. Some elliptical trainers come with adjustable stride lengths, while others are fixed. The stride is the maximum distance between the foot pedals when in motion.
Commercial grade elliptical trainers offer stride lengths as wide as 22 inches. However, for the discussed price range, the maximum stride offered is about 18 inches. This is a fair stride as it works comfortably for fairly tall trainers. Shorter trainers can opt for lower strides, with some models offering strides as low as 11 inches.
There are no elliptical trainers with adjustable stride length features in this price range. If you have a bit of a larger budget, you can check out the best ellipticals under $1000 here.
Console And Smart Features
The console holds the digital monitor and media shelf on an elliptical. The size and adjustability features of the console differ with regard to the price of the elliptical. The consoles are not adjustable for the best elliptical under 500, but they offer decent LCD screen sizes.
The screens come in different sizes and help trainers monitor and track workout data. For example, they show the number of calories burned, distance, time, speed, etc. They can be as small as 2″ on an under-desk elliptical or as large as 7″ on an affordable elliptical.
The smart feature makes the consoles interactive. Different brands offer several workout programs to help trainers personalize their workout routine. It also enables them to connect to free and paid fitness apps for a wider workout video option.
In addition, the smart feature incorporates Bluetooth connectivity and a wireless receiver to connect to devices and heart rate monitoring gadgets like a chest strap.
Durability
When buying machines, it’s best to invest in a product that would last for a long time. Repairs and maintenance can be time and money-consuming. With elliptical trainers, the construction material plays a vital role in the product’s durability. One of the ways some elliptical brands cut production costs is by offering machines built with low-quality materials.
When buying the best elliptical under $500, you have to look for one built with heavy-duty material like steel. Unlike plastic, steel has a longer shelf life, and you wouldn’t have to deal with breaks and cracks early on after the purchase. Top elliptical manufacturing brands still offer steel construction material for ellipticals under $500.
Portability
The good thing about these best elliptical machines under 500 is that they come in compact sizes. Ideally, you’ll want an ellipticals to fit into your apartment space and be easy to relocate. The most portable elliptical machine under 500 has got to be the under-desk elliptical trainers. They are handy and weigh far less than standard ellipticals.
Other ellipticals in this category come with solid transport wheels that allow trainers to move the machine around. When buying these affordable elliptical machines, settle for one with a footprint that’ll fit comfortably in your home space.
List Of The Top 3 Best Elliptical Under 500
- Material: Steel
- Tension System: Electro-Magnetic
- 16 Levels of resistance
- Hand pulse monitor
- Transportation wheels
- Multifunctional digital monitor
- Textured non-slip foot pedals
- Floor Stabilizer
- Item Dimensions: 50 x 26 x 12 inches
- Item Weight: 104.8 Pounds
- Material: Steel
- Heavy Duty Magnetic Elliptical
- 8 Level magnetic tension resistance
- MyCloudFitness App integrated
- Multifunctional digital monitor
- Textured non-slip foot pedals
- Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs
- Item Dimensions: 54 x 23 x 63 inches
- Item Weight: 74.5 lbs Pounds
- Material: Steel
- Premium Cardio Climber Elliptical
- Belt-drive mechanism
- 8 Levels of resistance
- Pulse-sensing grip
- Transportation wheels
- Performance monitor.
- Max User Weight: 260 lb
- Item Dimensions: 44 x 25 x 64 inches
- Item Weight: 95 Pounds
10 Best Ellipticals Under 500 Review
- 16 adjustable magnetic resistance levels
- Heavy-duty frame
- Multifunctional performance monitor
- Pulse sensors
- Non-slip foot pedals
- 24 user programs
The SF-E3912 is the brand’s entry-level elliptical. If first impressions really do matter, then it’s easy to understand why the SF-E3912 would make the best elliptical under 500 list. It comes packed with impressive features for a budget-friendly elliptical machine.
It has a footprint of 55x23x64.5 inches (LxWxH), weighing 104.8 pounds. This puts it within the compact design category and is an excellent elliptical for home use.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912 Summary
The SF-E3912 introduces the brand’s low-impact elliptical. It offers some of the basic features expected of an elliptical under 500. It has a maximum weight capacity of 330 lbs with a heavy-duty steel frame.
- 16 programmable magnetic resistance levels
- 15.5" compact stride
- Backlit performance monitor
- 24 unique workout modes
- Transport wheels
- Lightweight 13.4 lbs flywheel
- Short 3 years structural frame warranty
- Bluetooth connectivity
- MyCloudFitness app
- 8 magnetic resistance levels
- 3.4" large window LCD
- Pulse sensors
- Transport wheels
Exerpeutic may not be a popular brand name in the world of elliptical trainers, but the 2000XL stands out as one of the best cheapest elliptical machines today. It is the best compact elliptical under $500that can fit into any good floor space. With a footprint of 54x23x63 inches (LxWxH) and a weight of 74.5 lbs, the Exerpeutic 2000XL is easy to relocate and store.
Exerpeutic 2000XL Elliptical Summary
The Exerpeutic 2000XL is a perfect blend of a lightweight, compact, and cheap elliptical. As a result, it’s ideal for beginners and intermediate fitness trainers who are not looking for high-intensity workouts. Although it doesn’t come with preset workout programs, it allows for an easy connection with the MyCloudFitness app.
- Easy to assemble
- Bi-directional flywheel
- Compact design
- 8 magnetic levels of resistance
- Transport wheels for relocation
- No backlight on the console display
- Few magnetic resistance levels
- Pulse sensor
- Oversized non-slip foot pedals
- 8-level adjustable resistance
- Device holder
- 14 lbs flywheel
- Bottle holder
The SF-E3919 offers an excellent aerobic exercise by combining the actions of a stepper and elliptical. It is a great option for a full body workout experience. It undoubtedly makes the list of the best elliptical trainers under 500 since it has average features.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3919 Elliptical Summary
The SF-E3919 is an entry-level elliptical under 500. It comes with a basic performance digital monitor that helps trainers keep track of workout data. Its 14 lbs inertia-enhanced flywheel ensures a smooth and quiet operation. It has a maximum user weight limit of 260 lbs.
- Pulse sensing grips
- 8 magnetic resistance levels
- Heavy-duty frame
- Digital monitor
- Textured grip foot pedals
- 3 years frame warranty
- Few levels of resistance
- Three sets of integrated handlebars
- 21 training programs
- Media Shelf
- Transport wheels
- Compact design
Just when you think you’ve seen the best elliptical under 500 features, the Body Champ Home Gym Elliptical comes in to change the rules of engagement. Buying a fitness machine with the functionality of two may seem awesome, but a 3-in-1 elliptical raises the stakes.
For the price of one and all under 500, the machine functions effectively like an upright exercise bike, recumbent bike, and elliptical. All of which fit into a compact design with a footprint of 60x28x64 inches (LxWxH)
Body Champ Elliptical Summary
If you’re looking for a way to combine three unique trainer machines for the price of one, the Body Champ 3-in-1 Home Gym Elliptical is the right choice for you. It offers one of the best elliptical machine under $500 features and is reasonably priced. Its two-way adjustable seat feature allows for easy transition between trainers. A major drawback to the model is that it only has a 1-year warranty on its structural frame.
- Easy transition between trainers
- Compact design for home use
- Two-way adjustable seat
- Heart rate monitor
- 21 training programs
- Short 1-year frame warranty
- No bottle holder
- 21 preset workout programs
- 24 levels of magnetic resistance
- Backlit LCD screen
- 18" stride length
- 3 goal workout settings
- Hand pulse sensors
One of the best elliptical machines under 500 worth considering is the Fitness Reality E5500XL. Get a good cardio exercise with cardio machines designed to meet your fitness needs. Its dual-action handlebars enable fitness trainers to begin their fitness journey to target different upper and lower body muscle groups to give a full-body workout.
Fitness Reality E5500XL Elliptical Summary
For a piece of fitness equipment considered part of the best elliptical trainers under 500, the Fitness Reality E5500XL delivers superb features for the price. Its magnetic resistance levels make it ideal for fitness trainers looking for intense lower and upper body workouts.
It’s also almost a steal for the price with its corresponding 18″ stride and dual-action handlebars. In addition, it allows for a maximum user weight of 270 lbs.
- Backlit LCD screen
- Slim, compact design
- 24 magnetic resistance levels
- Dual-action handlebars
- 18" longer stride length
- 1-year general frame warranty
- No incline options
- Front-drive system
- 15.75" stride
- 24 user programs
- Magnetic resistance with 16 settings
- Pulse monitor
- Device holder and bottle holder
The SF-E3862 is yet another affordable elliptical machine under 500 from the brand. It is designed for home gym use with fantastic features for easy cardio workouts. The SF-E3862 has a total weight of 125.7 lbs and is made from steel. It has a footprint of 63x21x66 inches (LxWxH).
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3862 Elliptical Summary
The SF-E3862 delivers basic features to fitness beginners and intermediates. It is one of the best home elliptical under $500 that offers 16 resistance levels with a 15.75″ stride. Trainers can take advantage of the 24-user workout programs to personalize their workout routines. It has a maximum weight recommendation of 265 lbs.
- 16 electromagnetic resistance levels
- Manual mode without electricity
- Performance digital monitor
- 24 user programs
- Device holder
- 3 years frame warranty
- Stride is short for taller trainers
- Rear-drive system
- Connects with the MyCloudFitness app
- 24 levels of magnetic tension
- High visibility backlit LCD screen
- 18" stride length
- 24 workout programs
If there’s one thing Exerputic is known for, it has to be the slim, sleek, and compact design of its ellipticals. The 6000 QF is also not an exception. It features a double transmission rear-drive system, hand pulse sensors, a programmable computer that connects easily with the MyCloudFitness app, tablet holder, etc. Moreover, the brand offers all of these at an affordable price.
Exerputic 6000 QF Elliptical Summary
The Exerputic 6000 QF comes with slightly improved features than its predecessor. It comes packed with 24 levels of magnetic tension and 18″ stride length. Unlike other smart fitness apps, the MyCloudFitness app has a free plan, giving trainers more workout options without a subscription. The maximum user limit on the 6000 QF is put at 270 lbs.
- Full motion handlebars
- MyCloudFitness app
- High visibility backlit LCD screen
- 24 levels of resistance
- Hand pulse sensors
- 1-year limited warranty
- No incline option
- LCD monitor screen
- ZeroGravitii™ Flywheel
- Cubii mobile app
- Ergonomic design
- 8" stride
The Cubii GO is an under-desk elliptical masterpiece. It offers trainers the ease to burn calories, improve blood circulation, and get more daily strides from the comfort of their homes and offices. The elliptical trainer is designed to target the muscle groups of the lower body while the trainer sits. In addition, its build and design make it easy for trainers to relocate and store away.
Cubii GO Under Desk Elliptical Summary
The Cubii GO makes low-impact workout easy with its under-desk, portable design. No need to schedule a time of the day to work the lower body when it can be done while you sit. Its large pedals sit your feet comfortably as you take strides with its ZeroGravitii™ flywheel. With a footprint of 26×11.5×11.4 inches (LxWxH), trainers don’t have to worry about floor space.
- Easy to assemble
- Cubii Studio+ app
- Portable elliptical design
- Illuminated LCD screen
- Smooth and quiet operation
- 1-year warranty
- Low workout intensity
- 11.5" stride
- 16 resistance levels
- 24 built-in workout programs
- 11 lbs flywheel
- Digital monitor
It should come as no surprise that the fitness brand has three models in the best elliptical under 500 lists. The brand makes available budget ellipticals for trainers of all experience levels. As an affordable elliptical trainer, the SF-E32002 may not come with the same features as a commercial-grade elliptical trainer, but it sure comes packed with features that make it a top contender amongst its equals.
It comes with a steel tubing frame that guarantees ruggedness and durability. With a total weight of 85 lbs, it can be regarded as a compact elliptical trainer.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E320002 Elliptical Summary
As a beginner in the world of ellipticals looking for an inexpensive cardio workout machine, the SF-E320002 is an amazing option. It is an ideal home gym elliptical trainer with a footprint of 40.25×20.5×12.5 inches (LxWxH) and a weight of 85.4 lbs. It also comes with a maximum weight recommendation of 285 lbs.
- Digital performance monitor
- Device holder
- Full motion handlebars
- Pulse sensors
- 24 user programs
- Short 11.5" stride
- Lightweight flywheel
- Ergonomic 16" stride length
- 22 lbs flywheel
- 5.81" blue backlit LCD screen
- Audio jack and speakers
- 18 workout programs
- 20 levels of resistance
Built from heavy-duty steel, the FS3.0 from XTERRA weighs 103.6 lbs. It frequently features in the best elliptical under 500 because of its remarkable features. For the price, it is a good elliptical trainer to begin your cardio workout experience.
XTERRA Fitness FS3.0 Elliptical Summary
The XTERRA Fitness FS3.0 delivers superb power and fluid motion with its 22 lbs flywheel. In addition, it offers trainers with hand grip pulse sensors and a built-in heart rate receiver to monitor and track body vitals and workout progress. It has a maximum user limit of 300lb and 20 magnetic tension settings.
- 22 lbs fluid motion flywheel
- Built-in heart rate receiver
- 20 resistance levels
- Hand grip pulse sensors
- Oversized foot pedals
- 5 years frame warranty
- No incline options
FAQ
1. Is it worth buying an elliptical under 500?
Ellipticals under 500 come with features that are perfect for a beginner and intermediate fitness trainer. However, an elliptical exercise machine under $500 is a good way to go if you’re looking for a low-impact, mid-intensity workout.
2. Are ellipticals under 500 good for losing weight?
Yes, they are. Some of these ellipticals under 500 offer great calorie-burning workouts to lose weight. Depending on your desired workout intensity, ellipticals under $500 offer as many as 20 resistance levels.
Conclusion
When it comes to ellipticals, there are always options to choose from without putting a hole in your pocket. These best elliptical machines under 500 have impressive features that guarantee low-impact, full-body workouts. The article streamlines the options by highlighting only the ten best ellipticals under 500.
